Fall is a magical time of year. The crisp autumn air, vibrant colors, delicious foods, and festive activities make it the paw-fect season to embrace outdoor adventures and cozy moments with your favorite furry friend. From hiking scenic trails to leaf pile jumping, or even sharing an apple after a day at the orchard, autumn presents endless opportunities for you and your dog to enjoy. Read on to see five of our favorite furry fall activities, as well as some local insights to make the most out of fall with your pup.
1. Go Jump in a Leaf Pile
Celebrate the season by letting loose with some leaf pile play. One of the best parts of fall is watching the leaves cascade to the ground… one of the worst is raking them up. Why not make the most of this annoying chore by turning it into a festive and fun game for you and your dog?! Leaf pile jumping (or diving, or rolling) is a fun, low-effort activity that dogs love. All the crunchy textures, crisp scents, and rustling sounds provide a stimulating sensory experience, it's like nature’s playground for your pup.
Rake up a large soft pile of leaves and encourage your dog to jump in. You can toss toys into the pile to make it a game of fetch, kick leaves in the air and watch them jump and chase the floating foliage, or simply let them burrow and explore. Just make sure you inspect the area beforehand for any sharp objects, like rocks or sticks, that might be hiding in the leaves, and rake the pile away from roads or driveways to keep your pup safe from cars. Don't forget to snap some photos — nothing captures the essence of fall like a dog joyfully leaping into a pile of leaves!
2. Hiking Among the Fall Foliage
Fall is one of the best seasons for hiking. The cooler temperatures, decreased bug activity, and vibrant landscapes make hitting the trails an ideal fall activity to share with your pup. Whether you’re taking a trek on local trails (tap here to check out some of Daily Leash’s favorite local spots for hiking your dog in and around central Massachusetts) or venturing further north for some prime leaf peeping, hiking with your dog is a phenomenal way to enjoy the season together.
Choose dog-friendly trails with plenty of scenic views and varying terrain to keep your dog engaged. Despite the cooler temps, be sure to bring plenty of fresh water and always be aware and considerate of wildlife and other hikers (human and canine).
3. Take Your Pup to a Pumpkin Patch
Nothing says fall like a pumpkin on your front step. Rather than picking one up at the market, why not make a day of it and take your pup to a pumpkin patch?! Many local farms and pumpkin patches are dog-friendly, making them the perfect fall destination for a fun, festive, and photogenic outing with your four-legged friend. Spend the day picking out the perfect pumpkins, taking fun fall photos, and enjoying the fresh outdoors with your dog. Scroll to the end of the article for a list of local pet-friendly pumpkin patches within an hour of the Daily Leash service area.
While you’re there, let your dog explore and experience all the different textures and smells of the pumpkins and surrounding farm. Pumpkin picking is a fantastic way to get into the fall spirit and provide your dog with a new and exciting environment to discover. Just remember to keep your dog on leash at all times, bring plenty of fresh water to keep them hydrated, be considerate of other visitors to the farm (human and canine), and, of course, always clean up after your pup.
4. Go On an Apple Orchard Adventure
Apple picking is another classic fall activity that can be fun for the whole family, including your furry loved ones. Like pumpkin patches, many local apple orchards are pet-friendly, allowing well-behaved dogs on leash to join their humans in taking a bite out of fall. With all the open space, new smells, and time outdoors, your dog will love roaming the rows of apple trees by your side. Plus, apples make a tasty and healthy treat for you and your pup. Whether filling a basket with fresh apples or simply enjoying a walk in the orchard, it’s a wonderful way to experience the season together.
As with the pumpkin patch, it’s imperative to keep your dog on leash when visiting these orchards and farms. Ensure your pet has access to fresh water and always be considerate of others (humans, dogs, and farm animals). If you choose to give your dog apples, moderation is best, and always remove the core and seeds first. In addition to pumpkin patches and apple orchards, many local farms have fun fall activities, farm stands, and even corn mazes you can enjoy with your pup. See the list and links below of local farms and orchards that allow pets, and check out their websites for specific rules, restrictions, and possible activities.
5. Savor the Fall Flavors: Pet-Friendly Fall Foods
From pumpkin spices to sweet apples, many of us can be transported into that cozy fall feel simply by smelling or tasting the savoy full flavors of the season. One of the easiest ways to enjoy this time of year with your dog is by sharing some of your favorite fall foods. Sharing is caring, after all. Many common autumnal ingredients, like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and cranberries are not only delicious but healthy for dogs. Sharing these fall flavors with your pup can help diversify their diet, making it more interesting and contributing to a healthier gut. You can easily incorporate fall foods into your dog’s diet with pet-safe treats or homemade snacks.
Pumpkin is a fan favorite this time of year, rich in fiber and low in calories. Sweet potatoes offer a good source of vitamins, while cranberries are packed with antioxidants. And, as mentioned above, apples are another tasty autumn treat safe for dogs in moderation and without the core or seeds. You can find many of these ingredients in store-bought treats or, if you’re feeling a little ambitious, you can make simple dog treats at home. Check out the links below for recipes and whip up some tasty fall treats for your favorite pup.
Whether you are indulging in homemade treats, store-bought goodies, or sharing a dog-friendly snack at the local farm stand or farmer's market, savoring the flavors of fall together can be a fun and tasty way to relish in the season with your dog.
Fall offers endless possibilities for adventure and fun with your four-legged friend. From hiking through a colorful forest to visiting a pumpkin patch, or spending a simple afternoon playing in the leaves, autumn really is a paw-fect time to enjoy and bond with your dog. Embrace the cooler weather, explore new places, and make the most of this beautiful time of year together!
Local Dog-Friendly Orchards and Farms:
Hanson’s Farm (Framingham, MA): PYO Pumpkins, Sunflower Fields, Corn Maze
Adam’s Farm (Cumberland, RI): Pumpkin Patch, Hay Maze, Corn Maze, Petting Zoo
Doe Orchards (Harvard, MA): PYO Apples and Peaches
Drew Farm (Westford, MA): PYO Apples
Nashoba Valley Winery, Orchard, and Restaurant (Bolton, MA): PYO Apples and Peaches
Fairmont Fruit Farm (Franklin, MA): PYO Apples
(Please note this list was compiled in October 2024, please visit the websites or call the individual farms for more comprehensive and up-to-date information on any policies or restrictions involving dogs).
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