12 Fun Fall Activities to Do With Your Dog (Because They Deserve a Pumpkin-Spice Life, Too)

K9 KRAY
Oct 29
5 min read

Woman in autumn jacket and beanie sits smiling with a Border Collie dog on a leash in a forest with vibrant yellow leaves, evoking a cheerful mood. — A joyful autumn hike: A woman and her dog enjoy a moment amidst the golden foliage of a forest trail.

Ah, fall. The air is crisp, the leaves are crunchy, and your dog’s fur is somehow everywhere -yes including your coffee mug! While humans obsess over pumpkin spice and plaid, our dogs are out here wondering why the floor keeps producing snackable leaves. But let’s be real, autumn is dog season! Fewer bugs, cooler hikes, and unlimited photo ops. So, grab your leash (and maybe a lint roller), because here are 12 fall adventures to enjoy with your dog -each with a sprinkle of fall vibes and a dash of seasonal chaos.

1. Visit a Dog-Friendly Pumpkin Patch to Begin Your Fall Activities

This is the most iconic fall activity of all times and especially if you have dogs to tag along with you, and yes, your camera roll will explode! Pumpkin patches often welcome pups, so grab a latte, pick a pumpkin, and let your dog pretend they’re an influencer. Just be prepared for one “taste test” moment - every time.

English Cocker Spaniel Dog with a curious gaze sniffs pumpkins in a wooden cart, held by hands. Earthy background, bright orange and white pumpkins. Cozy mood. — A curious English Cocker Spaniel examines a pile of bright orange pumpkins while people around it select the perfect one for picking at the pumpkin patch.

2. Take Your Dog for a Scenic Fall Hike as a Fresh Fall Activity

Cooler air, crunchy trails, fewer mosquitoes =it’s a dog walkers heaven. Bring a leash, extra water, and an old towel (because “muddy paws” is a fall personality). Bonus: all those leaves make for the ultimate sniff-scavenger adventure so take advantages of this activity this fall season!

Person in a sweater throws a ball for a jumping Schnauzer dog on a sunlit, leaf-covered forest path. Autumn colors create a warm, joyful mood. — A man in a cozy sweater enjoys a playful autumn walk with his energetic Schnauzer, who leaps toward a ball on a stick amid a sunlit forest path blanketed in golden leaves.

3. Jump in a Leaf Pile (and Regret It Later)

Watching your dog leap into a leaf pile of colorful fall leaves is like pure joy. Realizing there was a mystery critter in there is definitely less joy. Proceed with enthusiasm, and maybe a change of clothes. Depending on where you live make sure that your dog is covered with medication for ticks and flees just to be safe, and even so, it wouldn't be a bad idea to check for ticks after their day of fun!

Brown dog playfully covering its face with paws, surrounded by yellow and brown autumn leaves on a paved path. Cozy and serene setting. — A playful dog plays among the vibrant fallen leaves on an autumn afternoon.

4. Host a Backyard Doggy Tailgate Party

Football season is better with fur. Invite a few friends and their dogs, throw out some chew toys, and let everyone “root” for snacks. Just remember dogs don’t understand team loyalty or the concept of not stealing hotdogs.

Two dogs playfully interact on a leafy trampoline in a backyard, surrounded by a wooden fence and autumn foliage. — Two playful dogs enjoy the autumn leaves in a backyard, with one lying on the ground and the other playfully nudging it, surrounded by the colorful foliage.

5. Bake Pumpkin Dog Treats as an Activity With Your Dog

Nothing says fall like pumpkin! It’s full of fiber and has dog-approved nutrients. Whip up a batch of pumpkin biscuits for your dog, obviously, and if you “accidentally” eat one, we won’t tell. If you make sure that the recipe is completely safe for dogs to eat than you can make cookies for both you and your dog to enjoy safely!

Dog eagerly eyes a bone-shaped biscuit with "EAT ME" text, held by a hand. The Australian Shepherd dog's blue eyes are wide, reflecting anticipation. — A curious Australian Shepherd eyes a bone-shaped treat inscribed with "EAT ME," eagerly anticipating a tasty reward.

