19 Dog-friendly Activities To Do With Your Dog In Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix, AZ is beautiful all year round. In some seasons it might seem as if there’s nothing to do with your dog, but actually Phoenix boasts a large array of activities that can accommodate both you and your pup!
Primarily this article will focus on the summer season (April through October), but we’ll add some ideas for other seasons as well! Also check out our list of dog-friendly restaurants in Phoenix.
Short on time but want to make sure your pup is getting activity and excitement? Check out our dog daycare in Phoenix, AZ.
1. Hike Camelback Mountain
Located within the bustling city of Phoenix, AZ lies a small oasis called Camelback Mountain. This mountain provides trails both easy and hard to hike, so you’ll find something for every level of hiker with your dog! The dog-friendly trails can be found at the Echo Canyon or Cholla trail heads. You’ll find both on Lincoln Drive, just west of Tatum Boulevard.
2. Hike The Waterfall Trail At Piestewa Peak
Piestewa (pronounced Pie-ess-too-uh) Peak can be found in the center of Phoenix, making it one of the most accessible trails for dog owners. This trail can be found by simply taking Squaw Peak Drive to Piestewa Freeway. There will be a parking lot across the street from the trail head, which leads you up 2,608 feet in elevation gain. You’ll find plenty of dog-friendly trails here to please both easy and advanced hikers!
3. Run Around Echo Canyon
If you and your dog like to run together, then you’ll love running around Echo Canyon! This trail can be found at the top of Camelback Mountain. There is a parking lot on either side of the mountain, but both require an entrance fee (unless you happen to have a pass). However, if you’re willing to hike up the mountain from Cholla trail head it’s free to park there! Alternatively, we recommend riding your bike up or taking transportation such as Uber so that way you can swoop right back down and start exploring with your dog once again.
4. Hike The Butte At South Mountain Park
South Mountain Park and Preserve can be found at 10819 S. Central Ave in Phoenix, AZ. This is one of the largest city parks in the entire United States. It’s also where you’ll find an abundance of dog-friendly trails, mostly around “The Butte.” The park boasts over 50 miles worth of trails for your pet to explore!
5. Take A Swim At Tempe Town Lake
Head down to Mill Avenue and cross the bridge located at the southeast corner over Tempe Town Lake. There are no entry fees or any requirements to access this area with your pup, just a simple stroll across the bridge is all that’s needed. Now take off all that clothing and throw them away because here you can swim with your dog without worry! Just keep in mind there is a $12 parking fee until 5:00 p.m.
6. Visit A Dog Park Or Two
There are three main dog parks in Phoenix where you can take your pup to run around freely! They include:
– Cielo Grande Dog Park, located at 36th St & Cactus Rd at the base of Squaw Peak Mountain. This is a small fenced area that only allows smaller dogs under 25 lbs.
– Mesquite Dog Park, located at 19th Ave & Desert Foothills Pkwy, which has two separate areas for larger and smaller pups. Both have their own fenced areas as well as benches for you to sit upon while watching your furry friends play .
– The Water Tower Dog Park, located at 4000 N Central Ave inside the Water Tower Plaza, is a full service dog park. This means it has wash stations for dogs to clean themselves off after dirty play sessions, as well as separate fenced areas for larger and smaller pups.
7. Hang Out At Tempe Beach Park
Tempe Beach Park can be found at 80 W Rio Salado Pkwy in Tempe, AZ 85281. The scenic beach front features a walking path that extends along the shores of Arizona Mills Mall all the way down to Hayden’s Ferry Lakeside. Bring your pet here to romp around on the grassy knolls with other friendly dogs!
8. Take A Dip In A Pool With Your Dog
We know swimming in pools isn’t an activity, but this is too good to leave out. Many apartment complexes in the surrounding areas will allow you to bring your dog with you to their pool! Don’t get too excited, though. They’ll likely have rules for this so be sure to check them out before heading over with your dog!
9. Visit A Dog-friendly Café Or Bakery
While pet friendly cafes aren’t abundant in Phoenix they do exist! Here are just a few examples of where you can take your pup while grabbing some grub or sipping on coffee: – The Clever Koi is located at 7135 E Stetson Dr #111 in Scottsdale, AZ 85251 which features a multitude of craft cocktails and local brews as well as a menu that includes vegetarian options. The Clever Koi also has several items on their menu that are canine friendly. Yup, you can get your pup a bone marrow broth bowl! – For coffee cravings check out Cartel Coffee Lab at 422 W Main St in Tempe, AZ 85281. Cartel Coffee Lab is known for its vast selection of gourmet coffee and tea while also offering breakfast and lunch options that include vegetarian choices. Your dog can enjoy his or her own biscuit while you browse the internet using the free Wi-Fi. – If you’re feeling like grabbing pastries consider checking out Bikini Beans located at 2222 E University Dr in Phoenix, AZ 85034 which has indoor seating along with outdoor seating right next to their patio fence. You can also walk your dog over to the nearby park after indulging in some of their delectable pastries.
10. Visit A Dog-friendly Coffee Shop
Just like cafes, there aren’t too many pet friendly coffee shops in Phoenix but there are a few! Here’s where you can go with Fido: – Cartel Coffee Lab at 3519 E Thomas Rd in Phoenix, AZ 85018 is perfect for those who want to get some work done while sipping on freshly made coffee or tea. You can even bring your dog along and they’ll give them biscuits to munch on!
