Outdoor activities are a great way to bond with our pets, no matter the weather. While dogs are the go-to adventure buddies when it comes to outdoor fun, cats and even rabbits can join in on the action too.
Whether it’s a game of fetch with your dog, a leisurely stroll with your cat using one of the best cat harnesses, or watching your rabbit hop along the lawn, there are countless ways to enjoy nature together. You don’t have to wait for perfect weather – fun can happen rain or shine, and the mental stimulation and exercise will give everyone a boost whatever the skies are up to.
Let’s explore a variety of activities that you can enjoy with your pets outside. So grab your best dog leash, your favorite treats (and possibly either your waterproof clothes or a sunhat), and head out into the big outdoors.
1. Hiking
Nearly all dogs enjoy hiking. Just make sure you work up their fitness gradually for the task at hand. And while we might fuss about the forecast and try to time our adventure to skip the showers, your dog won’t care. Check the route in advance to be sure that dogs are permitted and so that you know if they can be off-leash.
Felines can also be included in this adventure, as hiking with cats is definitely a thing some cat breeds will enjoy.
We asked an expert for tips on hiking with your dog and put together a list of the best dogs for hiking so you can check whether your dog made the list!
2. Running
Many dog breeds seem to be simply made for running and make ideal partners for more vigorous exercise. Those athletic types, such as Vizslas and pointers will be sure to stretch your pace, while even smaller dogs, such as terriers or spaniels, adore a fast jog and most can keep going all day. Marathon training anyone?
3. Fetch
The archetypal dog game – though some cat breeds will also enjoy a spot of fetch when the mood takes them. But what dog doesn’t love hurtling after a ball or toy thrown by his beloved owner? Under sunshine or rain clouds, some dogs will never ever give up chasing and retrieving – it makes them so happy, stimulates their minds, and burns their excess energy. Win win win!
4. Frisbee
Mix things up a bit by changing the fetch object. A frisbee is the perfect aerodynamic design for throwing much further than a ball or toy, increasing the exercise and effort – and making it harder to hunt down. Plus, a frisbee doesn’t collect quite as much mud, saliva, and puddle juice as a tennis ball – definitely a plus in wetter weather.
5. Park visits
You’ve heard of a bar crawl – how about a park crawl? If you need some incentive to get yourself and your pet out and about on a rainy day, how about ticking off a different local park each week? You can rate them when you’ve done them all. Dog parks have the advantage of play areas for the pets to let off steam as well as firm asphalt under the feet – a good option for wetter days.
6. Sprinkler play
When it’s just too hot to head out for a hike, turn the sprinkler on in the yard. Throw a ball to the other side and watch the dog jump through the spray – he’ll enjoy the cooling jets. (And so might you!)
7. Tug of war
Dogs love a game of tug of war especially with one of the best rope dog toys. However, this can be somewhat destructive in the house as either dog or human goes flying backwards into a wall or furniture at some stage. Outside there’s a lot more scope for sideways tugging and a proper tussle.
8. Paddleboarding
Is there anything more idyllic than gliding across a lake on your paddleboard with your pup sitting peacefully at the prow? It’s a great way to deepen your bond as the dog trusts your paddling skills and simply enjoys being out on the water with you. You’ll need a doggy life vest for unplanned dips – and this activity is best for water lovers and experienced paddlers. This is also a perfect way to workout with your pet.
We asked an expert for tips for paddleboarding with your dog to help you get started.
9. Picnic al fresco
If the sun is shining, grab a basket, some sandwiches for yourself, some of the best dog treats, plus water bowls and bottles, and head off to your favorite park or walking spot. Find a nice shady glade, roll out a rug, and sit together, enjoying nature and a bite to eat.
10. Cycling
Cycling can take on many guises when it comes to pets. For those with athletic dogs, laden with stamina and speed, running alongside your bike is a great way to ensure they have sufficient vigorous exercise. You can get leashes that attach to bikes for areas where the dog must be on leash.
Make sure you have gradually trained your dog before setting off on a big adventure. But the training is part of the activity, building up to greater things.
11. Agility training
Outdoor agility training is a brilliant way to exercise your dog both mentally and physically. The same goes for cats, who are naturally fantastic jumpers, agile and quick learners. It’s also a superb activity for bonding with your pet, as they learn to listen to your commands and suss out ways to tackle the challenges.
