Activities For Dogs In North Carolina On Nice Days

The USNWC is west of Charlotte, meaning that anyone on the coast will still have a decent drive to get there. If it's a trek, we recommend making the most of it by getting a full day pass and taking in as much as your dog is comfortable with so you can get your time and money's worth. If you know they'll be a bit more limited, try to take advantage of the Center's other opportunities, such as their outdoor restaurant, so you can enjoy more beautiful weather with your dog even if you aren't being entirely active. We also recommend calling ahead to check availability for your chosen activities and making sure you have the proper gear in advance, such as a doggy life preserver for water-based activities. Most employees have a good idea of what you'll need, so call ahead and get clarity before you depart.

Once you've got everything planned, head on over to the facility. If you plan to do multiple activities, try to gauge your and your dog's thirst, hunger and energy levels so you can get the most out of the day. Think about starting with more strenuous activities, then winding down as the day goes on, refueling with food and drink, resting a bit, then heading back out for more fun. There is a ton of space to check out even right outside the center where you can watch rafters cruise by in the man-made channels below. Make sure to check in with activity-based employees to ensure you stay on track time wise and get to see and do all you have planned. And most of all, enjoy! Your dog may not be great or comfortable at everything you try, but the more often you do, the better you'll both likely get at it. If live close or have the time, come back for several visits and try everything you can. You never know what you and your pooch will like best until you try them all!

The first step of this process is identifying some potential events and picking which one best suits your dog's comfort level and your own interests. For example, if you're into baseball, The Durham Bulls (MiLB) host Bark in the Park once a year, an event that allows you to bring your dog into the stadium, march around on-field before the game, and even provides temporary dog-sitters for you while you use the bathroom or get food. Of course, you need to have a dog that's well-behaved and comfortable with big crowds to attend. For those who prefer to be a bit more active, there's also the Tails in Town and Strut Your Mutt 5k, which is a combination half-day event and 5k walk that benefits local animal shelters. There's also Woofstock, which provides raffles, activities, food, and music, all of which help to benefit the Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue. Pick an event that suits both you and your dog, then take the next steps to register or buy tickets.

If the hardest part is also the most fun part, you're in good shape. The next step is literally just attending the event. If you've chosen to do a walk/run or other traditional charity event, make sure to check in with organizers so all necessary information is shared before the start of the event. If it's more of a festival-style event, check out all the booths that are set up, as they may have some new, tasty, or just plain cool offerings available. Don't hesitate to socialize and meet some new canine and human friends. These types of events are usually great for networking so you can find out other nearby events and meet other like-minded people.

While several other parks of this type require registration and adherence to rigid rules and hours, this park is open every day from dawn until dusk and it's only rules are to be respectful of the park and installations by picking up after your dog and keeping them leashed and well-behaved so others can enjoy it as well.

It takes little planning outside of finding a time to go, but offers tons of open space, wonderfully landscaped areas, lots of natural beauty, easy access parking, and detailed maps so you can take in as much as you like. If it all sounds simple and sweet, that's because it is. If you have any doubts, go seek out their multi-site five-star reviews.