Ideas for pet-friendly adventures in fall and winter

The days are getting shorter. and cooler. But that doesn’t mean your pet-friendly adventures have to stop until spring! We’ve got 15 ideas for perfect adventures for pets this fall and winter.

Some of the ideas below are the best for fall. Others open in the winter. Some may require snow or mild weather. But you will find plenty of ideas to make you enjoy pet-friendly adventures with your puppy or cat!

Pet-friendly adventures in fall and winter

Go Glamping

Even if you think sleeping in a tent is too cold, a shiny hut with a fireplace extends the camping season. You and your pet will enjoy long walks during the day and relax around the campfire in the evening.

Visit an orchard, farm or vineyard

Autumn is the season of harvest, and many orchards, farms, and vineyards welcome you to picnic with your leashed pet. And you can go home with delicious apples, a pumpkin to slice, or a new favorite bottle of wine or cider.

Find pet-friendly orchards, farms, and vineyards near you at GoPetFri Friendly.com.

Attend a hockey game

Many of the league’s small hockey teams host dog-friendly hockey games where your leashed dog is welcome to come with you. Just don’t get so distracted by all the cute puppies that you can’t keep up with the match.

Visit an indoor dog park

Some dog day care facilities rent out dog party spaces. Check out Unleashed Indoor Dog Park in Anchorage, Alaska.

Or try one of the great places that combine snacking and hanging out with your dog inside like Unleashed Hounds and Hops in Minneapolis or Parkhouse in Alexandria, Virginia.

Take a walk

You’ll find ghost tours all over the country around Halloween (check out America’s best pet-friendly ghost tours for the spooky Howl-o-ween planning). But you can also find tours that explore history, architecture, and more. Your pup won’t mind learning something while walking

Take a scenic ride

Scenic trips can be fun pet-friendly adventures! From the comfort of your car, take in the fall colors, or take this opportunity to explore a wildlife sanctuary or a park that doesn’t allow dogs in their tracks.

Check out the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge in the Chesapeake, Maryland area. It has miles of driving trails where you can spot foxes, birds, and other wildlife. Or explore Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway, California’s Pacific Coast Highway, or Berthoth Highway in Montana and Wyoming.

eat out

Some restaurants keep fireplaces in their patios to extend the outdoor dining season. This is a great time to practice eating with your dog – when most patios are less crowded! Bring a rug or blanket to lay on the floor to keep your puppy warm, and he’ll be happy to brush up on any food you drop.

Visit a pet friendly brewery

While health departments in the United States and Canada deplore the presence of pets inside restaurants, breweries without kitchens may be allowed to allow dogs inside. The GoPetFri Friendly team found a bunch of pet-friendly breweries in the Black Hills of South Dakota where dogs can join you indoors!

Find breweries in your area and look at amenities to see if dogs are allowed in. (Of course, it’s always wise to call and confirm the policy before you go. Pet policies can change quickly with a single adjustment to a health code or a bad experience at work.)

Take your dog for a swim

Well, some crazy water dogs are happy to swim no matter the weather. But how much would you both enjoy pet-friendly adventures if you found an indoor pool?

If you’re in the Midwest, check out the Doggy Paddle Aquatic Center in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood as one option. Or try Rummy’s Beach Club in Spring, Texas, which has both indoor and outdoor facilities.

Try Skijoring

If your dog is over 30 pounds and in good health, snowboarding is a fun sport that you can try together. If you live in the Snow Belt, find a local North Center or dog training facility that will help you get started. Or check out the Midwest Skijorer’s Club for more information.

go skiing

If you prefer to play sports, you can enjoy it with no lessons and minimal gear, find a sled hill to glide all together. A pup that pulls off the leash completely will help make going up the hill again so much easier!

Drive through the holiday light display

Some streets and even entire towns create great holiday deals. You can find large displays in New Haven, Connecticut; Los Gatos, California (their show is attached to music that you can listen to on your radio); Upper Sandusky, Ohio; and Austin, Texas. Check your local events calendar for someone near you!

Pamper yourself with a getaway

If quiet vacations are your pet-friendly adventure, spend a night at a pet-friendly hotel or vacation spot. Book spa appointments, order room service or dine out, and enjoy your favorite movie or book.

Sign up for a dog training class

Do you want to improve basic obedience? Perhaps you are ready to learn some new tricks, or discover a hobby like agility or barn hunting. No matter your skill level, fall and winter are great times to take indoor training classes or sign up for private sessions with your pup!

Take a trip down the southern road

If dodging snowflakes and icy tracks doesn’t bring you joy, why not take a road trip? Get inspired to hit the best dog beaches in San Diego, explore the pet-friendly city of Tucson, or visit Palm Springs, California. In these temperate regions, you’ll find plenty of pet-friendly adventures for fall and winter—even if it’s not winter.

We hope these ideas sparked your imagination and found inspiration for some pet-friendly adventures this fall and winter. Of course, you can also start making your travel plans for spring and summer!