12. Photo shoots
Photos are almost always better outdoors, thanks to the asset of natural lighting. Plus, every type of weather has its own unique charm. Whether you’re capturing your pup playing in the snow, running through a carpet of colorful autumn leaves, or snapping a shot of your cat lounging in the warm sunshine or frolicking in a field of spring bluebells, each season offers a beautiful backdrop to create memorable photos.
We’ve put together some tips on how to take great photos of your pet.
13. Treasure hunt
You can set up a treasure hunt in your own backyard or even out in the wild. Lay a trail of treats or your pet’s favorite toys and let him snuffle out the rewards. You’ll soon know if you’ve made it too easy – and can raise the stakes for next time.
14. Nature walks
A walk around an asphalt circuit might work for a routine walk, but different terrains offer new sensations and challenges. Find routes with a variety of surfaces and scenery, from sandy forest tracks to craggy hill paths. Listen to the birds, notice the changing leaves and flowers, cherish the seasons and whatever the skies throw at you.
15. Camping
Camping is something of an acquired taste – or at least a divisive issue. Love it or hate it, it’s double the adventure if you take your pet too. You don’t have to worry about getting a pet sitter, and you have a snug “hot water bottle” to warm your feet when the temperature drops in the tent.
Here are some tips for camping with your dog and camping with your cat.
16. Beach trips
Some of the best US dog beaches allow dogs to be off-leash, though not all – and it can depend on the season – so always check before making a trip. But the beach, and the sea itself, provide a wonderful play area for dogs. Many love jumping the shallow surf, digging the acres of sand, and the thrill of mucking about with their human family in a vast, open space.
17. Geocaching
Geocaching is essentially a pet-friendly treasure hunt. A dog will rarely say no to an outdoor outing, whatever the weather and geocaching gives your walk a purpose, an element of mystery, and a sense of adventure. Don’t expect your dog to be particularly helpful on the finding front, but he’ll be a great company and you’ll both relish the shared challenge.
18. Obstacle course
Fancy some agility training but on your own turf? A homemade obstacle is a fantastic way to make sure your dog has plenty of exercise and mental stimulation without having to venture further afield. Use buckets, broom handles, chairs, hoops, and whatever you can find to create fun obstacles. Then show your dog the way.
You can also do this for cats and rabbits. Cats can do it all, including narrow balancing planks, while bunnies can be superb jumpers.
19. Stream play
Whether it’s pouring with rain or bright sunshine makes no difference if you’re mucking about in a stream. Shallow water is great fun for dogs to play, retrieve balls, and splash about. The motion of water can trigger a hunting instinct in dogs, which is probably why many of them find it so enjoyable. It’s also a handy way to get water-shy pups accustomed to water without fear of going out of their depth.
20. Pet playdates
If your dog is the sociable type, book a doggy playdate with some like-minded friends. Especially when they are puppies, meeting other safe and friendly dogs is important for them to develop social habits that will last a lifetime. It’s a great way to stimulate them when the weather’s inhospitable as even in a small garden or backyard, dogs can rag around, blow off steam, and enjoy canine company.
Cats, too, can benefit from meeting up with their own kind. It helps them learn social cues, gives them mental stimulation, and enables them to work out their place in the feline hierarchy.
21. Snow fun
In many areas of the world, snow carpets the land for weeks or even months at a time during winter. It may be freezing, but that’s no reason not to get out and enjoy the white stuff. Wrap up warm – some of the best dog breeds for cold climates will be fine with just the coat nature gave them, while others will need some extra insulation – and go and play with your pup like a child. Throw snowballs, let your dog dig for fun, caper about in the powder – it’s a winter wonderland.
Here are some tips for walking dogs in the snow and more ideas for winter activities for dogs.
22. Leaf jumping
Fall is such a stunning season, you’ll need no invitation to head out and marvel at the kaleidoscope of nature. And the falling leaves provide an ever-changing playground for your pup. Some love to leap straight into a pile of leaves, and some snuffle around enjoying the rustling sensation and super smells. Others watch in eager anticipation as the leaves fall from the trees, dashing around trying to catch them.
23. Mud, glorious mud
Mud wallowing may not be your preferred activity, but did you know that dogs are genetically programmed to love mud? Some do it to mask their smell or their appearance, harking back to their wilder days when they needed to protect themselves from certain predators.
