If you are looking for ways to entertain your pet-loving kids during these long summer days, we have compiled a Top 10 List of dog-centric summer activities for kids which will not only promote kindness towards our furry friends but can also benefit shelter and foster dogs who are patiently waiting for their forever families.
DPA’s Top Summer Activities For Kids Who Love Dogs
#10 Author! Author!
Help your kid write and illustrate an original story about a special dog’s journey to find a forever home. Kids can write about their favorite breed or favorite kind of dog and make the story as adventurous as they like. Be sure it ends with a happily ever after!
#9 Unleash Your Inner Volunteer
Come to a monthly event like Kids Reading to Adoptable Pets at the Adoption Container and read that story to Cici, an adorable 11-month-old Heeler/Cattle Dog mix, or one of the other adoptable dogs. Kids of all ages can read their favorite stories or one they have authored themselves to our foster pups, providing valuable socialization for our dogs while helping children escape that summer slide in reading levels. Register for this event!
#8 Old Dog New Tricks
Your child can check in with your elderly neighbors and ask how they can help with any companion pets. Chances are seniors may not be able to walk, play with, or groom their furry friend as much as they would like. Maybe your kid can even teach an old dog a new trick!
#7 Stand for Something
A lemonade stand or a bake sale is one of the most quintessential summer activities for kids. You can choose a dog from the Dallas Pets Alive! website to sponsor and donate those funds to cover the lifesaving care. You can donate the money raised through Kindful or the Full Bowl Club so that your donation has immediate impact.
#6 Make a Wish
If your kid has a summer birthday, have guests bring along a gift for a dog like Mabel II, who is waiting for her forever home. If your dog lover has kitten-loving friends, DPA! has a Kitten Season Wish List that is easy and fun to shop.
#5 Ready, Set, Bake
Dog treats are easy and fun to make with your friends or family. Find a recipe online and use doggie themed cookie cutters to make special treats for the dogs in your life. If it is hot, you can try the no-bake route and make homemade frozen dog treats. Even pups love popsicles!
#4 Snug as a Bug
There are many online patterns for easy no-sew fleece blankets which are inexpensive to create and come together quickly. Recruit friends and family to make some soft and cuddly blankets for dogs in foster homes or shelters waiting for their forever homes.
#3 Green Acres
Clean up a dog park in your neighborhood. Organize a clean-up crew to make sure all the doggies have a clean and safe place to play. Pack some snacks to enjoy afterwards and watch all the dogs enjoying the beautiful green space you have helped create. Dixie Rae can not wait to join in!
#2 Splish Splash
A trip to the water park is high on everyone’s list of fun summer activities for kids. You can make memories in your own backyard by creating a water wonderland for your kid and your water-loving dog. Turn on the hose, add some obstacles or toys and you have made a fun way to stay cool for kids AND pups!
And in the #1 spot for summer activities for kids who love dogs is…
Signing up to be a foster! Serve a critical role in a homeless pet’s journey to find the joy and security of a forever home. Dallas Pets Alive! relies on a network of foster families to house all of their adoptable animals, and fostering is the best way to be a part of our life-saving mission.
We hope you are inspired to embrace your child’s love for dogs and try one or more of these fun summer activities for kids. Let this summer be one where you not only make great memories together but also make a difference!
