15 Fun Outdoor Activities to Do with Your Dog

Spending more time with pets helps combat stress and depression. It works the same for pets, too—playing and cuddling with their owners helps dogs manage stress. Engaging in outdoor activities with your pup not only deepens your bond but also offers physical and mental stimulation. Here are 15 fun outdoor activities to do with your dog.

Go Biking Together

Biking with your furry buddy can be a fun and action-packed adventure. A high-energy dog can burn off tons of energy running alongside your bike. But not every pup is built for speed; some would rather chill in the basket and enjoy the ride. Riding with a dog on a leash isn’t as simple as it looks, so getting a little practice in first is a good idea before you hit the trail.

Hit the Hiking Trails

Hiking is full of adventure, excitement, and some risk. It’s a lot tougher than it looks when you see someone’s Instagram pic of them and their dog in the Rockies. Not all canines are cut out for long hikes, so start with short walks and slowly build up. Dogs that are used to hiking can cover 15 to 20 miles a day, while those who aren’t might only manage 10 miles or less.

Play Fetch Anytime

Play fetch with your pup whenever you’re in the backyard, on the porch, or hanging out at the park. Dogs totally love fetching things like sticks, balls, and Frisbees. Fetch has three benefits: it gives your pup a solid workout, strengthens your bond, and teaches them to come back to you. You can even toss a Frisbee or ball in the pool for a fun game of fetch. 

Go for a Jog

Jogging offers you and your dog plenty of benefits. It’s both a fun and physically stimulating activity for all types of pups. It would be great if you take your dog for a jog around your neighborhood, in the park, or on the beach because nothing tires out a super energetic dog like a long run. Consider using a leash if your furry friend loves to run off.

Splash Around Swimming

Dogs are natural swimmers, and they will love nothing more than taking a splash into the water whenever they feel hot. If you live in a place where it gets too hot—bringing your furry friend to dip in your pool or pond would be a great idea. Swimming is a low-impact activity, so you don’t need to stress about your older dogs’ joints.

Spend a Day at the Beach

You see, some ocean and lake beaches are actually dog-friendly. What’s even more interesting is that some even allow our furry friends to be off-leash during some specific hours. On these beaches, you can play Frisbee, dig in China, take a dip in the water, or teach your pup to body surf. Just make sure you know all the rules of that particular beach to avoid any kind of mishap.

Try Some Agility Training

Do you think your dog has what it takes to be an athlete? Consider signing up for an agility class together. If your furry friend is really into the sport, you can even make one mini obstacle course in your backyard (YouTube can totally help you with that). Not only will you both get a great workout from all of this—but you’ll also have a lot of quality bonding time. 

Plan a Camping Trip

You know how relaxing it is when we go camping with our friends and family. The next time you feel like taking a vacation—take your dog to outdoor camping. There are many overnight camps around the world that cater to both canines and humans. You can even make a DIY camp in your own backyard if you have a huge house.

Go Geocaching for Adventure

Geocaching is just like a modern treasure hunt using GPS to track down cool spots. Once you reach your destination, you can share the whole experience with your online buddies. Seriously, who makes a better hunting sidekick than your dog? You can also dive into games like Pokémon GO where you can catch Pokémon with your furry friend!

Take Your Indoor Fun Outside

Something as simple as a good old-fashioned game of tug-of-war or a fun round of fetch in the backyard can really boost both of your moods. Imagine the joy of seeing your pup sprint after the ball with that big goofy grin on his face. Tug-of-war is great too because it lets you both get a bit silly while building that bond.

Discover Your Neighborhood

Explore all those unfamiliar parts of your town with your pup—you never know what kind of hidden wonder you may find there. These little adventures can turn a regular day into something very special for you and your furry friend, and who knows? You may just find a few new favorite jams for you and your pooch to enjoy together.

Join Local Dog Events

Many cities host dog day events like special runs or walks where you and your pup can get some exercise and meet other dog lovers. Some of these events even have fun activities like wine or beer tastings that invite dogs, but obviously, they won’t be sipping any drinks. They can still enjoy the atmosphere and hang out with you. 

Dine on the Patio with Your Pup

With more and more restaurants allowing dogs in their outdoor spaces, it’s super easy to spend an afternoon relaxing and eating together. You can sip your coffee while your pup chills by your side. Or why not take a stroll through the local farmer’s market? Your furry friend might even score a tasty and healthy snack along the way.

Set Up a Doggie Playdate

Set up a date with a friend at your local dog park or a café that allows dogs. Your pup will have so much running around and playing with their furry friends. After all that fun, they’ll be happily exhausted for hours. Plus, you’ll hit two birds with one stone: you get to chill with your friend, and your dog gets to catch up with his friends.

Check Out a Pet Expo

Look for a pet expo near you and take your dog along to explore that place! You’ll probably find some amazing toys, tasty treats, or those cute Pinterest accessories for your furry friend while you’re there. Plus, you’ll meet other pet lovers there and maybe even get some helpful tips for taking care of your furry friend.