New Outdoor Adventures to Do with Your Pet This Year

Looking for some fun new outdoor adventures to do with your pet this year? There are always dog-friendly beaches, agility courses, and playing fetch in the park, but what if you (and your pet) want something a little different? 

Here are a few lesser-known ideas to put on your pet bucket list this year. If you plan your year well, you can get through all of them! The truth is, the majority of pet-friendly outdoor adventures are catered towards dogs, but there’s always a way to get your kitty cat involved too! 

Attend a Dog Fest 

There are many dog festivals across the country, but DogFest is the biggest one of all! There’s a ton of fun to be had here, both for humans and their furry friends. The festival is held in multiple places across the country for 2 days at a time. Find the closest one to you here! 

Throughout the fest, you can get involved in a range of fun activities, including water activities, obstacle courses, and balls… So many balls! You and your fluff can take part in the big dog walk around the grounds, get advice from dog experts on site, or enter the dog show for a chance to win! 

Take home doggy treats or a new toy, meet up with other breed owners, or just meet your favourite celebrity dog people! Well worth a trip for both you and your pup. 

Doggy Treasure Hunts

Who doesn’t love a good treasure hunt? The excitement, the anticipation… It’s a must for both pet parents and dogs! Your furry friend will use their nose to lead you right to delicious treats (for them, of course), but there are human-grade prizes along the way too, for you’ll need to help your best buddy find clues. 

You can find dog treasure hunts set up throughout the country, but it might require a bit of Googling to find one near you that you can join. Or, if you can’t find a doggy treasure hunt close by, you can find human treasure hunts that are dog-friendly and take your pooch with you for the ride. 

Alternatively, set up your own! All you need is a large field or forest area away from foot traffic, where you can hide treats and set up a fun activity without being interrupted. 

Go for a Cruise

If you love being on the water, why not take your dog for a cruise? Windermere Lake Cruises allows well-behaved, leashed dogs to join their parents on select cruises for free! Or you can try Broom Boats on the Norfolk Broads.

One of the best things about this is that you can choose from a range of different cruises; take a short, 45-minute cruise with spectacular scenery or an open-ended cruise where you can get off along the way and take a bit of a hike. 

You may be able to take a cat or other furry pet with you on some cruises, but that’s something you’ll check with the company beforehand. 

Paddle Boarding With Your Dog

This is something you can do through a company or by yourself. If you’re already an accomplished paddleboarder and have your own board, you can take your pup out with you on the water when you go. 

If you’re new to stand-up paddle boarding, you can book a session with an instructor who will teach you and your pup the ins and outs of it. A quick Google search will help you find companies that offer this. 

If you can’t find one near you but you live near the water, you can always invest in a board yourself. Make sure you learn properly before you take your dog out with you, and I highly recommend not allowing your furry friend onboard without a doggy lifejacket. Oh, and you can always train your cat to do this too! 

Catch a Fur-Friendly Movie 

If you’re in London, pop into a dog-friendly cinema for a treat! Even though they’re dog-friendly, make sure your pup is on a leash and well-socialized. Before you worry, the movies are broadcast through headphones, so you won’t need to be concerned about your dog’s sensitive ears. 

Some great options include the Rooftop Film Club in Peckham (which also has a dog-friendly bar nearby), the Streatham Free Film Festival, Vauxhall Summer Screen Outdoor Cinema, and the Charlton and Woolwich Free Film Festival. 

Places that often have dog-friendly events include most Picturehouse cinemas and The Exhibit’s Puppy Love Cinema Club. There’s something for everyone! 

Cocktails and Dogtails

Near Mayfair? Pop into Smith & Whistle for a cocktail… And take your doggo along for a dogtail! At certain times of the year, they also offer doggy burgers, so you and your pooch can have a proper meal together, enjoying each other’s company. 

There are numerous dog-friendly restaurants around, but the degree to which they’re dog-friendly varies. Some allow dogs indoors, while others only allow them in the outdoor seating area. Some offer a doggy menu, while others don’t cater to your floofs’ appetite. 

Visit a Heritage or National Trust Site

One of the best ways to spend a day with your dog is by exploring some of the heritage sites around the country. There’s a huge range of different places to visit, including parks, abbey, castles, and beautiful gardens across the UK. 

Not all of them are dog-friendly, but the majority of outdoor places will happily allow your fluff to wander around with you. Make sure you take snacks and water along (for both you and your dog), especially if it’s a warm day! 

Ready to go now?  

If you’ve got a dog, your adventure list is sorted for the upcoming year! Cat parents, you can still take your cat along to many of the same adventures. Just make sure they’re okay with being put on a harness and leash. 

Those who own horses, guinea pigs, hamsters, snakes, and other pets… Will have to be a little more creative! Either way, make this a year of bonding with your pets and growing closer. After all, nobody loves you quite as they do. 

About the Author

Jordan Fuller is a retired golfer and businessman. When he’s not on the course working on his own game or mentoring young golfers, he writes in-depth articles for his website, Golf Influence.