Top Activities For Dogs In Kentucky On Hot Days

Introduction

Summertime in the Bluegrass state is amazing. Everything is green and vibrant. If you are looking for things to do with your dog in the heat of the season, you won't be disappointed. Kentucky is a very dog-friendly state. Just about everyone owns at least one pooch. The opportunities of places to go and things to see are virtually endless. If you do not live in Kentucky and you will be traveling to the state with your dog, be sure to book pet-friendly accommodations ahead of time so you don't have to hunt for lodging for the night.

Explore the Parks

Popular

0 Votes

Hot Day

Cheap

Normal

4 - 7 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Collar

Dog food

Dog bowl

Bottle water

Activity description

In the state of Kentucky, pets are allowed in designated areas. You can hike with your pet on most trails. However, dogs are banned from park trails that share the land with the State Nature Preserves. They are also not allowed on any archeological sites. Some of the lodging within the state parks allow dogs for an additional fee if you want to camp in a cabin with your pet. You can also camp in a tent with your dog. Overall, a weekend at one of Kentucky's many state parks is a great way to get out and enjoy the summer days.

Step

1

Big Bone Lick

Head for the Big Bone Lick park with your pooch. The park is located in Union, Kentucky. There is a 7.5 acre lake that is brimming with fish, hiking trails that span over four miles, 67 campsites, a museum, and numerous interpretative plaques. The park is also home to a herd of bison. There is also tennis, miniature golf, a playground, picnicking, and swimming opportunities throughout the park.

Step

2

Grayson Lake State Park

Explore the sheer sandstone canyons with their gentle slopes at the Grayson Lake State Park. The park covers 1,512 acres. It was once a favorite camping site for Native Americans. You will find ample hiking trails that take you beneath large hemlock trees and circle the lovely lake. There is an onsite campground that is open throughout the summer months.

Step

3

Dawkins Line Rail Trail

If you are looking for a really great place to hike or bike with your dog, the Dawkins Line Rail Trial might be ideal. The trail is 18 miles long and an additional expanse is under construction which will extend the trail to 36 miles. It is the largest rail-to-trail hiking site in the state. It is a great place to bring your dog, but be sure to keep your dog under control if you encounter horseback riders.

Add your dog's photo

Dinosaur Encounter

Popular

0 Votes

Hot Day

Moderate

Normal

4 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Collar

Water bowl

Dog treats

Waste bags

Activity description

Dinosaur World is one of the few museums in the United States that welcome dogs. At the park, you and your pooch will have the opportunity to encounter life-size replicas of a variety of dinosaurs. The place is a fun spot to snap lots of photos as you explore the region. There are three Dinosaur World outdoor museums located in the United States. One sits in Plant City, Florida, one in Cave City, Kentucky, and one in Glen Rose, Texas. All of the parks welcome well-behaved dogs on a leash. There is no additional fee involved in bringing your dog into the park.

Step

1

Leash up your dog

As soon as you get to the park, be sure to leash up your pooch. If you have a small dog you might want to put them in a pet-friendly stroller to traverse the trails. The outdoor museum is very extensive, so this excursion is going to require a lot of walking.

Step

2

Calm your dog

The replicas of the dinosaurs look very realistic so please keep your dog calm; they may show fear at the sight of the life-size dinosaurs. If possible, let your dog sniff the statues so they know that the huge depiction is not a real dinosaur but only a recreation.

Step

3

Hydrate and snack

Take some time to pour your dog a refreshing drink of water so your pooch can stay hydrated. Remember, you are both going to be walking a lot and the day is exciting; it's not uncommon for a dog to become dehydrated during exploration. You can even give your pup some treats or a bit of dog food to act as a pick-me-up as you explore the various dinosaur exhibits.

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Kentucky Horse Park

Popular

0 Votes

Hot Day

Moderate

Normal

4 hrs

Items needed

Leash

Collar

Water

Waste bags

Dog treats

Activity description

You cannot visit Kentucky without viewing the Kentucky Horse Park with your pooch. The largest state-owned tourist attraction, the park is open to dogs. The only places canines are not allowed are in the restaurant or the museums. The park is a working horse farm that has a very strong educational theme. It is located on over 1,200 acres of lovely grass pastures. Horse shows are regularly held at the location Typically, there are dozens of breeds of horses at the site working. There is an onsite campground where you can choose to spend the night in an RV or tent.

Step

1

Leash your dog

When you first arrive at the park it is imperative that you make sure your pooch is on a leash. The park is a working horse farm with many horses on site. You will be required to keep your dog under control at all times. If you have a small dog, then you might want to put the animal in a pet-friendly stroller to traverse the expanse of the park.

Step

2

Watch the Parade of Breeds show

There is a lovely Parade of Breeds show that you won't want to miss. It is an outdoor parade where you will get to see and learn about various horse breeds. Just pick a place in the shade and keep your dog calm by offering your pooch reassuring words and treats. If your pet is unsure of the activity, move along quietly so as not to disturb others.

Step

3

Explore the memorials and statues

Throughout the park are many memorials and statues that you won't want to miss. Be sure to take time while walking from location to location to give your dog a refreshing drink. Your pooch must stay hydrated on a hot day. You might even want to offer your four-legged buddy a bite to eat if your dog appears hungry. Always remember to pick up after your dog if they produce waste while at the event.

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More Fun Ideas...

Design a T-Shirt Together

When the weather gets hot, you might want to seek a cool air-conditioned activity to share with your pooch. At the Dirty Tease, you can sit with your canine and design a teeshirt together. In fact, they even offer teeshirts that fit your dog. You can both walk out with matching shirts, or you can opt to create different and unique designs. Either way, it is a fun activity that you can share with your dog. In fact, many families frequent the teeshirt design store in Louisville with their dogs so you will have ample opportunity to socialize. Just remember, your pooch must be on a leash at all times and be well-behaved.

Garvin Brown Preserve

In Louisville, Kentucky sits a hidden gem of a dog park known as the Garvin Brown Preserve. It spans 46 acres and sits alongside the river with an ample beach area. Your dog is allowed to freely run and play. All that is asked of you as an owner is to promptly pick up after your pooch. You should bring a water bowl because your dog is definitely going to work up a thirst on a hot day. Also, if your pal likes to swim, be sure to pack a few towels so you can dry your dog off and remove any mud from their paws before loading them back into your vehicle.

Conclusion

The rolling hills of Kentucky are beautiful during the summer months. If you are seeking outdoor activities to enjoy with your dog then you won't be disappointed. However, if the heat does become too much there are also places you can explore together that afford lots of air conditioning such as the Rabbit Hash General Store which welcomes dogs. It has been a functioning store since the 1830s. In Lexington, the Mulberry & Lime is a dog-friendly home furnishings and gift shop that is located in the historic Matthew Kennedy House. Most of the grounds, tasting room, and gift shop at the Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort are also opened to pets. Undoubtedly, Kentucky is a great place to spend the hot days of summer with your beloved canine companion.