10 Family-Friendly Fundraising Events Across the UK

You’ll find incredible family fundraising opportunities across the UK, from Scotland’s Kiltwalk attracting 32,000 walkers with its £20 entry fee and 40% donation boost, to the thrilling Snowdon night climb where you’ll reach the summit at sunrise. Consider the London Marathon’s charity places supporting vulnerable children, Northern Ireland’s scenic Antrim Coast Half Marathon, or adrenaline-packed family skydiving adventures starting at £395. These events offer something for every fitness level and cause you’re passionate about, and there’s much more to explore.

Kiltwalk Scotland: Miles of Tartan for a Good Cause

Whether you’re sporting a full Highland outfit or simply tying a tartan scarf around your waist, Kiltwalk Scotland transforms fundraising into Scotland’s most colorful community celebration.

You’ll join over 32,000 fellow walkers across Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee, choosing distances that suit your family’s fitness level—from the 3-mile Wee Wander perfect for little legs to the challenging 23-mile Mighty Stride.

What makes this special? Every pound you raise goes directly to your chosen charity, with no deductions. The Hunter Foundation adds an incredible 40% top-up to all fundraising totals, maximizing the impact of your efforts.

At just £20 entry for main routes, it’s Scotland’s most affordable fundraising platform.

You’ll walk scenic urban-to-rural routes while “The Kilties” volunteers cheer you on, creating an unforgettable Scottish festival atmosphere that’s raised over £58 million for 4,000 charities.

Yr Wyddfa Snowdon Summit: Torchlight Night Climb Challenge

While most families tackle Snowdon during daylight hours, you’ll discover something magical happens when you climb Yr Wyddfa under starlight—the 1,085-meter summit transforms into Wales’s most breathtaking sunrise viewing platform.

The 14.5km torchlight challenge follows the Llanberis Path, winding alongside the mountain railway through Snowdonia’s Dark Sky Reserve. You’ll start with a briefing and hot drink before beginning your 5-7 hour ascent, reaching the summit by moonlight just as dawn breaks over the national park. After descending, participants enjoy a celebratory breakfast together.

This family-friendly fundraiser has raised over £85,000 for Alder Hey Children’s Charity, with 300 participants joining each sold-out event.

At £59 per person for groups, it’s perfect for moderate fitness levels with proper training.

London Marathon 2025: Run for Vulnerable Children

From Wales’s mountain peaks to London’s bustling streets, the 2025 TCS London Marathon on 27 April offers families an entirely different way to make a difference for vulnerable children across the UK.

You’ll find yourself among thousands running 26.2 miles through central London, starting at 09:00, while your family cheers from the sidelines at this incredibly family-friendly event.

Charities like Barnardo’s, The Children’s Society, and Action for Children provide charity places with typical £2,000 fundraising targets. Barnardo’s has been safeguarding children since Thomas Barnardo founded the organization in 1867 with a ragged school for disadvantaged children.

That money makes real impact: £25 covers school essentials, £240 feeds a family for a month, and £2,400 helps ten families stay nourished.

You’ll receive training support, branded running gear, on-course cheering teams, and post-race celebrations—making this marathon both meaningful and memorable for everyone involved.

Antrim Coast Half Marathon: Northern Ireland’s Fastest Course

Every August, over 1,500 runners discover why the Antrim Coast Half Marathon earns its reputation as Northern Ireland’s fastest course—and you’ll understand the moment you hit that gentle downhill stretch after 7 kilometers.

Starting at Larne Leisure Centre, you’ll cruise along the stunning Antrim Coast Road with the Irish Sea on one side and rolling green hills on the other. The flat, fast 13.1-mile route follows the famous Causeway Coastal Route, offering breathtaking scenery that’s appeared in Game of Thrones.

With only 146 feet of total elevation gain and a net drop of 16.7 meters, this course delivers serious PB potential. The race welcomes both competitive runners and those who prefer to walk the distance, making it accessible for participants of all fitness levels.

At £38 for early registration, you’re investing in Northern Ireland’s only World Athletics Elite Road Race while running through some of the world’s most spectacular coastal landscapes.

Great North Run: Cross the Iconic Tyne Bridge

Imagine this: 57,000 runners surrounding you as you thunder across the iconic Tyne Bridge with the Red Arrows roaring overhead—that’s the Great North Run experience that transforms ordinary Sunday morning joggers into part of running folklore.

Founded by Olympic medallist Brendan Foster in 1981, this world’s biggest half marathon takes you on a spectacular 13.1-mile journey from Newcastle to South Shields. You’ll start in Newcastle city centre and pass through notable landmarks including Jesmond, Haymarket, Monument, and Central Station before reaching that famous bridge crossing.

You’ll tackle those notorious uphill miles 8-12 where legs scream and willpower’s tested, but hang in there—spotting the North Sea around mile 12 provides that vital psychological boost you’ll desperately need.

The coloured wave system keeps chaos manageable, while that multi-mode wristband gets you home afterwards.

