Activities For Dogs In Massachusetts On Nice Days
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Prepare for unexpected vet bills
Introduction
Given the average temperatures, Massachusetts enjoys around six to seven months a year with a fair likelihood of nice weather, leaving more than enough opportunities to enjoy similarly nice days when they happen to fall. Unfortunately, that also means trying to fill them with things to do for you and your dog when walks in the park and jogs around the neighborhood start to get boring. Luckily, we have a healthy roster of activities to undertake in the Bay State for locals and visitors alike. So if you need some inspiration on how to find pure joy in The Puritan State, look no farther than our ruff-stuffed roster below!
Paw Palooza Cape Cod
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
1 - 7 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Dog Bags
Extra Money
Activity description
While there are plenty of things you can save for any old nice day, there are a few summertime events in Massachusetts that shouldn't be missed, one of which is Paw Palooza Cape Cod. This event is not just dog-friendly but almost entirely dog-centric, featuring numerous demonstrations, interactive activities and cool new stuff for you both to try out. For the number of things to do, admission is dirt cheap at $7 and it can take up just a small portion of time or your most of your day if you so choose. Plus, it's a great way to get in some dual-socialization.
Step
1
Getting there
Unless you live on the peninsula, it might end up being a bit of a drive, so before you do anything else, it's best to plan accordingly for the length of the trip. Figure out ahead of time what kind of travel time you'll be facing, especially with traffic, and make sure to plan enough time to get in and enjoy all the activities you want to take in. There is a list of activities on the website but schedules don't fall into place until closer to the festival, so make sure to check back so you can plan to be there for the events you and your dog will be most interested in.
Step
2
Feed the festival
When the day arrives and you have your basic supplies packed and your schedule planned, hop in the car and go! (Just don't forget to stop for bathroom breaks.) When you finally get inside, make sure to check in to see when certain events are taking place (and that they're on time) so you can catch as much as you're able to. Explore the food and product tents in your downtime, as there are plenty of vendors offering dog-specific wares. If you get too hot, hit a misting tent. If your dog is too hyper, let them run around in one of the off-leash areas. If you need a break or want to pamper them, check out the doggy massages. Finally, don't forget to do some socializing! Other festival-goers are a great resource to find other dog-friendly establishments and events to attend, as well as a great opportunity to make some new canine and human friends.
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Take Your Paws To Jaws
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Cheap
Normal
2 - 8 hrs
Items needed
Money
Good walking shoes
Leash
Dog Bags
Camera
Activity description
While there are an absolute ton of places you can take your pooch from abandoned houses to posh patios, one of the best overall destinations to visit is Martha's Vineyard, especially if you have a penchant for horror movies. Why? Because many of the most famous scenes from the movie Jaws were filmed right on or near the island, much of which is still in use, including the sprawling dock and shorelines prominently featured throughout the movie. If it wasn't enough that you can see a bit of Hollywood on the East Coast, the adventure itself is well worth the trip. It does cost a bit to catch transportation out to the island, but the walking around and exploring is free and there's plenty for you and your dog to do all over the island.
Step
1
From yard to Vineyard
Considering where it's located, Martha's Vineyard is one of the toughest spots to get to in the state - which is probably why those that live there like it so much. With that said, it will take a decent amount of transportation to get there, so you'll want to plan ahead. A simple drive will at least get you to the ferry, but depending on the month, day, and time, it might be worthwhile to book your ticket ahead of time. Luckily, well-behaved and leashed dogs are free and welcome on-board. Take a look at the departure chart and try to plan your trip around when the ferry comes and goes, unless you don't mind getting stuck on the island. Plan to bring at least a leash and dog bags, but comfortable hiking shoes are also encouraged, as there is a fair amount of enjoyable walkable area once you arrive. And better yet, if you don't want to walk, most cabs, buses and even the island trolley are dog-friendly. Just make sure you have a decent map and some extra money to help you navigate.
