Summer is finally right around the corner, and it’s time to get out and enjoy the weather! Walks through the neighborhood are nice, but a change of scenery is always a real treat! There are all kinds of summer activities you can enjoy, but of course, you can’t go without your dog!
If you’re a person who likes to get out with your dog as often as possible, then you’ve come to the right place. You might be new to the area and need some help finding dog-friendly things to do, or you might be hoping to find some new activities. The whole point? Venture out! Get out of your comfort zone, and try a new thing with your dog. Maybe that looks like a road trip to the city or a walk through a new-to-you trail. Whatever it is, don’t forget to enjoy the special one-on-one time with your dog.
We’ve put together a helpful guide to dog-friendly activities near Bel Air, Maryland. We’ve included some dog parks as well as a few activities to inspire an adventure day with your pup! So let’s check ‘em out!
Summer Activities For You and Your Dog
Is there a better way to spend a summer evening than lounging in your car, enjoying a movie with your best friend? At Bengie’s Drive-In Theatre, dogs are welcome, provided you keep them on a leash. There is an outdoor potty area, and you can bring a bowl to fill at the water fountain. Outside food is not allowed, but they do have a snack bar where you can grab a treat to enjoy with your movie.
There’s something so relaxing about spending a lazy summer day sampling a wine flight at a local vineyard. Stop by Britain Hill Venue and Vineyard to enjoy some wine and the beautiful vineyard views. Your dog is welcome to join you on the patio. Plus, the food truck schedule is on the vineyard website, so you can start planning your wine and food pairings.
This summer you’ll need to make at least one trip to the Ma & Pa Heritage Trail. This trail is part of the Rails to Trails Conservancy and follows an old rail line. There are two sections of trail, spaced several miles apart. The most Southern portion starts in Bel Air and the second starts in North at Forest Hill. Walking this trail you will get to enjoy the views of woods and marshland. Remember to bring bags so you can clean up after your dog and preserve the trails. This is a perfect time to allow your dog to take a sniff walk and enjoy all the smells of nature.
You can’t go all summer without taking at least one long hike with your dog. The Double Rock Park trail is an easy trail of just over a mile and a half. There are stream crossings and views of the falls to enjoy as you and your dog enjoy a peaceful hike getting reacquainted with nature.
Stroll through the extensive trails running through this beautiful research preserve. Since there are research areas and wildlife sanctuaries, be sure to keep your dog on a leash throughout your whole visit.
Finish a warm summer day off with a refreshing pint. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this perfect bonding opportunity with your pup!
Dog Friendly Activities Near Baltimore
Located in the small but picturesque Latrobe Park, Locust Point Dog Park offers dogs a fun place to enjoy the outdoors. What makes this park so special? There is a water feature where dogs can splash and cool off. And there are rocks and a large tree trunk for the more adventurous and athletic dogs to climb. Plus, they’ve got shady benches that are just perfect for pet parents to hang out on and keep an eye on their pups. One downside of this park is the lack of separation for large and small dogs, but there are hours reserved for small and elderly dogs.
Located at Roland Point, Paw Point Dog Park is perfect for dogs that enjoy the water. Dogs have over an acre to romp and play off-leash. Best of all, they have access to their very own section of the lake that is included within the dog park area. For safety, the dog park is enclosed by a code-controlled gate. The dog park does require a membership, but leashed dogs are allowed to walk through the rest of the park at no charge.
Why wait until spooky season to take a haunted tour? Any time is the right time to have a little haunted fun. You get to enjoy a fun walking tour of Baltimore history, in Fells Point or Mt Vernon, and you can bring your dog! Your dog will love the exercise and the time with you, and you’ll have fun doing something outside of the typical walk or hike.
Do you love a good puzzle? Do you love a walking history tour? Do you want to bring your dog? Then get a ticket for the Inner Harbor and Outer Sights Scavenger Hunt Tour. You’ll see local landmarks, and learn the history behind them as you solve riddles and challenges to find each location. This is perfect for the tourist traveling with their pup, or the long-time local who just wants to try something outside of their normal walk.
Do you have a seafaring pup or an older dog who loves fresh air but isn’t up to a long day of walking? Then why not enjoy the view from the bay? These sightseeing cruises vary from 40 minutes to as long as 7.5 hours. Dogs are welcome to join you, and they get to ride for free. Sip a cocktail and share a snack with your dog while you both enjoy the feeling of the sea breeze in your hair.
These are just some of the dog friendly activities you can get into this summer! Have a favorite activity of your own? Don’t keep us out of the loop! Let us know!