11 Activities to Enjoy with Your Dog this Summer

Summer in Minnesota means long sunny days, vibrant green spaces, and endless opportunities for outdoor fun with your four-legged best friend. Whether you're looking to cool off by the lake, explore scenic trails, or enjoy a pup-friendly patio brunch, there's no shortage of dog-friendly adventures to enjoy. Here are 11 activities to enjoy with your dog this summer in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and beyond!

1. Splash Around at a Dog-Friendly Beach

Beat the summer heat with a trip to one of the area’s pup-approved swimming spots! Dogs who love the water will have a blast paddling, fetching, and rolling in the sand.

Try:

• Alimagnet Dog Park – Burnsville, MN

• Minnehaha Off-Leash Recreation Area — Minneapolis, MN

• Meeker Island Dog Park — St. Paul, MN

• Battle Creek Dog Park — Maplewood, MN

• Matoska Park — White Bear Lake, MN

Pro Tip: Check online to make sure you don't need to pre-register your dog to use the beach. Don’t forget towels, a floaty toy, and drinking water for your pup!

2. Try Paddle Boarding with Your Pup

Paddle boarding is a unique and peaceful way to enjoy Minnesota’s lakes, and yes, your dog can join in the fun too! Many local rental shops allow dogs, or bring your own board for a sunrise paddle.

Pro Tip: Use a doggy life jacket and start with short trips near shore to help your pup build confidence.

3. Grab an Iced Coffee at a Dog-Friendly Patio

Sip an iced latte while your dog people-watches at your feet... what could be better? From coffee shops to breweries, Twin Cities patios welcome pups all summer long.

Pro Tip: Arrive early in the day to avoid the heat and secure a shady spot.

4. Go for a Hike at a State Park

You don’t have to drive hours north to find adventure. There are several beautiful state parks right in the Twin Cities metro! These parks offer shady trails, scenic overlooks, and plenty of space for your dog to sniff, explore, and stretch their legs.

Try:

• Fort Snelling State Park – Flat, wooded trails with river views and lots of wildlife.

• Afton State Park – Blufftop views of the St. Croix and challenging trails for energetic pups.

• William O’Brien State Park – Peaceful wooded paths and prairie trails just outside of Stillwater.

• Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area – Great for quiet hikes through floodplain forest and fields.

Pro Tip: Minnesota state parks require a vehicle permit, but many also offer free entry on designated Free Park Days, perfect for a spontaneous summer hike!

5. Attend a Dog-Friendly Summer Festival

From art fairs to brewery events, many Twin Cities summer happenings roll out the red carpet for dogs. Watch for pet-themed events or general festivals that allow leashed dogs.

Pro Tip: Check out Chasing Golden Moments: The Ultimate Guide to Twin Cities Pet Events This Summer (2025) for a list of pet-related and pet-friendly events happening this summer all around the Twin Cities metro area!

6. Have a Picnic in the Park

Pack up a lunch, grab your favorite blanket, and find a shady spot at one of the city’s many green spaces. A relaxed picnic is a great way to spend quality time with your pup.

Pro Tip: Freeze a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter for a long-lasting treat during downtime.

7. Visit a Dog-Friendly Sunflower Field

Nothing says summer quite like a sunflower field in full bloom, and yes, your pup is welcome at some of them! These bright, cheerful backdrops make for an unforgettable outing and the most joyful seasonal photos. My favorite is Green Barn Garden Center in Isanti, MN. Their sunflower field is dog-friendly (on leash), and I’ll be offering a limited number of sunflower photo sessions there again this year!

Pro Tip: Sunflowers usually bloom in late July through August. Follow your favorite local farm on social media for bloom updates and be sure to bring water and poop bags for your pup!

8. Plan a Fireworks-Free 4th of July Getaway

Fireworks can be stressful for pets, so why not escape the noise altogether? Book a cabin up north or camp in a quieter area to enjoy the holiday in peace.

Pro Tip: Try to venture somewhere off the beaten path for a bit more quiet and seclusion!

9. Take a Weekend Trip to a Dog-Friendly Cabin

Summer is the ideal time to escape the hustle and relax at a pet-friendly retreat. Choose a cabin near a lake or trail system for the ultimate adventure-meets-rest getaway.

Pro Tip: Look for cabins with fenced yards or screened porches for extra peace of mind.

10. Go on a Scenic Summer Road Trip

Explore small towns, riverside vistas, and state parks along one of Minnesota’s many scenic byways. Don’t forget to include a few dog-friendly stops along the way!

Pro Tip: Use Sniffspot or BringFido to find pet-friendly stops along the way.

11. Treat Your Dog to a Pup Cup

No summer adventure is complete without ice cream! Many local ice cream shops and cafés offer “pup cups” so your dog can join in on the sweet summer fun.

Pro Tip: Ask what’s in the pup cup. Some use whipped cream while others offer frozen yogurt or dog-safe peanut butter treats.

Capture Your Summer Adventures with Scruff Life Photography

From lakeside picnics to cabin escapes, Minnesota summers are full of unforgettable moments with your dog. These are the golden days, the kind of memories worth holding onto. If you’re ready to turn your adventures into lasting keepsakes, I’d love to help!

My name is Lauren, and I specialize in capturing the bond between pets and their people through relaxed, natural sessions in Minnesota’s most beautiful settings. Whether you're paddleboarding, hiking, or just soaking up the sun, let's create something special together.

Ready to book your summer session? Reach out today and let’s make it happen!

11 Activities to Enjoy with Your Dog this Summer