Perfect for charity fundraising, you’ll cross that finish line knowing you’ve conquered Britain’s most iconic running challenge.

National Choral Competition: Young Voices at Royal Albert Hall

When 1,500 young voices unite beneath the Royal Albert Hall’s iconic dome, they create what organisers describe as a “tsunami of sound” that’ll give you goosebumps from the opening note.

The National Youth Choir’s anniversary concerts showcase singers aged 8-25 performing everything from classical masterpieces to contemporary commissions.

You’ll experience immersive performances where choirs surround the audience using the hall’s promenade areas—imagine Tallis’s Spem in alium echoing from every direction.

These events blend beatboxing, body percussion, and choreography with traditional choral singing, exploring themes like peace and ecology that resonate with younger generations. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra collaborates with these young performers to create an unforgettable musical experience celebrating Britain’s musical and movie scores.

For families, it’s more than entertainment—you’re supporting young musicians’ development while witnessing premieres of specially commissioned works in one of Britain’s most prestigious venues.

Family Skydiving Adventures: Adrenaline for Action

While music feeds the soul, some families crave heart-pounding adventures that create unforgettable memories—and tandem skydiving delivers exactly that rush while raising funds for meaningful causes.

You’ll plummet from 10,000-12,000 feet across stunning UK locations, with teens aged 16+ joining the adventure with parental consent. Choose from 3000+ charities like Macmillan Cancer Support or Kidney Research UK, raising £395-£450 minimum sponsorship.

Here’s what makes it brilliant: if you can’t hit fundraising targets, you’ll pay just £270-£340 to self-fund. Your charity keeps 50-80% of donations, making every terrifying second worthwhile.

Book group jumps for maximum impact—imagine your whole family floating earthward together! With flexible year-round dates and professional providers handling logistics, you’re creating legendary family stories while supporting causes close to your heart. Experience the ultimate rush of 120 mph freefall speeds that will leave your family talking about this adventure for years to come.

Community Fun Runs: Local Events With Big Impact

How can your family make a real difference without needing months of training or expensive equipment? Community fun runs offer the perfect solution.

With 40% of the UK population running weekly and 26% participating 1-3 times per week, these local events are booming for good reason.

You’ll find half marathons and 10ks opening doors for new participants, while programmes like Couch to 5k help 22% of runners get started.

Your family can join the 37% who’ve represented charities in sponsored events, potentially raising the average £1,425 per fundraiser.

These accessible distances mean your children can participate alongside you, creating lasting memories while supporting causes you care about.

Local events build genuine community connections, proving you don’t need extreme challenges to create meaningful impact together. The pandemic sparked a 30% increase in new runners, meaning more families than ever are discovering the joy of running together for charitable causes.

Charity Cycling Challenges: Pedal Power for Change

Since cycling events raised £132m across the UK’s largest charity challenges last year, your family’s next weekend adventure could fuel life-changing research while creating unforgettable memories together.

You don’t need lycra or professional bikes—charity rides now embrace everyone. Cancer Research UK’s Tour de 4 offers a gentle 1km family loop around Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, while their static-bike option means even toddlers can contribute.

RIDE Essex attracts 900+ participants across multiple distances, letting experienced cyclists tackle challenging routes while families enjoy supported countryside loops.

These events prioritize safety through traffic-free circuits and closed roads, perfect for nervous riders. The recent TAM Charity Ride demonstrated this commitment, with 98 riders successfully completing their 350km Brussels to Paris route thanks to comprehensive support teams including mechanics and medics. With 70% of UK charities planning cycling events this year and average fundraising up 15%, you’re joining a movement that’s pedaling toward real change—one family ride at a time.

Sponsored Walks and Hikes: Explore Britain’s Beautiful Landscapes

Beyond two wheels, Britain’s footpaths and hiking trails offer your family an even more accessible gateway to charitable giving. You’ll discover events ranging from gentle 5km strolls to challenging 26-mile treks across stunning landscapes like the Peak District’s limestone cliffs or Lake District’s lakeside trails.

Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Walk For A Cure doubled donations in 2025, raising over £500,000 from 3,328 participants across eight locations. Meanwhile, Macmillan’s Mighty Hikes generated £12.3m through scenic routes including the South Downs Way from Brighton.

You can choose family-friendly options with wheelchair accessibility, like Alexandra Palace’s 5km event, or tackle Ben Nevis at sunrise. Participants consistently describe these fundraising walks as emotionally meaningful, with well-organized support creating an encouraging atmosphere for families honoring loved ones.

With minimum fundraising targets starting at £20-£25, these events combine adventure with meaningful impact for causes close to your heart.

The Sum Up

You’ve got incredible options to make a real difference while creating unforgettable family memories. I’ve watched countless families transform their weekends into meaningful adventures through these events. Whether you’re conquering Snowdon’s summit or cycling through countryside lanes, you’ll discover that fundraising doesn’t feel like work when you’re laughing with loved ones. Pick an event that excites everyone, start training together, and watch your family bond grow stronger while supporting amazing causes.