Activities For Dogs In Washington On Nice Days

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Introduction

While Washington is better known for its rain, few outside of year-round residents know that the state still boasts four solid months of nice weather that average 60 degrees or better, from June through September. While it may still be punctuated with occasional precipitation, that still leaves more than enough time (especially counting nice days in April and May as well) for residents and visitors alike to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather with their dogs.

Botanical Gardens

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Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
30 - 90 min
Items needed
Leash
Treats
Dog Bags
Activity description
While there are plenty of parks you can walk your dog around in, taking them to a dog-friendly facility that is designed and landscaped for that exact purpose can be significantly more entertaining, especially if you happen to love plants and flowers, which is why the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Gardens are a perfect spot for you and your pooch. If it wasn't enough that they're cheap (and sometimes free), they offer walking space, places to picnic, a significant number of exotic plants to look at and even host free concerts in summer (on say, a nice day, perhaps?). You can spend as much or as little time as you want and weather permitting, you have your own little paradise for the day.
Step
1
Plan your visit
The best part about these gardens is that you can either walk in or plan something more complex, depending on your availability, intention, and the weather. If you just have some free time on a nice day, grab your dog and go. But if you want to dive in a bit deeper, try to plan your trip out, such as packing a picnic lunch, bringing a camera to take photos, or attending on a day or evening with a concert planned so you can go for a walk AND catch a show in one swoop. However, you should also consider whether your dog is prone to eating plants. Many botanical gardens have exotic plants that may be toxic to dogs and the trip is best suited for those who have enough self control and awareness not to munch on random plants.
Step
2
Execute the plan
Step two is as simple as following through. Make sure you have enough food and water packed to accommodate the length of your stay, as well as treats if your dog needs redirecting and dog bags to make sure the park stays as clean as you found it for future guests. Don't forget to take note of when your favorite flowers and plants will be in bloom for the sake of future visits. Most importantly, don't forget about your dog! While they may enjoy the walk regardless, some owners tend to get too tied up in flowers to remember their dog needs attention too. Take them to an open space and run them around a bit, bring a toy to play with, or find other owners with dogs they may be able to socialize with (and you too!). Universally dog-friendly spots are great places to meet like-minded dog owners.
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Race For Animal Charities

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Sunny Day
Moderate
Normal
30 - 180 min
Items needed
Good running shoes
Water
Leash
Dog Bags
Activity description
While getting out for a walk or run with your dog is fun and beneficial in itself, there are plenty of ways you can turn nice days and exercise into donations for charity. Seattle alone hosts numerous runs and walks for charity such as the Furry 5K where you and your dog can get signed up and run or walk in the year's largest fundraiser for the Seattle Animal Shelter. Of course, there are plenty spread all over the state that benefit various charities, you just have to find the one that suits your schedule and interests the best. Some even have post-race events for you and your dog as well! Plus, it's generally relatively cheap (although most admission fees go to the charity anyway), is great exercise, is perfect for nice days and gives you and your dog both a chance to socialize with like-minded others.
Step
1
Prep it up
The first step in any aspect of entering a race is making sure you're prepared. While walking 5K doesn't seem like much, for some who are out of shape or out of practice, it can be more than bargained for, and there's little worse than trying to get exercise and give to a charity when you're too exhausted or injure yourself overworking muscles that haven't been prepared. Make sure you work up to a full 5K, even if you have to do so over a matter of days, weeks, or more. Of course, it's much easier if you can handle it right away, as it's considerably more convenient to just walk onto one when the opportunity arises, but it never hurts to prepare! Don't forget to bring your dog with you when you practice too. If they get too tired, it's going to be just as hard on you as it is on them if you have to carry them or coax them back.
Step
2
Race like an ace
Once you've properly trained yourself for your endeavor, find a suitable event (unless you've been training for something specific), and sign up. On the day of, make sure you have water, a secure leash, and good running shoes to retain comfort as long as possible. Then, run! (Or walk.) Drink enough water to stay hydrated and keep a constant eye on your companion to make sure they are happy, healthy, and comfortable. Chances are, no matter the length of the race, you'll need to stop so they can use the bathroom, as exercise often expedites the digestion process, making dog bags and potty breaks a must. When you're done, don't forget to find out if there are other events after the race or a place where dog owners plan to go afterwards, as it could be a prime opportunity for you and your dog to do some additional socializing.
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Outdoor Flick

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Sunny Day
Cheap
Easy
80 - 120 min
Items needed
Blankets or chair
Leash
Dog toy
Activity description
The best part about this last main activity is that most of the impromptu outdoor theaters only air films during the nicest parts of the year anyway, for example July through August, so you likely won't have too much trouble picking a nice day. It doesn't necessarily require sunny weather like it says in the attributes or outline, but it does require nice enough weather to be comfortable outside, such as a decent temperature and no precipitation. Otherwise, there are several locations including Magnuson Park, the U-Park by Fremont Studios, Downtown Park, and Marymoor Park, making it relatively accessible for those somewhat near the city (among others further out), it's cheap at around $5 per person, it's as easy as plopping down, and many have enough space to alternate between watching the movie and playing nearby if you or your dog get restless.
Step
1
Find your flick
While there are numerous places to go and several options of movies at each one, you'll still likely want to go when they air a movie you like or want to see. Check the schedule to make sure they're playing something you like - that is, if you're going to actually sit and watch the movie (several locations have food and drink stands and other activities to participate in too, which negates the sole need for a good film). Then, double check to make sure the area is dog-friendly, as some rules or locations may change before or during movie season.
Step
2
Pack and head over
Once you've picked the right movie and day, you may have to do some waiting unless you're lucky (or smart) enough to plan everything the day of. Get everything packed, such as a blanket or two (one to sit on, possibly one to cover yourself with or give to your dog) or a chair to sit on, their leash, and maybe a dog toy if they get restless easily (something to chew on, throw around or both). Then head on over to the park, plop your supplies down and get settled in. If you or your dog get bored during the movie, get up and move to the outside of the crowd where there is free space and move around a bit so you don't get too bored or stiff. Don't forget to take advantage of the opportunity to find other dog-owners as well. They can be great for one-time or long-term socializing, as well as a potential plethora of information about other dog-friendly events.
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More Fun Ideas...

Canoeing

Washington state boasts plenty of calm rivers and lakes you can canoe around. Grab your pooch and find a dog-friendly rental place and go out for a paddle!

Explore New Beaches

Apparently if you need a semi-inside tip, Double Bluff Beach is absolutely gorgeous and boasts a two-mile stretch of off-leash area to run around. But there are certainly plenty more if you know where to look!

Find the Seattle Barkery

Get this: A food truck for hand-crafted dog treats! How awesome is that? Oh, and they serve coffee for the people-types too.

Conclusion

While nice days may not be as common as foggy or rainy ones in Washington, there's still no shortage of awesome things you can do when a few finally stick around. Even if these locations or events aren't near you, have no fear! There are plenty of dog-friendly business and spots to check out statewide, so don't hesitate. Dig up some new semi-local treats and go have yourselves some fun!