You know how your kids can literally run circles around you? Let them put that energy to good use at one of the many kid-friendly races the DMV offers. Whether you’re lacing up your running shoes for the first time or gearing up for another running season, we’ve tracked down a wide selection of local races across the DMV and throughout the rest of the year. All of them welcome strollers and kids, some have kids’ fun runs, and each one has a special perk to make it fun for the whole family. See you out there!

Photo: Capitol Hill Classic

Crystal City 5K Fridays
Run one or all of the 5K Fridays races with your mini-bundles of energy. They’ll get the wiggles out while you blow off some end of the week steam. Grown-ups, don’t forget to grab your post-race drink tickets that can be used at nearby watering holes.

Cost: $20-$25
When: Friday evenings in April
Where: Crystal City
Online: runpacers.com/race/crystal-city-5k-fridays

Arlington Bunny Hop
A fun, festive way to run together as a family, this 5K raises money for charity. Costumes are welcome (er, encouraged), and medals for all kids who finish will be handed out. Stick around for the block party afterwards, featuring free food, bounce houses and live music.

Cost: $5-$45
When: April 27, 8 a.m.
Where: 606 N. Irving St. (Arlington, VA)
Online: arlingtonbunnyhop.org

Photo: Teddy Bear 5K

Parkway Classic
Known as Alexandria’s Hometown Race, runners can opt for the 5k, 10-mile or kids dash races. The 10-miler starts at Mount Vernon and follows the GW Parkway to Oronoco Bay Park in Old Town, while the 5k takes off from Belle Haven Park. The Sugar Shack Kids Dash is an 800-meter dash, and participants get a race bib, a medal and a Sugar Shack doughnut at the end. Note that parents may run with their dashers, and the event is limited to 300 participants. It requires pre-registration, and strollers are permitted.

Cost: $10-$80
When: Apr. 28, 8 a.m. races, 10:30 a.m. kids dash
Where: 3200 Mount Vernon Hwy. Mount Vernon; Belle Haven Park, Alexandria; corner of Oronoco St. and North Union St. (Alexandria, Va) 
Online: runpacers.com/race/parkway-classic

Spring Georgetown 5K and Half
This scenic run on a flat course along the C&O Canal Path is perfect for runners and joggers with strollers. There are medals for all finishers.

Cost: $25-$60
When: May 26, 8 a.m.
Where: 3530 Water St., NW (Georgetown)
Online: bishopsevents.com

 

Photo: teddy b via flickr

Capitol Hill Classic
The 40th annual race, which winds by sights such as the U.S. Capitol, Supreme Court and Library of Congress, will end with music and yoga. It raises money for the Capitol Hill Cluster School, a D.C. public school with more than 1,000 students. Medal winners are divided by age: under 15 and 15 to 19 for kids. Jogging strollers are permitted.

Cost: $10-$80
When: May 19, 10:30 a.m. fun run
Where: 425 C St., NE
Online: capitolhillclassic.com

Maryland Half Marathon and 5K
The 11th annual race benefits the University of Maryland Marlene and Stewart
Greenebaum Cancer Center. For their efforts, all kids fun run finishers (who will cross the same finish line as the grown-up half marathoners!) receive a medal.

Cost: $20-$40
When: June 8
Where: The Maple Lawn Community
Online: uomms.convio.net

Photo: David Ingram via Flickr

Kids Superhero Dash for Dad (ZERO Prostate Cancer Run/Walk)
The 1-mile dash (and the 5k run/walk) raise money for prostate cancer research, screening and education. Participants get a T-shirt and free food. Strollers are permitted, but race organizers ask that racers start at the back and give the right of way to runners.

Cost: $15-$35
When: Jun. 15, 8:15 a.m.
Where: 1101 S. Joyce St. (Arlington, Va)
Online:support.zerocancer.org

Stroller Run
This 5k for parents and their kids benefits local charities so you can feel good about doing something for yourself and for others. Post-race perks include child care so you can relax and enjoy nearby shopping and refreshments.

When: June 29, 10 a.m.
Online: http://www.thestrollerrun.com/#cities

—Tricia Mirchandani and Stephanie Kanowitz

 

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April Fool’s Day is a day mostly filled with jokes and pranks, but we’re here to bring you a refreshing offer that is the real deal. On Monday, Apr. 1, The Cheesecake Factory will partner with its exclusive delivery provider, DoorDash, to give away $250,000 in free food!

