The red, yellow, and orange colors of the fall season are finally starting to make an appearance. With the beginning of Autumn comes football games, hayrides, and visiting your favorite apple orchard with friends, family, and sometimes a pet. In West Michigan, we don’t experience fall for very long before winter comes creeping in so it’s important to make the most out of the season. If you’re looking for activities to do with your dog while enjoying the crisp fall air, we’ve put together a couple of ideas to keep you busy all season long.
Check out your local dog park
- In almost every West Michigan city, there are dog parks for animals to socialize and play outside. If you’re residing in Grand Rapids, Veteran’s Memorial Park is a dog-friendly place to travel with a pet. Or, if you live closer to southwest Michigan, have you checked out the new Home Run dog park in Battle Creek? Check out this complete list of local dog parks in West Michigan to discover a new park near you.
Take a trip to the nearest nature trail
- With hundreds of miles of trails to explore in West Michigan, there are tons of opportunities to get outside with your pet. Make sure to bring some water and to check the weather before heading to the trail.
Visit an orchard
- Pumpkin picking: Pick out some pumpkins to carve or use as decoration during the spooky fall season. Bake the pumpkin seeds and now you have a yummy treat for you and your pet! Pumpkins provide surprising health benefits for your furry pal. Both roasted or toasted pumpkin seeds are safe for your animal to indulge in.
- Apple picking: Take a trip to the nearest apple orchard and find some treats for you and your fluffy friend. Your pet will love running up and down the rows of apple trees, and you’ll be happy to pick up some healthy, delicious snacks to eat throughout the week.
Start a new routine
- Have you been meaning to start jogging or biking? If you’re looking to add a new activity to your busy schedule – find something your pup can join in on! A brisk morning walk each day is a refreshing way to begin your day and dogs, of course, love any chance to be outside. Explore the many biking trails throughout West Michigan.
Trick or Treating
- It’s Halloween season which means it’s time to find a costume for you and your pet! Find an outfit for your pup to resemble your favorite movie star or a different animal. We know we love to dress up our pets (even if they may not enjoy it quite as much) and have a mini photoshoot with them during the fall season.
Adventure awaits! Get exploring with your pup and see what fun activities you can come up with during the beautiful fall season in West Michigan.
Disclosure – Any reference to a person, organization, product, or activity in Hello West Michigan’s blog posts does not constitute or imply endorsement. These blog posts are used to share first-hand experiences of what it’s like to live, work, and play in West Michigan – not promote a specific person, organization, product, or activity. Hello West Michigan does not receive compensation or other benefits for blog post mentions.