Step
2
Explore and more
Once you've planned your trip appropriately, you can get to it. Head over to wherever you catch the ferry and make sure to give your dog a bathroom break before boarding to save yourself a potential mess later. Find a comfortable seat outside of the food service areas (where they are not allowed), hunker down, and enjoy the view. Once you arrive, you can hop a bus ride right down to Edgartown and either walk around downtown or head out towards the beach to see some familiar Hollywood sites. Make sure you check the seasonal restrictions for dogs, as some required them to be off the beaches entirely depending on the month and time of day. Feel free to bust out a camera and re-enact some of the movie scenes or just play tourist and take some cool photos. Once you've gotten your fill, you still have 95% of the island yet to see and explore!
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Camp Out
Popular
0 Votes
Sunny Day
Moderate
Normal
1 - 48 hrs
Items needed
Dog food and Bowl
Leash
Dog Bags
Overnight Bag
Activity description
Of all the things you can do on a gorgeous day, being outside should be at the top of the list and what better way to do so than signing up for a trip to Camp Unleashed-Berkshire. Not only will you have access to a variety of different play areas, but the camp also offers over 30 (!!!) different activities ranging from free play to training and basic lectures to interactive instruction. On the whole, the camp is only moderately expensive, can be enjoyed over the course of several days if you so choose, and provides such a dynamic range of things to do, it should suit nearly every dog and dog owner. Plus, it's one of the most immersive and extensive programs in the entire country.
Step
1
Prepare to unleash
You'll first want to check your schedule and find some time to make it happen. You may not be able to stay for every activity throughout the entire weekend, but you should at least make sure to free up enough time to get proper value out of it. Then, check out the activities list and highlight some you think your dog might enjoy or some that you both might learn from or bond through. Activities are optional, so you can always retreat for some peace and quiet, but the camp offers an insane amount of things to do and they should be taken advantage of. Once you've picked out some activities, secure your place and time at the camp. Then get to packing enough clothes, snacks, and supplies to last the trip, including dog food and a comfortable place for them to sleep.
Step
2
Give the camp your stamp
Once you've got everything prepared and the day has arrived, get camping! If you're lucky enough to arrive on-time Day 1, there will be a check-in followed by a lunch, then you'll be free to get settled in. Once you've done so, re-check the activities list and plan out which you'd like to participate in and which you'd like to skip. Don't be afraid to check in with employees to get a better idea of the extent of the activities. Many will have enough experience to help you gauge whether or not it will suit both you and your dog. Otherwise, have fun! The camp is set up to go through a range of activities from agility work to doggy yoga, and swimming to arts and crafts, so make sure to take advantage and try some new things. You never know what will make you both learn and grow.
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More Fun Ideas...
Boston Common
Boston actually boasts the oldest city park in the United States in Boston Common. It not only features two off-leash areas, but also has historical markers, public art, and even food vendors at certain times of the year, leaving more than enough to explore outside of getting some great exercise.
Pay Homage to a Legend
In the Edson Cemetary outside of Lowell, MA lies the grave of one of America's greatest writers: Jack Kerouac. Fans trek and adventure from all over the country (and world) to pay homage to the Duluoz legend and leave him all sorts of gifts just in case he wakes up. While it's commonly believed to be a faux pas (paws) to walk a dog in a cemetery, if you check the rules, are respectful, and keep your dog on a leash, there's no reason you shouldn't be able to honor one of our greatest adventurers with an adventurer of your own.
Do Some Mutual Tunneling
Just outside of the town of Clinton, directly west of Boston, is the former longest tunnel in Massachusetts that makes for a great walk. There is a ton of interesting graffiti to look at, some history to take in, and paths nearby so you can explore non-tunnel areas as well.
Conclusion
While nice days may be plentiful in Massachusetts, having varied, fun, and entertaining things to do are a bit more rare, that is, unless you know where to look (ahem, here). So whether you're just there to spend just a day in the Bay (State) or are a permanent fixture, we're here to give you some great ideas on how to best take advantage of the weather. (Don't forget to check out what to do on hot days for even more ideas!)