Starting at 1 p.m. PT (4 p.m. ET), the first 10,000 DoorDash customers who claim their reward at www.thecheesecakefactory.com/promo will receive $25 to use on a Cheesecake Factory delivery order any day that week! To find out how to claim your prize, keep reading.

photo: Phillip Pessar via Flickr

To get in on this offer, you must either be a current DoorDash customer or create a new account before Monday’s big promo. Then, on Monday, Apr. 1, log into your DoorDash account from your desktop browser or mobile device and head to the www.thecheesecakefactory.com/promo webpage at or after 1 p.m. PT (4 p.m. ET). If you head to the page early, be sure to refresh your page right at the start time and click the “Claim Free Food” link on the offer page. If you’re one of the first 10,000 customers, you get your $25 prize!

And as another bonus, DoorDash is offering a week of no delivery fees on all orders from The Cheesecake Factory beginning Monday, Apr. 1 through Sunday, Apr. 7, 2019! This offer is valid only for orders placed at DoorDash from a participating location between 8 a.m. PT Apr. 1 through 11:59 p.m. Apr. 7, 2019, or until delivery is no longer available from your location on Apr. 7.

Does DoorDash deliver in your area? Check out thecheesecakefactory.com/delivery to find out!

––Karly Wood

 

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Looking to broaden your tastes while avoiding restaurants that frown upon your smallest diners? Then check out these six new food purveyors in and around D.C. There is something for everyone (even those in your bunch with food sensitivities and allergies).

Photo: True Food Kitchen via Facebook

True Food Kitchen
Go for the…allergy-free food!
Does the thought of trying to find a place to eat out with kids with food allergies or restricted diets make your stomach turn? Then True Food Kitchen needs to be on your list of go-to places. True Food Kitchen located in the up-and-coming Mosaic District in Fairfax serves up vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menu items that encompass the anti-inflammatory diet. Don’t worry—this place has kid-faves like pizza, burgers, and soups. But one of the kid menu hits is the super simple almond butter, apple, and banana sandwich.

2910 District Ave., #170 (Fairfax, Va)
Online: truefoodkitchen.com

Photo: Chuy’s via Facebook

Chuy’s
Go for the…chips and dip!
Olé! Do you crave authentic Tex-Mex but think you need to buy a ticket to Austin? Then salsa your way to Chuy’s in Springfield. This place has amazing tex-mex, fantastic margaritas, and wide open spaces around table for your smaller energetic eaters. Go before 7 pm—Chuy’s has an all you can eat ’59 Chevy chip and salsa car during the week. They use locally sourced produce that’d delivered six days a week. House made sauces and hand rolled tortillas are served up daily. This is also a great place to sneak off to for a post-shopping mom’s night out.

Springfield Town Center
6793 Spring Mall Drive (Springfield, Va)
Online: chuys.com

Photo: Mason Dixie Biscuit Co. via Facebook

Mason Dixie Biscuit Company
Go for the…down-home vibe!
If you want a food adventure on a lazy weekend morning, then get over to Mason Dixie Biscuit Company’s pop-up shop at Union Market. But to get a hold of one of their fantastic, homemade biscuits requires a bit of pre-planning. They open at 8 am and close when then sell out, which is usually within 90 minutes of opening. They have a true sausage gravy and biscuit platter that is sure to please anyone, including those born South of Richmond.

1309 5th St., SE (Union Market)
Online: masondixiebiscuits.com

Photo: Peter Chang

Peter Chang
Go for the…healthy takeout!
Master chef Peter Chang may have made a name for himself in Northern Virginia, but it’s Maryland (Rockville, specifically) where he has decided to open an eponymous 3,100 square foot Chinese food restaurant. Slated to open in early 2015, expect super healthy, super traditional dishes (think: duck in a stone pot and scallion bubble pancakes); all of the stuff you’d be willing to feed Junior every single day of his life.

