Activities For Dogs In Texas On Cold Days

Before you ever take off on your trip, we suggest booking your hotel ahead of time to ensure you'll have a place to stay (not that you'll be able to sleep anyway). Do a little bit of research beforehand so you can find your ideally creepy spot. We suggest three spots in particular, although there are plenty more. The Emily Morgan Hotel is absolutely notorious for ghostly activity - it was recently ranked as the third most haunted hotel IN THE WORLD - thanks to the fact that it's right near the historic Alamo Plaza, and it certainly doesn't hurt that it used to be a medical center in the early 1900s. Right nearby is The Menger Hotel, which boasts a similar reputation for all-too-often bumps in the night and The Crockett Hotel is rumored to be located on one of the most active sites during the battle. They are all dog-friendly, so call and book a room at the one that sounds the most interesting and be prepared to end your night with a bang.

The first stop on your trip will require a little research as well, but shouldn't be too difficult either. Find yourself a fall-themed farm outside of town that is dog-friendly for some classic autumn fun. Most farms don't serve food and have plenty of animals which means they're usually open to well-behaved dogs. Many have games you can play, hay rides, and even corn mazes, all of which your dog will likely be able to participate in (and may even be able to help you in the corn maze). Check each farm's website and make sure they're dog-friendly. If you're still not sure, give them a call. Most are entirely family friendly and accommodating as long as your dog is well-behaved, leashed, and cleaned up after.

Like we mentioned in the activity intro, San Antonio is notorious for its ghost activity, largely because of the Alamo and the famous battle that took place there. Of course, it doesn't hurt that it's tucked in the heart of the city, leaving it wrapped in history on all sides. Because of it, San Antonio has some of the best haunted tours in the state, if not the country, many of which are dog-friendly. Our two top recommendations are Sisters Grimm and Bad Wolf Ghost Tours, as both have been extremely well-received and enjoyed by dog owners of all walks. Both tours are right around 90 minutes at just $15-$20 per person and walk through some of the most active haunted spots in the city. Just make sure you call ahead to let them know you plan to bring your dog. Once you're done you can easily walk to your hotel and settle in for your night of frights!

Once a year at the Fair Park in Dallas, there comes an event that is equally as festive as it is dog-friendly: Deck the Paws. The two-day event costs under $10 a person for standard tickets but also offer VIP tickets for unrestricted access to the VIP Lounge and additional package benefits. The event itself includes tons of activities for both people and pups including holiday shopping, photos with Santa, an art exhibit for dogs, an ugly sweater contest, holiday-themed baked treats, and even train rides. Sign up in advance online for just a day or buy enough for a return on day 2. The event runs 8 hours both days, leaving you both plenty of time to get furry and festive.

While you can take your dog on a San Antonio riverwalk any time of the year and enjoy it, holiday time is easily one of the most magical. Not only is the riverwalk littered with dog-friendly patios to grab food and drinks on, but it is decorated from head to toe in absolutely gorgeous holiday lights, doubling its presence by glistening off the calm waters of the river below. Plus, many of the businesses along the walk have special holiday treats, deals, and more for you two to check out. Bring your camera because there will be plenty of photo ops for both of you!

If the lights of the riverwalk just aren't enough, consider taking a road trip to one of several Texas towns that decorate their town squares and entire neighborhoods with lights. There are at least ten spread across the state, but most are found in a stretch between San Antonio and Grapevine, making it a perfect road trip for you and your furry friend.

There are few steps necessary for this activity besides paying and showing up. You'll probably want to get a costume ahead of time and try it out on your dog to make sure they'll be comfortable in it for a few hours. Make sure your pup can see well and that the costume itself fits properly.

Otherwise, for this fun activity, you just need to pack the few supplies listed above and hit the fest. If this one is any indicator, there will be lots of activities like doggy trick or treating, a costume contest, and more waiting for you two, so get there early and get in some holiday-themed fun!