Fun things to do with your dog inside, outside, or on trips

Wondering what to do with your dog for fun? Spending quality time together makes your dog feel safe, happy, and loved. It also supports their well-being and strengthens your relationship. For you, it’s also a chance to slow down, be present, and enjoy the moment.

And the best part? You don’t need fancy trips or expensive toys to do that.

We’ve put together a list of fun things to do with your dog to help you get started, whether you’re indoors, outdoors, or on the go.

Fun things to do with your dog at home inside

Not every day calls for an outdoor trip. These indoor activities can be just as fun.

• Set up an indoor obstacle course or play hide and seek: Put cushions on the floor to create an obstacle course your dog can jump over, or line up chairs and let your dog follow you through the course with treats. You can also ask your dog to stay while you hide somewhere, then call them and see how fast they can find you. You can even hide their toys or treats and let them use their nose to search.
• Teach new tricks or practice obedience skills: Go over basic commands like “sit,” “stay,” or “come.” Try fun tricks like “spin” or “roll over.” Keep the training short and entertaining, and reward your dog with treats or praise when they do well.
• Bake dog-safe treats together: Try simple recipes using ingredients like xylitol-free peanut butter, pumpkin seeds, oats, bananas, or apples. You can make biscuits, fun-shaped cookies, frozen snacks, or chewy bites together.
• Plan a movie night or indoor picnic: Spread out a blanket in the living room, grab a few pillows, and set aside your dog’s favorite toys or snacks. Watch a movie while your dog relaxes next to you.
• Create DIY dog toys from everyday materials: Twist an old T-shirt into a tug toy, or fill a muffin tin with treats and cover the holes with tennis balls so your dog has to sniff and move the balls to find the snack.
• Host a doggy play date with a friend’s pet: If your dog gets along well with others, invite a friend over who also has a dog. Bring out some toys and have fresh water nearby; let them play together inside.
• Schedule a mini spa day with gentle grooming and massages: Gently brush your dog’s coat, clean their ears, and trim their nails. Finish with a soft massage by rubbing their back, neck, or legs to help them relax.

Enrichment and mental stimulation

Dogs don’t just need physical exercise; they also need to use their brains so that they don’t get bored, frustrated, or start acting out. 

• Use food puzzles and interactive toys: Put some kibble inside a folded towel and let your dog figure out how to unwrap it. You can also stuff treats into a rubber toy, such as a Kong, and freeze it to make the treat last longer.
• Try beginner nose work or scent games: Hide treats around the room and let your dog sniff them out. You can also hide a toy with your scent on it and ask your dog to find it.
• Rotate toys to keep things interesting: Pick a few toys to leave out for the week and put the rest away in a closet or box. After a few days, replace them with different ones. You can also group toys by type, such as chew toys, squeaky toys, tug toys, and puzzle toys, and rotate them to keep things fresh.

Fun things to do with your dog outside

From low-key outings to action-packed excursions, these dog-friendly activities make the most of the great outdoors.

• Explore new dog parks in your area: If you always visit the same dog park, go to a new one. A different place means new smells and a fresh space to explore.
• Go hiking on pet-friendly trails: Look for trails that allow dogs and aren’t too steep or rocky. Take water, snacks, and a leash along. Walking in nature gives your dog exercise and lets them sniff and explore new places: 
• Plan a beach day at a dog-friendly spot: Visit a dog-friendly beach where your pet can run, splash, or enjoy a walk. Keep an eye on them near the water.
• Try paddleboarding, kayaking, or swimming together: If your dog enjoys being on water and stays calm, try paddleboarding or kayaking together. Let them get used to it slowly, and always use a dog life vest. You can also swim together.
• Take part in a dog-friendly race or charity walk: Search for local events or charity walks that welcome dogs. You can support a cause, meet other dog lovers, and give your dog a new kind of adventure.
• Go camping with your dog: Choose a campsite and pack the essentials, such as food, water, a bed or blanket, and a leash. Take walks to explore the surrounding area or just hang out by the fire together.
• Snap photos on a scenic walk: Take a stroll through a park, nature trail, or downtown area and take fun pictures of your dog. It could be shots of them sniffing flowers, sitting on a bench, or just being silly.
• Play frisbee or fetch in an open space: Find a safe, open space and play fetch with a ball or frisbee. It gives your dog a chance to run, focus, and have fun.

Where to go with dogs for something different

If you're tired of the same old walk around the block, try one of these ideas.

• Visit a national or state park that allows dogs: Pick a park where dogs are allowed. Explore a new trail or walking path with your dog. Bring water, snacks, and poop bags and let your dog sniff around.
• Head to a vineyard, brewery, or outdoor market that welcomes pets: Many of these places have outdoor areas where you can sit, relax, and bring your dog along. While you enjoy a snack or drink, your dog can lie nearby and take in all the new sights and smells.
• Attend dog-themed events or community meetups: Look for pet festivals, dog yoga classes, or meetups where dogs and their owners come together. Let your dog meet new friends while you enjoy something different from the usual walk.

Traveling together: Fun activities to do with your dog on the go

When you're hitting the road, bring your dog along for the ride with these travel-friendly ideas.

• Take a road trip to a dog-friendly town or landmark: Pack up the car with everything your dog might need, including food, water, toys, and a blanket, and head out on a road trip. Stop for breaks, let your dog stretch their legs, and take pictures at scenic spots you find together.
• Stay in pet-welcoming hotels or rentals: If your dog likes quiet places and needs a change of environment, look for hotels or rentals that allow dogs and welcome them. They offer dog beds, treats at check-in, and a list of local parks and pet-friendly restaurants.
• Explore walkable cities together: Put on comfy shoes, clip on the leash, and explore together. Stop for water breaks, take pictures, and let your dog sniff around and enjoy the new sights and smells.
• Ride a scenic, pet-friendly train route: Bring a small blanket or bed for your dog to sit on, and pack some treats or a toy to help them stay relaxed. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the view without needing to drive.
• Join a guided outdoor tour that allows dogs: Your dog can walk beside you on a leash while you listen, learn, and take in the scenery. Just bring poop bags, water, and a few snacks to keep your pet happy along the way.

Low-key but meaningful activities with dogs

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

• Sit together at a pet-friendly cafe: Visit a pet-friendly cafe with outdoor seating with your dog. While you sip your coffee or snack, your dog can lie by your feet, watch the world go by, and enjoy a few dog-safe bites.
• Take regular walks through your neighborhood: A simple walk might be the highlight of your dog’s day. Let them sniff, pause, and explore at their own pace.
• Let your dog choose the route for once: Instead of leading the way, let your dog pick where to go. Give them a loose leash and follow their nose. They’ll love having the freedom to explore.
• Have a cuddle session or quiet downtime together: Sit on the couch or lie on the floor beside your dog. Gently pet your dog, scratch behind their ears, or allow them to lean against you.

Final thoughts on fun activities for pets

Your dog doesn’t need fancy trips or expensive toys to be happy, but they need your time and attention. They want to be a part of your day and share moments with you. Some days will be full of play and energy, while others will be calm and slower. What matters is that you mix up fun activities, whether you're indoors at home, outside, or on the go. These moments strengthen the bond between you and your pet, keeping both of your lives joyful.