Some are simply trying to get rid of the freshly scented shampoo you have washed them in, and they don’t appreciate it. On a hot day, if they chance on a muddy puddle, they may use it to lower their temperature. But above all, mud is fun. It’s just rather less so when you return home to plush white carpets.
24. Foraging
For most animals, foraging is a natural activity. If you can allow your pet rabbit or cat outdoors, allow them time to forage around the garden, snuffling around and investigating smells. Even if they spend most of their time indoors, they are hardwired to forage and hunt for food.
For dogs, too, foraging is hugely beneficial, encouraging them to use their superb sense of smell, thereby stimulating them mentally and satisfying their curiosity, while at the same time taking exercise. You could also try using one of the best snuffle mats for dogs to encourage this behavior.
25. Leash training
Every day is a good day for a leash training session. Little and often is key, whether you’re trying to train a dog, cat, or bunny, so ignore the weather and make it a regular habit come rain or shine.
It’s best to start leash training indoors where there are fewer distractions, meaning that by the time you brave it outdoors, you’re well on the way to success.
Here are some tips for how to teach your puppy to walk on a leash.
26. Supervised lawn time
Smaller pets such as bunnies and even hamsters tend to relish some time outside their cage. While baking hot sun, pouring rain or snow wouldn’t be the moment to give your little pet a run-around in the garden, it’s great to make the most of more clement weather to give them supervised lawn sessions.
You’ll need to make sure the garden is secure – or invest in one of the best rabbit runs – both in terms of opportunities to escape and from predators. With hamsters, the best plan is to put them in a hamster ball, so they can tear around the wide open space to their heart’s content, while in the home, they can rarely go very far without crashing into a wall or furniture.
27. Bubble bashing
Of course, you can blow bubbles for your pet to chase indoors, but you’ll end up with iridescent slippery blobs all over your floor. Outside the bubbles will burst on the ground where it doesn’t matter, the wind will carry these rainbow spheres whimsically on a breeze, and your pet will be enjoying the fresh air. Don’t forget to take some snaps – it’s an Instagram winner.
28. Catios
For those pets that live mostly indoors, a catio is a wonderful way to get them outside now and again. It will give your pet a new and stimulating environment to explore, different textures, safe plants, and novel smells to invigorate their senses. Spend time with your pet building the patio, finding non-toxic plants they can forage, rocks and logs to climb,and interesting places to hide.
A catio can also provide a safe, neutral zone for when you have visiting pets and want to arrange a playdate.
Here are some catio ideas and the best outdoor cat enclosures to give you some inspiration.
29. Training sessions
A training session can add purpose and structure to your outdoor adventures, while also strengthening the bond between you and your pet. Unlike some outdoor activities that depend on good weather, training can happen no matter what the forecast says, giving you that extra motivation on days when you’re not feeling up for it. It’s a great opportunity to tackle new challenges together, all while staying focused on your goals – regardless of the weather outside.
30. Exploration
Dogs absolutely love exploring new places, and for those who’ve been cooped up indoors all day, stepping outside is like a breath of fresh air. It’s a chance for their senses to come alive in ways they can’t experience indoors. With their remarkable nose, dogs are in their element outside, where every new scent and odor invites them into an exciting, sensory-rich world to discover.
It’s a true adventure for both of you, as you embark on these moments of shared exploration. Instead of sticking to the same old route, mix things up and embrace the thrill of new adventures together.
31. Bike basket outings
While cycling is an excellent outdoor activity to enjoy with a fit and athletic dog, for many canine breeds and smaller pets, cycling is too fast or demanding on their cardio systems. They can either enjoy the ride in a basket up front, paniers behind, or even a special pet trailer.
Cats often relish a cycling adventure, too. They can get out and about, and satisfy their curiosity about the wider world with minimal effort.
32. Country fair
Most country fairs are a dog lover’s haven. Dogs tend to be welcome, on leash, and there are usually rings with dog shows, agility, and prizes for winners.
Be honest with yourself about whether your dog will cope with the busyness and fatigue of a day at a country fair. Practice taking your dog to a busy garden center, where you can easily return home if it’s clear it’s too much for him.
Avoid hot weather, as it can be hard to find shade, and always take water and some sustenance.
They aren’t for the faint-hearted, but fairs can be a great way to stimulate your dog, expose him to new situations, and enjoy a day out together in the open air.