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If you’re a family looking for an adventurous day out for dogs and kids, then look no further! Whether you’re thrill seekers, nature lovers or foodie obsessives, there are plenty of pawfect options for you to visit across the UK.
The whole family – including your furry friend – will be able to enjoy these activities, from beautiful walks to fun activities to burn off some energy. So pack your bags and get ready to explore with our ten best days out for dogs and kids!
Visit A Castle Or Historic Ruins
We’re really lucky to have a wealth of history right on our doorstep here in the UKK. Visiting a castle or place of history with your child can foster a desire to learn and an understanding of the past. It creates a love of history that can last a lifetime. What’s more? The majority of them are dog friendly, so your pooch can sniff and discover the past with you.
If you’re searching for dog friendly castles and historical places of interest in Wales, head to Cadw. Scotland? Visit Historic Environment.
For England, check out English Heritage. If you’re planning on multiple visits throughout the year as a family, then it’s probably worth looking into the annual English Heritage membership. Enjoy unlimited access to hundreds of historic place, free parking and free entry for up to six children (under 17). You also receive other goodies including a handbook, events guide, a kids magazine!
Get 15% off the annual membership using code: EH22MEM.
Go Ape
Go Ape is a fantastic activity for families. They operate tree top adventure parks around the country, and their high-rope courses are suitable for all ages and abilities. Greatest of all is that many of their 34 locations are dog friendly, making it one of the best days out for dogs and kids!
At Go Ape you can expect to encounter fun obstacles such as balance beams, rope swings and zip lines, which are all set high up in the trees. If your kids are under 6, they can even join in on the fun by taking part in junior sessions that feature smaller obstacles designed specifically for them!
Every single Go Ape has been uniquely designed too, so you’ll always experience something different when visiting a new location. There will be some fantastic walks nearby where your pooch can get some exercise too, as the locations feature in some wonderful areas such as forests, moors and even National Parks.
Grab yourself a voucher Each Go Ape location has its own rules on whether dogs are allowed, so make sure to double check by visiting the individual listing pages on their website.
Go Hiking
Who doesn’t love a good hike? It’s a great way to get some fresh air and exercise and explore some new places! With new smells and terrain for your pooch to sniff out and lots of nature spotting for the kids, this is an activity suited for the whole family. Be sure to bring plenty of water for both your family and your pup, and maybe even a delicious flask of hot chocolate on a cooler day.
Children can get involved with map reading, leading the group and of course, being in charge of picking the celebratory treat as a reward at the end! Did someone say ice cream…?
There are an endless number of amazing places to visit across the UK for a stunning hike, with each providing new opportunities to explore and make memories with the family.
Looing for some picture-pawfect hiking locations all over the UK? Click here for some enchanted woodlands (or should we say wooflands) and here for some great hills and mountains to explore.
National Trust
National Trust properties are a great way to get out and about with the kids and your dog. You can head off into the countryside, lakeside, woodland and other gorgeous nature-filled locations for some fresh air and a day of adventure!
The National Trust has a wide range of historic houses, gardens and nature reserves which make ideal days out for families. The organisation is also committed to keeping its admission prices low so that everyone can enjoy these special places! Not every National Trust location is dog friendly, however those which are, are continuously being improved upon from their dog friendly trails to providing more waste bins and drinking stations.
If you have a National Trust membership, you’ll also find a pawprint rating system in your handbook to let you know how dog friendly each location is. This is supaw handy for you to know before you head off! Pictured is Chartwell in London which welcomes dogs in all outdoor areas.
Explore The National Trust’s website to find out more about their dog friendly locations across England and Wales. For Scotland head over to the National Trust For Scotland.
Attend a Local Dog Show or Group Walk
Not only are dog shows and competitions fun to watch, but many of them are also free to attend. Your kids will love seeing all the different breeds of dogs and watching them perform tricks or compete in agility courses. And who knows, you might even find your new favourite breed!
You might also like to join one of our very own Lead the Way walks in association with Burns Pet. These are local walks hosted across the UK and aim to increase the human-animal bond and help local communities to connect with like-minded dog owners. You’ll find all the tools you need to socialise, interact and walk with other dog owners in your area, and you’ll also be provided with a goody bag from Burns too. Oh, and did we mention that all of our Lead the Way walks are completely free?! What better way to spend a day out with your kids and dog than this!
Zoos and Farms
Another dog and child friendly day out that’s always a hit is a trip to the zoo or farm. Many zoos and farms have designated dog walking areas, as well as dog-friendly exhibits that your furry friend can enjoy. It’s a great way for your pup to get some exercise, socialisation, and enrichment while also letting them join in on the fun of learning about animals and their habitats! Just be sure to check with your chosen destination beforehand, as not all zoos and farms allow dogs on-site. Plan ahead and follow any guidelines they may have in place, such as having your dog on a leash at all times and don’t forget to pack some dog treats for an extra special day out!
Visit A New Park or Garden
Plan a fun day out with the family by visiting a new local park or garden. The UK has so many wonderful gardens to explore and you can make a full day out of it too. Enjoy a long walk, bring along a picnic, play a game of rounders, or just enjoy exploring the beauty of mother nature’s fabulous green spaces!
There are many places with acres of land for your pooch to blow off some steam and for the kids to play games or do some wildlife and nature spotting. There are also lots of gardens and parks which have an on-site café or tea room so you can enjoy a tasty family lunch. Make sure to pack your pup’s favourite ball or toy to play some fetch!
Canalside & Riverside Pub Walks
If you’re lucky enough to live nearby the water, this one is a definite must-do on a lovely day. Take a walk along the river or canalside where kids can keep an eye out for ducks and swans, and your pooch can enjoy sniffing out some new terrain.
You’ll often find some great riverside pubs along the way too, making it the pawfect opportunity to stop off for a yummy breakfast or lunch while you’re at it! Many will offer waterside seating so that you can enjoy views across peaceful waterways as well as the company of other dogs out on walks with their owners too.
Some popular canalside spots are Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire, Kent, Essex, Mid Wales and the Scottish Highlands – so make sure to put these destinations on your next family holiday list!
Go On A Boat Or Train Ride Together
A’hoy there sailers! Take to the open waters, and go on a family boat ride. There are plenty of dog friendly options across the UK, whether you’re looking for self-drive boats such as GoBoat, or big boat trips to search for Dolphins.
Prefer to keep your paws firmly on the ground? Then perhaps a train ride would be more suitable. Again you can find many across the UK, who open their doors to our furry paws. Better yet, the scenic views that come from both adventures will be a feast for the eyes.
Trips to the Beach
A day at the beach is a family and dog favourite for millions, and it’s not hard to understand why!
With endless places for your dog and children to run around and explore, this is a day out that will always be a winner. Why not make a weekend of it and visit a beach you haven’t explored before? There are so many amazing dog-friendly hotels and accommodations across the UK that your family will love for a trip away.
Our website is chock full of cottages, hotels, caravans and campsites that allow dogs. Find your next dog friendly beach that you want to explore and then check out our listings for nearby accommodation to suit!
Share Your Dog Friendly Family Adventures
There’s no shortage of fun things to do when you’ve got both kids and dogs in tow. From local dog parks to hiking trails, there’s something for everyone, and every pup, to enjoy. We’d love to hear all about your own favourite family and dog-friendly destinations too – so drop a comment below to share yours!
