Pet Friendly Adventures in Fall and Winter

By Derrick Thompson January 18, 2024 5 mins read 121 Views

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

Smiling dog in a red scarf playing in the snow

Some of the ideas below are best for the fall season. Others open up in the winter. Some may require snow or mild weather. But you’ll find plenty of ideas to get you out enjoying pet friendly adventures with your furry best friend!

Pet Friendly Adventures In Fall And Winter

Go Glamping

Even if you think it’s too chilly to sleep in a tent, a glamping hut with a heater extends the camping season. Both you and your pet will enjoy crisp hikes and fall leaves during the day and cozying up around the campfire in the cold evening.

Man and dog on a pet friendly trail at Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado

Visit An Orchard, Farm, Or Vineyard

Fall is harvest season, and many orchards, farms, and vineyards are happy to have you take a stroll with your leashed pet. Go apple picking and score some delicious apples or cider. You can also visit a local pumpkin patch for cute pet pictures and get a pumpkin to carve.

Another option is to see a new vineyard and discover a new favorite bottle of wine. One of our favorite cool weather activities is to visit corn mazes. Dog lovers can get some great photos of their pets, and it’s fun to see if your pet can find the way out without your guidance. These are some of our favorite dog friendly fall activities.

Find pet friendly orchards, farms, and vineyards near you on GoPetFriendly.com.

Cute dog in a red bandana on a pet friendly adventure to an orchard laying beside a basket of apples

Attend A Hockey Game

Several minor league hockey teams host dog friendly hockey games. And what’s cooler than taking your leashed furry friends along to cheer on your favorite team? Just don’t get so distracted by all the cute pups that you can’t follow the match.

Dog Friendly Hockey Games 2017/2018 Season | GoPetFriendly.com — Photo Copyright: Instagram User @booboosadventures

Visit An Indoor Dog Park

Some dog daycare facilities rent out space for dog parties. Check out Unleashed Indoor Dog Park in Anchorage, Alaska.

Or try out one of the cool places that combine getting a snack and hanging out with your dog inside like Unleashed Hounds 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 America’s Best Pet Friendly Ghost Tours to plan your spooky Howl-o-ween). But you can also find tours that explore history, architecture, and more. Your pup won’t mind you learning something while you take a walk.

Take A Scenic Drive

Scenic drives can be enjoyable pet friendly adventures! From the comfort of your vehicle, you can enjoy the autumn colors, and fall activities or take this opportunity to investigate a wildlife refuge or park that doesn’t allow dogs on their trails.

Check out Blackwater Wildlife Refuge in the Chesapeake region of Maryland. It has miles of driving 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.

Cute young Jack Russel terrier pup with folded ears inside the car looking outside the window at autumnal view with yellow leaves on the trees.

Eat Out

Some restaurants keep heaters on their patios to extend the outdoor dining season. And this is a great time to practice eating out with your dog – when most patios are less crowded!

Bring a mat or blanket to lay on the floor for your pup to keep him warm, and he’ll be happy to clean up any food you drop.

Brindle dog, woman and two men on the pet friendly patio at Custer Wolf in Custer, SD

Visit A Pet Friendly Brewery

While health departments in the U.S. and Canada frown on having pets inside restaurants, some breweries without kitchens permit to dogs indoors. The GoPetFriendly team found a bunch of pet friendly breweries in South Dakota’s Black Hills where dogs can join you inside!

Take Your Dog Swimming

Okay, some crazy water dogs are happy to take a dip no matter the cold weather. But your pet friendly adventures would probably be more enjoyable at an indoor pool.

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

Try Skijoring

If your dog is over 30 pounds and in good health, skijoring is a fun sport to try together. If you live in the snow belt, check for local Nordic centers or dog training facility that will help you get started. Or check out the Midwest Skijorer’s Club for more information.

Husky in a harness pulling a skier while skijoring in the snow

Go Sledding

If you prefer sports you can enjoy without lessons and minimal gear, grab your furry friend, and find a sledding hill to slide down together. A pup who pulls on the leash will absolutely help make the climb back up the hill much easier!

Kids dressed for winter on a sled with a dog being pulled by a man

Drive Through a Holiday Light Display

Some streets and even entire towns create splendid holiday displays. You can find large, drive-through displays in New Haven, Connecticut; Los Gatos, California (they accompany their display with music you can listen to on your radio); Upper Sandusky, Ohio; and Austin, Texas. Check your local events calendar for one near you!

Labrador Retriever puppy dressed in Christmas theme with holiday lights in the background.

Pamper Yourself With A Getaway

If quiet getaways are your ideal pet friendly adventures, treat yourself an overnight retreat in a pet friendly hotel or vacation property. Book spa appointments, order room service or takeout, and snuggle up with your favorite movie or book.

Two happy corgi dogs snuggled in a bed with a cup of tea.

Sign Up For A Dog Training Class

Want to brush up on basic obedience? Maybe you’re ready to learn some new tricks, or discover a hobby like agility or barn hunt. No matter your skill level, fall and winter are great times to attend indoor training classes or sign up for private sessions with your pup!

Take a Southern Road Trip

If dodging snowflakes and icy paths doesn’t bring you joy, why not take a road trip? Get inspired to hit the top dog beaches in San Diego, explore pet friendly Tucson, Arizona, or head down to the Florida Keys for some fun in the sun. In these temperate spots, you’ll find plenty of find plenty of pet friendly adventures for fall and winter — even if it doesn’t feel like winter.