Fun outdoor activities for your kids and dog this summer – that don't cost a fortune
What do kids and dogs both enjoy doing?
Having fun and playing games!
The Summer is a perfect time to take the fun and games outside. Here are 6 of our favourite fun outdoor activities for kids and dogs this summer. They are easy and fun and don't cost a fortune. A quick word on safety
Having little people around can be stressful for a dog. If they have been used to their own space during the day whilst children are at school suddenly having everyone from home takes some adjustment ( for parents too! )
Always supervise games and play ( RSPCA Golden rules)
Painting
Don't panic this is not as messy as it potentially sounds!
You will need;
Card, paper, canvas ( Poundland in the UK stock these )
Paint
Ziplock freezer/ sandwich bag big enough for your card/paper/canvas
Peanut Butter (Dog safe NO XYLITOL)
Tip -Empty tomato ketchup & mayonnaise squirty bottles make great paint dispensers
1. Dot or squirt a couple of different paint colours on a piece of card or a canvas
2. Spread dog-safe peanut butter across the bag.
3. Pop the card, canvas or paper in the Ziplock bag
(for younger kids it might be easier for you to do this part as you do not want to smudge the paint )
4. Place the sealed bag on the grass and let your dog lick the bag clean.
5. Once the bag is clean remove the card, canvas or paper from the bag and leave it to dry.
You never know you may discover you are living with your very own Pawcasso or
Dog Vinci!
Puppy Parcels
Every kid loves 'pass the parcel' at parties. They will know how exciting it is to rip open the layers.
In the puppy version, your pup gets to open every layer without passing it on!
Your kids will enjoy making up the parcels and your pup will love ripping them apart. So start saving your recycling now!
We call this pre-cycling, your kids and pup have fun before it makes its way to the recycling bin.
You will need;
Newspaper, towels or boxes that fit inside each other.
Treats (the kid-friendly recipe for sardine treats would be perfect for this)
Toilet roll tube.
1. Start by popping the best treat in the toilet roll.
2. Fold over the ends to secure the treat.
3. Wrap it in your first layer.
4. Pop a small treat or piece of kibble between each layer to keep your pup interested.
Tip- Don't make it too challenging at first, start with just a few layers.
6. Ask the puppy/ dog to sit, place the parcel in front of them.
7. Give them the cue ‘Get it ‘and watch them rip the packaging open to find the treat.
IDEA
Kids love competition, get them to hide their parcels and see whose parcel is found first. Dogs love the anticipation of finding a tasty treat – just make sure the parcels are hidden in dog safe areas and areas you are happy for your dog to be searching in.
Maybe the middle of the flower bed isn’t the best hiding place!
Bubbles
Kids, (including big kids like me) puppies and dogs love bubbles
This great bubble recipe has 4 simple household ingredients and can be made by your kids
You will need:
1/4 cup dish wash soap (dogs like non-scented better) ~
1/2 cup water ~
1 tsp sugar (makes the bubbles last longer/taste sweeter) ~
1 stock cube
Drinking straws ( for blowing!)
Optional
An empty bubble wand /tub ( Refill your old tubes with this mixture- you will never need to buy a new wand again )
Funnel is useful if you are planning on putting your bubbles into a bubble wand tube
Tip- A plastic milk carton cut in half is great for holding bubble mixture. The handle makes it easy to hold for little hands
1. Start by heating the water in the microwave for 30-45 sec
2. Measure the other ingredients into the water and stir well
If you don't have a bubble wand you can use straws... Don't suck, dip and blow
(Recipe works well with or without the stock cube)
Tip- Bubbles can make floors slippery which is dangerous for puppies and children, so I recommend that this is a game just for outdoors.