10 Fun Outdoor Activities With A Dog This Summer

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and summer is calling you outdoors! For dog parents, this season is the perfect chance to make happy memories with your four-legged best friend. Beyond your usual daily walks, exploring new outdoor activities with a dog is a wonderful way to challenge your pup, keep them active, and bring you closer as a team.

From hiking in the woods to splashing in the water or even enjoying a dog-friendly café, the possibilities are endless. To spark some inspiration, we’ve rounded up 10 fun outdoor activities with your dog this summer—each designed to bring joy, exercise, and plenty of wagging tails.

Nature Adventures for You and Your Dog

Spending time in nature offers both mental and physical stimulation for dogs. Whether it’s following new scents on a trail or napping under the stars, these activities let your pup experience the world beyond the backyard.

1. Go Hiking Together

Hiking is one of the best ways to immerse your dog in the great outdoors. Choose trails that are dog-friendly and suited to your pup’s fitness level—short and shaded for smaller or older dogs and longer routes for active breeds. Bring fresh water, a collapsible bowl, and dog-safe bug protection to keep them comfortable along the way.

Switching up the route adds an extra layer of biological enrichment. New trails provide fresh scents, sights, and sounds, which help stimulate your dog’s mind and fulfil them. Just like humans, dogs benefit from novelty and variety—it keeps them mentally stimulated, builds confidence in new environments, and makes walks more enriching overall.

In Australia, most of our hiking trails are dog on-leash only. For the best experience, use a secure harness and a long line—this setup allows your dog maximum freedom to move, sniff, and explore while still keeping them safe and under control.

The best adventures often start with a car ride, so if your dog gets restless on the road, our guide on helping dogs with car anxiety offers tips to make the journey calmer.

Not sure where to go? Apps like AllTrails are a great way to discover dog-friendly routes nearby, complete with reviews and difficulty ratings. You can also scan Google Maps or Apple Maps for green spaces, parks, and nature reserves in your area. Exploring these options helps you uncover hidden gems and keeps your walks feeling fresh.

2. Try Camping Adventures

Imagine relaxing by the fire with your dog curled up beside you after a long day outdoors. Camping allows dogs to explore new environments while enjoying quality time with their humans.

Before you go, research campsites that welcome dogs and check if there are leash rules or pet-friendly trails nearby. Platforms like Hipcamp make it easy to find dog-friendly spots, from rustic bush camps to unique private stays.

Essentials to pack include food, water, bowls, a first-aid kit, waste bags, and a cosy sleeping mat. For safety, keep your dog leashed or inside a secure tent to prevent wandering at night.

3. Visit a Dog-Friendly Beach

For water-loving pups, the beach is the ultimate playground. Dogs can sprint along the sand, splash in the surf, and chase toys that float. Before heading out, confirm that dogs are allowed at the beach and follow posted rules.

To make play even more exciting, pack a durable floating toy like the Active Ring, designed for water fetch and tug games. Don’t forget a dog life vest for safety and fresh water to rinse off salt or sand afterwards. With the right precautions, beach outings can be both safe and exhilarating for you and your furry friend.

City Outings and Urban Adventures

Not every summer adventure requires heading deep into nature. Cities offer plenty of opportunities for enrichment, exercise, and socialisation.

4. Relax at Dog-Friendly Cafés

After a leisurely stroll through the city, reward yourself and your pup with a stop at a dog-friendly café. Many establishments now offer outdoor seating and even special treats for canine guests. It’s a relaxed way to expose your dog to new environments, practice calm behaviour around strangers, and simply enjoy some downtime together.

That said, know your dog—not all pups enjoy busy cafés, and some may find the noise, crowds, or close proximity to other dogs overwhelming. If your dog seems stressed, it’s okay to skip this activity and or focus on finding quieter cafés.

5. Join Group Training Classes

If you’re looking for an activity that combines fun with learning, group training classes are a fantastic choice. Dogs get the chance to practice commands in a controlled environment while safely socialising with other pups.

Beyond obedience, you can also explore new dog sports like agility, rally, scent work, or dock diving. These activities channel your dog’s natural instincts, build confidence, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. 

Backyard Games and DIY Fun

You don’t need to travel far for summertime excitement. With a little creativity, your backyard can become an adventure zone for your dog.

6. Play a Game of Fetch

Fetch is a timeless classic for a reason—it taps into your dog’s natural instincts to chase and retrieve. But you can level it up by adding obedience or obstacles. Ask for a sit, down, or stay before releasing your dog to chase the toy—this builds impulse control and sharpens focus.