20-A Maryland Ave. (Bethesda, Md)
Online: peterchangrestaurant.com

Photo: Washington Firehouse Restaurant

Washington Firehouse Restaurant
Go for the…fire pole…and the pizza!
Have you ever wondered what happens to an old firehouse when the trucks move out to a bigger station? Well, for one station, the fire trucks moved out and a kitchen moved in. Station 12 in the Eckington neighborhood has been transformed into a super cool, classic American grill. Their specialties include everything kids love—pizza, lasagna, and burgers. For grown-ups, they have an extensive mussel menu and firehouse themed cocktails. The best thing for your fireman aficionados however, is the authentic fire pole left behind from the original station 12 owners.

1626 N. Capitol St., NW (Eckington)
Online: washingtonfirehouse.com/

Photo: Sugar Shack Donuts via Facebook

Sugar Shack Donuts
Go for the…Boston Creams!
What kid does not love a great doughnut, or any doughnut for that matter? The famous Sugar Shack doughnuts are coming to Old Town. These unique and fun flavored doughnuts take on a life of their own. Sugar Shack comes to us from Richmond and will be serving up their yeasty treats by the New Year.

804 N Henry St. (Alexandria, Va)
Online: sugarshackdonuts.com

Are there any new restaurants in your nabe that we should check out in 2015? Tell us in the Comments section below.

—Heather Selig

It might be “Fall” ya’ll, but Summer is still sweltering on here in Hotlanta. Keep your cool by treating the tots (and yourself!) to one of the city’s most mouthwatering milkshakes. From classic chocolate to gourmet salted caramel versions, read on for the shake down on Atlanta’s must-have milkshakes.

Morelli’s
It doesn’t get much better than Morelli’s. Over 200 ice cream flavors are available to choose from, each homemade with fresh, gourmet ingredients. Children enjoy tried and true faves such as chocolate and vanilla, while their Salted Caramel has elevated the shop to a whole new level. More adventurous tots might try an exotic shake, such as their Indian Kulfi flavor.

Details: 749 Moreland Ave., 404-622-0210; 4515 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody, 770-454-2207; 1220 Caroline St., 404-584-2500; www.morellisicecream.com

Googie Burger
Googie Burger doesn’t have the extensive milkshake flavor selection of some other shake places, but the quality of their shakes more than makes up for it. Located by the fountain in the park, Googie Burger is a great family-friendly option to cool you to the core with a milkshake. Everything is made from scratch, and their recipes use organic ingredients. Order up a PB & J shake for the kids, or go traditional with their Peach milkshake. Order up a burger and fries while you’re at it, then sit back and enjoy the sunshine in the park!

Details: 190 Marietta St. (in Centennial Park), 404-223-4664, www.googieburger.com

Zesto Atlanta
Zesto Atlanta has been a staple in Atlanta for as long as most people can remember. Although they serve food items in addition to ice cream and milkshakes, their ice cream options are what continue to make Zesto’s famous. They make their milkshakes the old fashioned way, ensuring a thick and creamy shake that’s sure to please. The retro-style dining room is a throw-back to a simpler time, and sure to impress even hard to please kids. Try a Wild Cherry milkshake, or go traditional with a Strawberry shake.

Details: 544 Ponce de Leon Ave., 404-607-1118, www.zestoatlanta.com 

Yeah! Burger
Everyone can find something at Yeah! from gluten free and other allergen free food options (no to mention a bar). Their menu is also clearly labeled, putting parents of allergic children at ease. Milkshakes are created with High Road Craft all natural soft-serve ice cream that is produced in Atlanta from local, hormone free milk, cage-free eggs, and organic sugar. Your kids will appreciate slurping their way through Cookies and Cream to Peanut Butter Cup. While they’re busy with their shakes, try an adult friendly flavor like the French Roast Mocha.

Details: 1168 Howell Mill Rd., 404-496-4393; 1017 North Highland Ave., 404-437-7845; www.yeahburger.com

Farm Burger
Farm Burger is hailed for its quality burgers sourced from local farms that only raise grass fed beef. But Farm Burger also offers a range of awesome sides and beverages complementing those incredible burgers perfectly, including a variety of inventive milkshake flavors you don’t see on the menu at McDonald’s. Get a Banana Pudding milkshake with graham crackers, the Lemon Pie milkshake with house whipped cream, or the Chocolate Cherry Malt.

