Staycation with Your Dog? 10 Fun Things to Do Together

Staycation with your dog? 10 Fun things to do together

You don’t have to travel far to enjoy a great vacation—especially when you have a dog! A staycation is the perfect opportunity to relax, try new things, and spend some real quality time together. No packing stress, no traffic jams—just pure enjoyment… right in your own neighborhood or backyard. Looking for inspiration? Here are 10 fun ideas for a dog-friendly staycation!

1. Explore your local area

Think you know your neighborhood like the back of your hand? Try taking a new route today! Discover a different forest, park, or nature reserve. Many websites (like Komoot, RouteYou, or AllTrails) let you filter walks by dog-friendliness.

✔ Tip: Bring a long leash so your dog can sniff and explore more freely.

2. Splashing around together

Is your dog a water lover? Find a dog-friendly swimming pond or a quiet lake and let them cool off. Bring a floating toy or a cooling vest and you're all set for a refreshing day out.

3. Picnic with paws

Pack a blanket, some treats for yourself and your dog, and head to a park or your backyard. A dog biscuit, a frozen Kong, or even a homemade pup-sicle (see tip 6) will get you both in the holiday mood.

4. Backyard camping

Set up a tent, roll out a mat, and spend a night sleeping outside together. For your dog, it’s a whole new adventure with familiar smells. Hang up some fairy lights for atmosphere, grab a flashlight, and enjoy an instant vacation vibe.

5. Brain games & sniffing fun

Use empty toilet rolls, towels, or egg cartons to create scent puzzles. It’s mentally stimulating for your dog and a fun bonding activity. Never tried it before? Search for “dog enrichment games” or “canine scent work” online—you’ll find tons of ideas.

6. Doggie ice cream

Hot weather? Make a refreshing treat! Blend a banana with a bit of dog-safe peanut butter and a spoonful of yogurt, pour into molds, and freeze. Guaranteed tail wags.

7. Nature photoshoot

Make your dog the star of your staycation with a fun photoshoot. Choose a pretty spot (flower field? forest?), bring a few props, and snap some cute photos of the two of you. Perfect for keepsakes—or your Instagram feed!

8. Learn something new together

Now that you’ve got some extra time, why not teach your dog a new trick? Try ‘high five,’ ‘roll over,’ or ‘find your toy.’ Dogs love to learn, and you’ll enjoy the results for weeks to come.

9. Doggy spa day

Pamper your pup with a gentle grooming session, a refreshing bath (if they enjoy it), a massage, or a nail trim. Finish it off with a tasty treat—because dogs deserve wellness days too.

10. Playdate or backyard paw-ty

Know other dog owners nearby? Host a mini doggy playdate in your yard or at the park. Let the pups play while the humans catch up. It’s a win-win!

Make memories with pawprints

Whether you're in the mood for adventure or relaxation, the most important thing is to have fun together. A staycation doesn’t have to be boring—on the contrary, it’s the perfect chance to connect even more deeply with your dog.

So lace up your walking shoes (or slip into your slippers), get cozy, and give your pup the staycation of their dreams!