You can also set up mini obstacles, like asking them to jump over a low hurdle, weave between cones, or run around an object before retrieving. These additions turn fetch into both a physical workout and a mental challenge, keeping the game engaging and reinforcing training skills at the same time.

If you’d like fresh inspiration for games beyond the basics, the Ring Master: 10 Tricks & Games eBook offers fun ideas to turn fetch into a versatile training tool that keeps your pup engaged and motivated.

7. Enjoy Tug of War

Tug of war isn’t just about strength—it’s another way to turn play into training. Just like fetch, tug can be used as a powerful reinforcer for obedience.

Ask for cues such as sit, down, or drop it before starting the game or releasing the toy again. This helps your dog practice impulse control, sharpens their listening skills, and keeps them focused even when excitement is high.

Use a sturdy tug toy, and remember the golden rule: allow your dog to win! Allowing victory builds confidence, strengthens your bond, and makes the game more rewarding.

8. Build a DIY Agility Course

If your dog loves a challenge, set up a simple agility course in your yard. You can use tunnels, jumps, and weave poles, or even repurpose household items like cones and broomsticks. Start with easy obstacles and guide your pup through using positive reinforcement.

Agility games boost both physical fitness and mental focus, turning your backyard into a mini training ground.

Water-Based Activities to Keep Your Dog Cool

Summer heat can be tough on dogs, but water activities provide the perfect way to cool down while staying active.

9. Swim at Dog-Friendly Pools or Lakes

Swimming is a low-impact workout that’s gentle on joints but still burns plenty of energy. Many communities now offer dog-friendly pools for hire or designated swim areas at dams and lakes. Always supervise your dog around water, and bring a canine life jacket if they’re new to swimming or not confident in deeper areas.

Combine relaxation with exercise by planning a picnic to enjoy while you’re waterside. Pack the essentials—fresh water, a blanket, shade, and dog-safe snacks—so both you and your pup can make the most of the day out!

10. Try Paddleboarding

For adventurous duos, paddleboarding can be a thrilling shared experience. Start slow in calm waters, allowing your dog to get used to the board and practice balance. A well-fitted life jacket is essential for both safety and peace of mind.

Once your pup is comfortable, you’ll enjoy gliding across the water together.

Enjoying Outdoor Activities With a Dog Responsibly

While summer adventures are exciting, safety should always come first. Keep these tips in mind:

• Always bring water and a collapsible bowl to prevent dehydration.

• Keep your dog leashed unless you’re in a designated off-leash area.

• Watch the weather—avoid activities during peak heat, and seek shade when needed.

• Pack waste bags and clean up after your pet.

• Ensure vaccinations and flea/tick preventatives are up to date.

• Use dog-safe sunscreen for light-coloured or thin-coated breeds.

If your summer plans include road trips, having gear like a Dog Car Seat Cover or a 2-in-1 Car Safety Restraint can make travelling easier and more comfortable for both you and your pup. Little preparations like these help set the stage for safe, happy outings.

Conclusion: Making Summer Memories With Your Dog

Spending time outdoors with your dog is about more than exercise—it’s about creating moments that strengthen your bond and add joy to both your lives. Whether you’re hiking through forest trails, splashing in a lake, or simply playing fetch in the backyard, these outdoor activities with a dog create opportunities for adventure, learning, and shared fun.

This summer, make it a goal to try at least one new adventure together. With the right balance of fun and responsibility, you’ll build memories that last long after the season fades. So grab the leash, pack the essentials, and prepare for a summer full of wagging tails and happy hearts.

 

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FAQs About Outdoor Activities With A Dog

What if my dog doesn’t like water activities?
Not all dogs enjoy swimming or splashing around. If your pup isn’t a fan, stick to land-based games like fetch, hiking, or agility play instead.

How can I include my senior dog in outdoor fun?
Older dogs may not have the stamina for long hikes or agility, but they still enjoy gentle walks, shaded picnics, or slow-paced games in the backyard.

Are outdoor activities safe for brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds?
Yes, but extra care is needed. These breeds can overheat quickly, so choose cooler times of day, bring plenty of water, and avoid intense exercise.

What should I do if my dog gets anxious in new environments?
Start small by visiting quieter places before tackling busy trails, beaches, or cities. Gradually build their confidence, and always keep a favourite toy or treat handy to reassure them.