The days are getting shorter. And cooler. But that doesn’t mean your pet adventures have to stop until spring! We’ve got 15 pet-friendly adventure ideas perfect for fall and winter!
Some of the ideas below are best for the fall season. Others open in winter. Some may require snow or mild weather. But you’ll find plenty of ideas to help you enjoy friendly adventures with your four-legged best friend!
Pet-friendly adventures in fall and winter
Go Glamping
Even if you think it’s too cold to sleep in a tent, a glamping cabin with heating extends the camping season. You and your pet will enjoy pleasant hikes and fall leaves during the day and relaxing around the campfire during cold evenings.
Visit an orchard, farm or vineyard
Fall is harvest season and many orchards, farms and vineyards are happy to let you walk your pet on a leash. Go apple picking and get some delicious apples or cider. You can also visit a local pumpkin patch to take cute pet photos and have a pumpkin carved.
Another option is to visit a new winery and discover a new favorite bottle of wine. One of our favorite cool weather activities is visiting corn mazes. Dog lovers can take great photos of their pets, and it’s fun to see if your pet can find the exit without your guidance. Here are some of our favorite fall activities for dogs.
Find pet-friendly orchards, farms and vineyards near you at GoPetFriendly.com.
Attend a hockey game
Several minor league hockey teams host dog friendly hockey games. And what’s cooler than taking your four-legged friends on a leash to cheer on your favorite team? Don’t get distracted by all the cute puppies so much that you can’t follow the game.
Visit an indoor dog park
Some dog daycares rent space for dog parties. Check Unleashed Indoor Dog Playpen in Anchorage, Alaska.
Or try one of the cool places that combine having a snack and spending time with your dog indoors, like Unleashed dogs and hops in Minneapolis Or Barkhaus in Alexandria, Virginia.
Take a walking tour
You’ll find ghost tours all over the country around Halloween (check out The Best Pet-Friendly Ghost Tours in America to plan your spooky Howl-o-ween). But you can also find tours that explore history, architecture, and more. Your puppy won’t mind if you learn something while you’re out for a walk.
READ MORE ⇒ Best US Cities for Urban Hiking
Take a scenic drive
Scenic drives can be enjoyable adventures with pets! From the comfort of your vehicle, you can enjoy the fall colors and activities or take this opportunity to investigate a wildlife refuge or park that does not allow dogs on their trails.
Discover the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge in Maryland’s Chesapeake region. It has miles of trails where you can spot foxes, birds and other wildlife. Or explore the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, the Pacific Coast Highway in California or the Beartooth Highway in Montana and Wyoming.
Go to the restaurant
Some restaurants install heaters on their patios to extend the outdoor dining season. And it’s the perfect time to practice eating out with your dog – when most patios are less busy!
Bring a rug or blanket to lay on the floor for your pup to keep warm, and he’ll happily clean up any food you drop.
Visit a pet-friendly brewery
While health departments in the United States and Canada frown on the idea of having pets in restaurants, some breweries without kitchens allow dogs inside. The GoPetFriendly team found a bunch of Pet Friendly Breweries in the Black Hills of South Dakota where dogs can join you inside!
READ MORE ⇒ Pet-Friendly Breweries and Wineries in the Black Hills of South Dakota
Research breweries in your area and review the amenities to see if dogs are allowed inside. (Of course, it’s always wise to call and confirm the policy before you go. Pet policies can change quickly with a simple health code adjustment or a bad experience at a company.)
Take your dog swimming
Okay, some crazy water dogs are happy to go swimming no matter how cold the weather is. But your pet adventures would probably be more enjoyable in an indoor pool.
If you’re in the Midwest, check out Doggy Paddle Aquatic Center in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood as an option. Or try Rummy Beach Club in Spring, Texas, which has both outdoor and indoor facilities.
READ MORE ⇒ Tips for Teaching Your Dog to Swim
Try skijoring
If your dog weighs more than 30 pounds and is healthy, skijoring is a fun sport to try together. If you live in the Snow Belt, look for local Nordic centers or dog training centers that will help you get started. Or consult the Midwest Ski Club for more information.
Sled
If you prefer sports you can enjoy without classes or minimal equipment, take your four-legged friend and find a sledding hill to slide down together. A puppy pulling on the leash will definitely help make getting back up the hill a lot easier!
Walk through a display of Christmas lights
Some streets and even entire towns create splendid holiday displays. You can find large drive-in screens in New Haven, Connecticut; Los Gatos, California (they accompany their exhibition with music that you can listen to on your radio); Upper Sandusky, Ohio; and Austin, Texas. Check your local events calendar to find one near you!
Treat yourself with a getaway
If quiet getaways are your ideal pet-friendly adventures, treat yourself to an overnight retreat at a pet-friendly hotel or vacation property. Book spa appointments, order room service or takeout, and snuggle up with your favorite movie or book.
Sign up for a dog training class
Want to brush up on the basics of obedience? Maybe you’re ready to learn new tricks or take up a hobby like agility or barn hunting. Regardless of your skill level, fall and winter are great times to attend indoor training classes or sign up for private sessions with your pup!
READ MORE ⇒ Training your puppy to travel
Take a road trip to the south
If avoiding snowflakes and icy trails doesn’t bring you joy, why not take a road trip? Get inspired to hit the San Diego’s Best Dog Beachesexplore pets Tucson, Arizonaor head to the Florida Keys for fun in the sun. In these temperate locations, you’ll find plenty of pet-friendly adventures for fall and winter, even if it doesn’t feel like winter.
READ MORE ⇒ Plan a pet-friendly road trip
I hope these ideas have sparked your imagination and you’ve found inspiration for pet-friendly adventures this fall and winter.
Of course, you can also start planning your spring and summer trips!
(Visited 2,595 times, 1 visit today)