Details: 3365 Piedmont Rd., 404-816-0603; 410 W Ponce De Leon Ave., Decatur, 404-378-5077; 4514 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody, 770-454-220;  www.farmburger.net

Flip Burger Boutique
Flip Burger Boutique may be a bit on the fancy side for most kids, but their milkshakes are divine. Flip Burger Boutique is the brainchild of Richard Blais, winner of Bravo’s Season 8 of “Top Chef All-Stars.” In addition to gourmet burgers and sides, the milkshakes are just as inventive and made with care. Kids will love the Krispy Kreme, Cap’N Crunch, or the Nutella and Burnt Marshmallow, which is like a s’more in a cup you could drink down like water. Adults should enjoy the Key Lime, or go out on a limb and order a Foie Fras shake.

Details: 1587 Howell Mill Rd., 404-352-3547; 3655 Roswell Rd., 404-549-3298; www.flipburgerboutique.com 

OK Café
OK Café is an Atlanta staple, serving more customers than any other full serve eatery in Georgia. Traditional and malted milkshakes are practically a celebrity in Atlanta, and are referred to as a Milkshake and a Half for their extra-large size and thickness. They’ve got a fun, satisfying and totally addictive flavour and texture making it difficult to stay away from.

Details: 1284 West Paces Ferry Rd., 404-233-2888, www.okcafe.com

Rita’s Ice
Rita’s Ice offers a unique twist on the milkshake by making their shakes with their Old-Fashioned Frozen Custard. They serve them up thick and topped off with whipped cream and a cherry on top, just like a respectable old-fashioned milkshake should look. Forget the traditional chocolate and vanilla, instead savor Rita’s Fruity Pebbles and Vanilla, Oreo Cookies N’ Cream, Heath and Vanilla, or Peanut Butter flavors.

Details: 931 Monroe Dr., 404-817-6617; 3530 Ashford-Dunwoody Rd., Dunwoody, 770-986-9335; www.ritasfranchises.com 

Steak ’N Shake
Steak ’N Shake has been around for the last 80 years, but it still makes our list despite its national chain status. It’s created an impressive array of milkshake options in that time, and might even have the most extensive milkshake menu in the Atlanta area. It also boasts a special kids’ menu, with kid-sized milkshakes at a reduced price. Classic Milkshakes come in flavors like Chocolate, Vanilla and Strawberry. Side by Side Shakes offer a choice of combining any two individual flavors, with one flavor down one side of the glass and a second flavor down the other.

Details: Click here to find a location nearest you. www.steaknshake.com

Delia’s Chicken Sausage Stand
Despite the name suggesting that Delia’s serves nothing but sausage, it’s actually one of the best places to get a milkshake in Atlanta. Everything on the menu is hand-crafted and locally sourced. Delia’s only makes one type of shake, the Cake Shake, but they do it so well it doesn’t need any company. The Cake Shake is created with 2% milk, inverted sugar, and Madagascar vanilla. Please try this at home. Customers choose from chocolate chip, red velvet, or the flavor of the day cupcake that gets blended directly into the shake.

Details: 489 Moreland Ave. SE, 404-474-9651, www.thesausagestand.com

Who do you think serves the best shake in town? Tell us in the comments section below!

—Susan Finch

Photos courtesy of Walt Jabsco on Creative Commons via Flickr, Andy N.Tracy E.Janene H.Mary E. via Yelp, Rita’s Ice, Steak n’ Shake and Delia’s Chicken Sausage via Facebook

Red Tricycle and the Little Timbers Fan Club are thrilled to announce that we’re teaming up to provide you, our wonderful readers and clients, with more local news, giveaways, and of course, the inside scoop on all the fun stuff going on in our wonderful city of Portland!

The KeyBank Little Timbers Fan Club is perfect for your budding athlete.  Membership includes exclusive gear, the opportunity to watch a training session and go on a behind the scenes stadium tour, discounts on merchandise, exclusive give aways and more!  To become a member, head over to http://www.portlandtimbers.com/supporters/ltfc

Red Tricycle is on the pulse of what’s happening around town to bring you the freshest and most reliable content available so local moms and dads are never lacking in fun and engaging kids activities. So get ready Portland parents because Red Tricycle and the KeyBank Little Timbers Fan Club are joining forces!

Upon joining the KeyBank LTFC, your little one will receive an exclusive invite for the annual KeyBank LTFC Bash on August 26. The Bash includes free food, games, free play on the field, prizes and the opportunity to meet Timbers players and Timbers mascot Timber Joey!