School’s out, the sun is shining, and your backyard is full of potential. Summer is the perfect time to let your kids and dogs bond through fun, supervised activities that burn energy, teach responsibility, and build lifelong friendships.
Here are 15 fun and easy dog-and-kid activities to enjoy together during the summer break.
1. DIY Obstacle Course
Use chairs, boxes, cones, and hula hoops to build a backyard agility course. Kids can help guide the dog through jumps, tunnels, or weaves using treats and praise.
It’s a great way to teach teamwork and keep everyone moving.
2. Sprinkler Chase
Set up a sprinkler in the yard and let your dog and kid race through it together. Most dogs love the splashes, and kids won’t mind getting soaked.
Just supervise to keep the fun safe and make sure your dog enjoys water play.
3. Frozen Treat Time
Have your child help make dog-safe frozen treats using yogurt, peanut butter, or broth. Then enjoy them outside on a hot day.
It’s an easy and rewarding kitchen project both can enjoy.
4. Backyard Campout
Pitch a tent in the yard, bring out sleeping bags and flashlights, and let the dog join the “camping” fun. Dogs make great tent buddies.
Bonus: the dog might bark at raccoons before they get to your marshmallows.
5. Treasure Hunt
Let your child hide treats or toys around the yard and then help your dog sniff them out. Make it a game with clues or a little map.
It’s a fun way to encourage scent work and problem-solving.
6. Doggie Spa Day
On a warm day, let your kid help give the dog a bath using pet-safe shampoo and a hose or kiddie pool. Brushing, towel-drying, and belly rubs complete the experience.
It teaches gentle care and helps keep your dog clean.
7. Bubble Chasing
Dogs love chasing bubbles, and kids love blowing them. Use pet-safe, non-toxic bubble solution and let the fun begin.
It’s an effortless activity that leads to lots of laughs and great photos.
8. Doggy Dress-Up Parade
Use light, pet-safe costumes or bandanas and let kids create a mini fashion show or parade. Keep it comfortable—nothing tight or heavy.
Take pictures, clap, and give plenty of treats for participation.
9. Learn a New Trick Together
Let your child help teach a new command like “spin,” “high five,” or “roll over” using step-by-step training and rewards.
Kids love seeing the results, and dogs love the attention—and treats.
10. Sidewalk Art Photo Op
Have your child create fun chalk backgrounds—like balloons, superhero capes, or surfboards—and pose the dog for silly photos.
It’s a creative, low-cost way to have fun and make summer memories.
11. Story Time with the Dog
Encourage your child to read out loud to the dog in a cozy shaded spot. Many kids feel more confident reading to a calm, nonjudgmental audience.
Your dog might not follow the plot, but they’ll love the attention.
12. Kiddie Pool Play
Fill a plastic kiddie pool and toss in toys for both your kid and dog. Add floating balls, squeakers, or even ice cubes for extra fun.
Keep it supervised, and always dry your pup off afterward.
13. Tug and Fetch Relay
Create a game where your child throws a toy, the dog retrieves it, and the child races them back to the “starting line.”
It burns energy and builds a playful bond between them.
14. Make Dog Toys Together
Use old t-shirts or towels to make tug ropes or treat puzzles. Kids love crafts, and dogs love what comes out of them.
Let the child present the finished toy—instant reward!
15. Evening Firefly Walks
Take short twilight strolls when it’s cooler and fireflies are out. Give your child a flashlight and your dog a reflective leash or collar.
It’s a peaceful way to wind down after a long day of summer fun.
With just a bit of planning, your kid and dog can share a summer full of laughter, learning, and tail-wagging adventures—together.
