The Ideal Date: 30 Best Dog Activities to Do With Your Bestie
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We all know our best Valentine is our four-legged one! Your dog will never break your heart, never eat the last chocolate and is always ready for kisses! So, it makes sense that the best date you could go on is one with your dog.
There are plenty of fun activities to do with your dog that you will both enjoy. But if you’re short on ideas, here are 30 dog-friendly activities that make for the perfect doggy date.
Go Out to Dinner
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It’s easy to find dog-friendly restaurants with patio seating for you and your doggy date. Some places even have menu items, so your best friend can have a treat, too!
It’s a nice way to get out and enjoy some time together.
Head to the Drive-In
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Did you know most drive-in movie theaters are totally pet friendly? Your dog just has to stay in the car with you, but they won’t mind.
It’s a nice way to go see a new blockbuster or an old classic on the big screen without having to leave your best bud at home.
Take a Hike
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Always a classic activity that almost all dogs love is a hike! It gives your dog a chance to sniff new smells and see new things.
And you both get exercise — win, win, win!
Go Shopping
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While not all stores are dog friendly, taking a day to visit dog-friendly stores can be fun.
Spoil your four-legged bae with a trip to their favorite pet stores where they can pick out their own toys and treats.
Try Stand-Up Paddleboarding
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If you’re the active, adventurous type of dog couple, then try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP).
It takes some balance and coordination by both you and your dog, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a great activity for a warm summer’s day.
Hit the Drive-Thru
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Even a quick trip through the drive-thru can be a fun activity with your dog.
That’s especially true if you know the ones that hand out dog treats or even have special menu items. Puppuccino, anyone?
Visit the Dog Park
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If you really want to spoil your dog, head to the dog park on your date night.
They will get lots of exercise, and who knows, you may even meet a two-legged someone that shares your love of dogs.
Play a Game
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Maybe you want to do something with your dog but need to stay home. Try playing a game!
Many dogs love hide-and-seek: Distract your dog with some pieces of food scattered on the floor while you go hide. Then, for first-time players, call your dog so they know to come find you. Once your dog has played a few times, you can stop calling, which makes finding you a bit more challenging.
Have a Dog Party
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If you have dog-loving friends, plan a party to celebrate your canine besties.
It’s great fun to get together and share stories about the love of your life while the dogs play together.
Go on a Getaway
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If you need some rest and relaxation, make a reservation for a dog-friendly hotel and head out for a nice weekend — just the two of you.
Many hotels, bed and breakfasts, and even Airbnbs are dog friendly, so you have plenty of options on where to stay.
Take a Car Ride
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For many dogs, the piece de resistance to life is going on a car ride with the windows down a bit, so they can smell the smells as the world goes by.
This makes a car ride an excellent and very easy activity to do with your dog.
Get Professional Photos Taken
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Ensuring you have a priceless memento of your time together is worth any price, which is why getting professional photos taken of you and your dog is a solid activity.
We all know they don’t live long enough, and those photos will be a loving memory to cherish long after.
Go Camping
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There is nothing dogs like better than the great outdoors. Pack up your tent and go camping with your dog for a fun activity all will enjoy.
Better yet, check out a dog-friendly national park for an epic adventure.
Take a Training Class
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Something that’s fun and useful to do with your dog is a training class.
Whether you want your best friend to learn basic manners, a sport like agility or tricks, there is a class for every dog and owner.
Go on a Boat Ride
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There is nothing like the spray of the sea and fresh salt air to invigorate both you and your dog.
That’s why a dog-friendly boat ride is an activity you can both enjoy. Rent one or take a day cruise.
Visit a Winery
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Many wineries are dog friendly, so bring your furry friend along.
While you get to taste the libations, your best bud can take in the smells, get a treat and take a nap.
Take a Nap
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Speaking of naps, one of the best activities you can do with your dog is absolutely nothing!
Taking a nap can relax and rejuvenate you while giving your dog something they love best, being near you.
Make Art Together
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If you are into crafts, why not let your dog in on the fun, too?
There are lots of fun crafts you can do with your dog. Case in point: You can make a paw print out of clay, put paw prints on paper using non-toxic paint or let your dog “paint” using their nose or paws. (Just put some paint blobs on a canvas, seal it inside a Ziploc bag and put treats on the top of the Ziploc.)
Enjoy a Sporting Event
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A lot of sports teams have dog-friendly days, where you and your best canine friend can take in a game together, live at the stadium.
It’s definitely a fun way to spend an afternoon.
Do a Charity Walk Together
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There are charity walks for all kinds of causes throughout the year. Maybe pick one a month to participate in with your dog.
And since this dog-friendly activity helps others, it’s a triple, maybe even quadruple win!
Learn to Surf
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Another fun activity for the sporty dog-owner pair is surfing.
It’s a bit trickier than paddleboarding, but you both will have fun learning how to conquer this task together.
Bake Together
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Another activity to do at home is baking with your dog. Making homemade dog treats with your dog as your sous-chef is fun and inexpensive.
You can find lots of recipes online, and don’t forget to let your dog lick the spoon!
Join a Dog-Friendly Fitness Class
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It can be hard to find the motivation to workout, so taking your best bud with you is a great way to make fitness fun!
Many places offer classes from yoga to core strength where your dog is welcome as your fitness buddy.
Go on a Picnic
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A picnic is a great dog-friendly outdoor activity you can do anywhere at any time — and it doesn’t cost much.
Just bring a blanket to share and some treats for you and your best friend.
Join a Parade
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Did you know most parades allow anyone to join? Being in your local parade can be a fun thing to do with your dog.
Get all dressed up, and hand out dog- and kid-friendly treats. Everyone wins!
Do Therapy Visits
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If you and your dog want to do something meaningful together, become a therapy couple.
Therapy dogs visit nursing homes, hospitals, schools and more, bringing smiles to everyone.
Rent a Convertible
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If your dog liked to ride in the car with the window down, rent them a convertible!
They will think they’ve died and gone to doggy heaven, and you’ll have fun cruising around with the top down, too.
Watch the Puppy Bowl
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Every year, when other people are watching the Super Bowl, dog lovers everywhere watch the Puppy Bowl with their furry friends.
You can even have a Puppy Bowl party and invite like-minded friends over to join in on the fun.
Attend a Festival
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Throughout the year, many places have dog- or pet-related festivals or expos that are a great place to take your best friend.
You two can spend the day finding new toys and treats, learning about care and training, and seeing cool demonstrations.
Have a Movie Night
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We all know our dogs really just want to spend time with us. So, a fun activity that is easy to do is a movie night (dog movies recommended!).
Snuggle up on the couch, have some popcorn and dog snacks handy, and you are all set for a wonderful activity both you and your dog will love.