6. Go Apple Picking

Many orchards allow dogs, and the photo ops are chef’s kiss. Call before heading over and make sure that the orchard you're planning to visit welcomes dogs and if there are any special hours where you can bring your pup with you. Just avoid fallen apples, as fermented apples + dog = the worst fall hangover ever.

Golden retriever sits in a cart with apples in a sunny field. Trees and a blue sky with clouds in the background create a joyful mood. — A joyful golden retriever enjoys a sunny day in the orchard, nestled among freshly picked apples in a cart.

7. Plan a Sweater-Weather Photoshoot - Memorable Fall Activity With Your Dog!

Matching flannel? Check. Golden light? Check. Slightly annoyed dog posing for the fifteenth time? Double check. Your Instagram followers will thank you, even if your dog won’t.

Curly-haired goldendoodle dog in orange hat holds a toy labeled "Lager," lying on a plaid blanket in a cozy room. Relaxed and playful mood. — A cozy Goldendoodle sporting a vibrant red-orange beanie and a denim jacket relaxes on a plaid blanket, clutching a plush toy shaped like a can of lager.

8. Enjoy a Dog-Friendly Patio Before Winter Hits

Before patio season hibernates, grab your pup and sip that final pumpkin latte outdoors. Bring a cozy blanket, because one of you will inevitably be cold or maybe both of you want to be wrapped in a blanket and keep each other warm.

A man and woman sit outdoors at a café with coffee, smiling at a relaxed corgi on a leash. Glass wall and city view in the background. — A couple enjoys coffee at an outdoor café while their cheerful Corgi sits contentedly between them on the wooden deck.

9. Explore a Fall Farmers’ Market

Farmers’ markets are basically an autumn Disneyland for dogs, with the endless smells and people telling them they’re cute. Just don’t let them “shoplift” from the bread table.

Man with a golden retriever dog orders at a blue and yellow "First Stop Donuts" food truck in a park. Others wait in line, surrounded by trees. — A vibrant "First Stop Donuts" food truck serves eager customers in a farmers market park setting. People line up, including a man accompanied by a friendly golden retriever, to enjoy freshly made apple cider donuts.

10. Cozy Movie Night In

It’s dark by 6 p.m. anyway, so make it cozy. Grab a blanket, light a candle, and stream something wholesome, and maybe in style with the season. Your dog will love the cuddles even if they fall asleep 5 minutes in.

Man relaxing on a red sofa with a German Shepherd dog resting beside him. Gray brick wall background. Calm, cozy setting. — A man relaxes on a leather couch while a large, attentive German Shepherd rests beside him, creating a cozy and heartwarming scene.

11. Throw a “Barktoberfest” Party

Invite the neighborhood pups and their humans for a fall-themed dog party. Veggie broth “beer” for the dogs, pretzels for the people, and chaos for everyone. You’ll be the talk of the block and the dogs will still bark about it next week.

Two corgis in sweaters and hats among pumpkins, surrounded by fall foliage. One smiles at the camera, creating a festive autumn vibe. — Two adorable corgis dressed in festive autumn outfits sit among a pile of pumpkins, perfectly capturing the spirit of fall. One wears a charming red bow, while the other sports a stylish plaid hat, adding a touch of whimsy to the cozy party scene.

12. Take the Long, Lazy Walk

The simplest activity is often the best. Let your pup sniff every leaf, and enjoy the area, and remind you that life is better when you slow down and enjoy the crunchy stuff.

Man walking a brown silver grey Great Dane dog on a leash through autumn leaves. Sunlight filters through trees in a park setting, creating a warm, serene mood. — A person enjoys a peaceful autumn walk with their Great Dane, surrounded by a blanket of fallen leaves on a sunny day.

The Final Bark

Fall only lasts a moment. Soon we’ll all be trudging through snow and regretting every choice that doesn’t involve fleece. So, soak up every leaf pile, every tail wag, every pumpkin-flavored anything, because while your dog doesn’t care about pumpkin spice… they do care about you (and maybe that squirrel again)!