– If you’re looking for something different check out Urban Beans located at 4026 N Central Ave inside The Camby building which features high-top seating in addition to normal indoor seating. They have an iced lavender latte that’s to die for, if you’re not into coffee that is.
11. Explore Papago Park
Papago Park can be found at 7th Ave & McDowell Rd in Phoenix, AZ 85007. Opened in 1914 Papago Park features a multitude of things to do including bike paths, rock climbing locations, extensive hiking trails, botanical gardens and picnic areas with tables! You can walk your dog around the grounds or bring them on some of the hiking trails located within the park. Enjoy!!
12. Visit The Desert Botanical Garden
Desert Botanical Garden is located at 1201 N Galvin Pkwy in Phoenix, AZ 85008 which features exhibits such as cactus gardens and an Australian exhibit that includes two kangaroos! You can bring your dog along and explore the garden for free except during special events where there’s likely an extra charge for attendance.
13. Explore Carefree With Your Dog And Enjoy A Scenic Drive
Carefree is north of Phoenix and located off SR-74 or Cave Creek Rd (if coming from Phoenix) with plenty of things to see and do. There’s an abundance of trails to take your furry friend on, including the Cholla Trail (great for ADA approved pets) or you can even go off-roading with them in one of Carefree’s many open areas where dogs are permitted.
There is also the Carefree Sundial located at 3257 N Via del Caballo which was made famous by Oprah Winfrey when she gave away 400 sundials to her audience members in 1994! After that Carefree became a popular destination for people around the country who were looking to get their hands on their own free sundial!
You can visit “The Rock” located in downtown Carefree which is essentially an outdoor art gallery featuring 35 rocks carved by various artists. These rocks have been placed along sidewalks, trails and even on the side of the road so you can easily stumble upon them while exploring Carefree.
Lastly there’s a huge market where dogs are welcome called “Garden Markets at Town & Country” located at 7020 E Earll Dr in Scottsdale. You’ll find all kinds of things here from fresh produce to vintage clothing and more!
14. Take A Hike With Your Pup In The White Tank Mountains
White Tank Mountain Park is found off 107th Ave about two miles west of US-60 (Superstition Fwy) in Waddell, AZ 85355 which features over 150 acres of desert terrain for dogs to explore their own or with humans by their side! Dogs are allowed to run off-leash in certain areas provided they’re under close supervision. The park does require all dogs be registered so please stop by the Ranger Station upon arrival to get that taken care of although it is free for owners to do so.
The park features trails throughout which you can take your pet on, however there are some trails that are much more challenging than others and not recommended for pets to go on if they’re less experienced when it comes to hiking.
15. Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride With Your Dog In Phoenix
If you’re up for a little adventure then Skyline Balloon Adventures located at 8700 E McDonald Dr in Scottsdale will allow your pet along with you on a hot air balloon ride.
As long as they’re well behaved and on a leash then they’ll have no problem coming along with you during your adventure. Make sure to call ahead of time to make a reservation though as reservations are required prior to takeoff!
16. Stop By The Street Eats Food Truck Festival In Phoenix
Street Eats Food Truck Festival is located at 3118 W Bell Rd in Phoenix, AZ 85053 which features over 35 gourmet food trucks from around the valley along with live music, vendors selling handmade goods and more! There’s also a designated area where dogs are allowed but they must remain leashed at all times for their own safety and others’.
17. Tour The Hall Of Flame Firefighting Museum With Your Dog In Phoenix
Hall of Flame Firefighting Museum in Phoenix is located at 601 N 44th St Ste 115 in Phoenix, AZ 85008 which features over 60 vintage fire trucks from the past 100 years!
There’s also a museum store where you can purchase clothing and other items. The outside area offers an obstacle course for your pup to run through which mimics real-life situations they may encounter while out on the job with you such as running through a burning building. As long as your dog is well behaved then it’ll be okay to bring them along and play with them during their free time while exploring this unique location.
18. Tour The Goldfield Ghost Town With Your Dog In Apache Junction
Goldfield Ghost Town is located at 20 S Arizona Ave in Apache Junction, AZ which features over 14 acres of ghost town terrain for dogs to explore on their own or with humans by their side! Dogs are allowed to run off-leash in certain areas provided they’re under close supervision and picked up after while exploring the park grounds.
There’s a cafe on location so if you get hungry you can stop by for a bite to eat where they have outdoor seating that overlooks the entire property where your dog is welcome to join!
19. Cruise Around The Hullabaloo Music Festival With Your Dog In Scottsdale
The Hullabaloo Music Festival is located at 7380 E 2nd St in Scottsdale, AZ which features 3 stages of live music where your dog is welcome to attend! This two-day event features local bands who play live music all day long.
There will be food and drink vendors on location so you can purchase something to eat or drink where they have outdoor seating that overlooks the entire property where your dog is welcome to join! Dogs must remain leashed at all times for their own safety and others’. Make sure you arrive early as this event fills up fast and parking along with sells out quickly.
Share Your Ideas Below!
The 20 dog-friendly activities in this article are meant to give you ideas for things you can do with your pup during most seasons. Whether it’s exploring nature, meeting new friends or participating in some one-on-one playtime; these activities will help bring out the best qualities of both you and your pet! If none of these sound like they interest you then let us know what kind of activity ideas you have to do in Phoenix in the comments below!