What do kids and dogs both enjoy doing?
Having fun, playing games and being outdoors!
In this blog we share 6 easy, low-cost ways to keep children and dogs entertained whilst encouraging creativity, bonding, and plenty of fun
☀️ Before You Start – A Quick Note on Safety
It’s important to remember that summer holidays can feel like a big change for your dog especially if they’re used to peace and quiet while the kids are at school or you are having nieces and nephews or grandchildren over!
With everyone at home, it’s a good idea to go slow and supervise all games.
We recommend following the RSPCA’s Golden Rules for safe play, and checking out the Kids Around Dogs for helpful tips and resources.
You can find KAD approved products on our website too look for the KAD Logo 
🎨 1. Dog Art: The Clean(ish) Way to Paint with Your Pup
Yes, really. No mess, just fun!
You’ll need:
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Card, paper, or a small canvas (available from budget stores)
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Dog-safe paint (non-toxic)
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No Fuss Prep 'n' Go Bag or a plastic sealable bag
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Dog-safe peanut butter (must be xylitol-free)
How to:
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Squirt paint onto your canvas or card.
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Pop the canvas into the No Fuss Prep 'n'Go Bag - close and secure the bag
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Spread peanut butter on the outside of the bag.
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Place it on the floor or grass and let your dog lick the bag. ( Do not leave your dog alone with the bag)
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Once clean, remove and dry the masterpiece.
Top tip: Use empty squeezy ketchup/mayo bottles for fun paint blobs.
You may just discover your pup is the next Pawcasso or Dog Vinci!
🎁 2. Puppy Parcels: DIY Unboxing Game
Inspired by "pass the parcel" — but this time, your dog gets to open every layer themselves!
You’ll need:
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Newspaper, scrap paper - the shredded tissue we pack in with our orders is perfect
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Dog treats or kibble
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Toilet roll tube
How to:
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Hide a tasty treat inside the toilet roll tube and fold the ends.
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Wrap it up with layers of newspaper, adding a small treat between each.
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Place the parcel in front of your dog and give them a “Get it!” cue.
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Watch them sniff, rip, and unwrap
🫧 3. Homemade Doggy Bubbles
Because dogs chasing bubbles never stops being funny. And this version is dog-safe!
You’ll need:
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¼ cup washing-up liquid (unscented preferred)
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½ cup water (warmed)
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1 tsp sugar (helps bubbles last longer)
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1 low-salt stock cube (optional)
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Straws or empty bubble wands
How to:
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Warm the water and dissolve the sugar and stock cube.
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Stir in the washing-up liquid.
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Pour into a bubble wand or use a straw to blow.
Note: Best played outdoors only — bubbles can make floors slippery for little paws and feet.
🧊 4. Ice Lolly Pawsicles
Cooling, lickable doggy lollies made by your kids — perfect for hot days.
You’ll need:
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Ice cube trays or pawsicle moulds
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Dog-safe ingredients (e.g. peas, blueberries, treats)
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Optional treat sticks (e.g. braided lamb) for “handles”
Flavour ideas:
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Watermelon & Mint: Mash watermelon, tear in mint leaves, top with water and freeze.
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Yoghurt, Banana & Peanut Butter: Mix, mash, pour into moulds, add treat stick 'handles' and freeze.
- For more recipe ideas head to our recipe page and search Frozen Treats
🐟 5. Sardine Pyramids – The Kid-Made Dog Treat
A tasty baking activity kids can prep (grown-ups just help with the oven).
You’ll need:
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1 tin sardines (in spring water)
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1 egg
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Plain flour
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Pyramid mould
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Baking tray and spatula
How to:
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Drain the sardines and mash.
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Mix in the egg (shells are okay for dogs!).
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Add flour to create a pancake-style batter.
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Spread into a pyramid mould on a baking tray.
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Bake until firm, then cool and break into individual treats.
Bonus: These freeze well and defrost quickly!
🎒 6. The Rucksack Walk
Turn a short family walk into a sensory adventure.
Pack a rucksack with:
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Something to sniff (herbs, a scent toy)
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Something to chew
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Something to eat
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Something unusual (a feather, pine cone, textured item)
Let your kids choose the items or take turns carrying the bag. You’ll find full instructions in our blog: “How to Turn a 15-Minute Walk into a Bonding Experience with Your Dog.”
📸 Share the Joy!
We’d love to see your summer adventures!
Tag us on Instagram or Facebook with @nofussfill and use the hashtag #nofussfill so we can see your amazing creations, walks, and pawsicle masterpieces.
A special thank you again to Catalina and Lux for sharing their gorgeous snaps
You can find KAD approved products where you see their LOGO
