DATING WITH DOGS: 7 DOG-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR DATE IDEAS 

As the weather gets warmer, there are more opportunities to enjoy outdoor dates. Plus, being outdoors can give your dog a good chance to exercise, socialize, and practice being the best dog in the world (for treats, of course).  

Whether you’re just getting to know someone or are in a long-term relationship and share a dog together, bringing your pup along on a date can be a lot of fun. 

Some of the benefits of bringing your dog on a date are: 

1. They’ll bring exactly the energy you need! Whether your dog is a fun-loving goofball or a calm and friendly soul, their vibes can help you feel at ease. 
2. Sniffing out the dog lovers from the haters. That being said, some people love dogs but didn’t grow up around them—and may even be awkward around them. Bringing your dog on a date can help you uncover if your date is someone who loves and respects pets, even if they’ve never been a pet parent themselves.
3. Finding someone who matches your pet parent freak, so to speak. Does your dog sleep in your bed? Do you spend an hour preparing a 5-course lickmat meal? Do you let them jump up on the couch? Or lick your face incessantly? Bringing your dog will make it easier to find out if these are deal breakers or if they’ll treat your pooch to the same luxuries you do! 
4. Helps your dog socialize, exercise, and practice training. Dogs need regular exercise, healthy socialization, and mental stimulation to enhance their well-being. And if your date brings a dog, a neutral location can be perfect for them to meet up, play, and hopefully become BFFs.

That being said, here are a few dog-friendly outdoor date ideas:  

GO TO THE FARMERS MARKET 

The farmer’s market is a great place for a date. You can get a bite to eat, pick up farm-fresh produce, and sniff out the best stand to pick up a doggie treat. Bringing a date here tells them you’re down-to-earth and support local businesses—even if it is just an opportunity to get your pup a special treat for being so adorable. 

GO ON A WALK OR HIKE

A simple walk can be a fantastic date activity. You can stroll through the park, explore a local trail system, or even take a walk around the block. And if you’re in a more adventurous mood, consider going on a hike in nature. It’s a great experience for everyone and can provide great physical and mental stimulation for your dog as well!   

HAVE A PICNIC 

Picnics are a lost art form. But if you can pull off a delectable assortment of food and beverages for you and your date, you’ll be sure to impress! Not to mention, you can pack your dog a frozen stuffed KONG to let them in on the picnicking fun! Try one of our stuffing recipes like Summer Picnic, Sweet Summer Smoothie, or Peanut Butter Parfait. 

If you’ve got a picky eater on your hands, check out our library of dog-friendly recipes!  

GET SOME ICE CREAM OR COFFEE

Going out for ice cream or coffee is a classic date idea that most people enjoy. Also, many cafes and ice cream shops are dog-friendly and even serve dog-safe treats. You can take your ice cream or coffee, along with your pup cup, to the outdoor seating or nearest park. That way, you can enjoy your time outdoors while enjoying a tasty treat!

HAVE A BACKYARD BBQ

They say there’s nothing more romantic than cooking for someone. But clearly, they haven’t seen you try to spoon peanut butter into a KONG. Maybe you should try Easy Treat after you wash off those sticky fingers. Having a backyard BBQ or lunch date can be a relaxing way to bond and get to know the other person—and for them to get to know your pup in their natural habitat.  

GEOCACHING 

If you think about it, geocaching is the human equivalent of dogs scavenging. Just as a dog is mentally stimulated from solving a treat dispenser, you and your date will have lots of fun discovering hidden caches! Bringing your dog with you can give them exercise while you and your date enjoy the great outdoors! And once you find the final cache, treat your pup to a stuffed KONG as a well-deserved reward for completing the trek with you!

GO TO A DOG PARK

While there are things to keep in mind before taking your date and dog to a dog park or dog-friendly beach, they can be great places to hang out and talk while your dog is socializing and getting exercise!

Whether it’s your first date or your hundredth, these dog-friendly, outdoor date ideas will make sparks fly and tails wag!   

See more from our Dating with Dogs series: 

Dating With Dogs Series: 10 Dog-Friendly Date Ideas 

Dating with Dogs: Dog-Friendly Cold Weather Date Ideas 

Dating With Dogs: Will Finding Your Match Depend on Fido?