Valentine’s Day is almost here and we got 7 date ideas with your dog! Going on a date with your partner doesn’t always have to be just the two of you. For an upcoming date, consider bringing your dog along and make it a sweet family date! Whether you’re looking for a quiet and cozy date or want to do something more adventurous, there are plenty of date options for you, your partner, and your dog! Bringing your dog on a date can fit any budget and activity level. When planning to spend some quality time together with your partner and your dog, don’t forget to call ahead to make sure the place is dog friendly. Looking for new date ideas? Here are some fun ideas:
1. Long romantic walks
A perfect date you can enjoy with your dog and your partner is a long romantic walk. The classic destination for a walk like this is, of course, the beach, preferably at sunset. If you don’t have a beach nearby, a long romantic walk can take place anywhere, including in your neighborhood. Pick some time when you aren’t in a hurry and head out on a family walk. Keep your phone in your pocket (except for taking some sweet selfies) and focus on talking with your partner and enjoying the area with your little family.
2. Patio Dining
Restaurants and bars have increasingly begun adding patio dining options for patrons, and in many cases, those outdoor dining locations are dog friendly. If you’re looking for a fun date with your partner and your dog, consider heading out to eat or get drinks together. Many bars and restaurants are even adding dog menus, so for your next date night, consider going somewhere everyone, including your dog, can order from the menu.
3. Cozy night in
If you or your dog are more of an introvert, you can have a sweet and romantic date night without ever having to leave the house. Set the mood by dimming the lights, and pick a favorite movie or television show to watch. You can also spend quality time as a family and consider playing a game together that your dog can join in on. Don’t forget the snacks, and you can also make dinner together or order in.
4. Weekend away
For your anniversary, or if you’re looking to do something extra special with your partner, consider going away for a romantic weekend together and bringing your dog! Many hotels and privately rented cabins, cottages, and other vacation properties, are dog friendly, making it easy to bring your dog along for your weekend away. When planning a weekend away, choose a location with opportunities for dog-friendly outings or things to do together while you’re away for the weekend.
5. Shop ‘til you drop
Not very outdoorsy? There are plenty of fun things you and your partner can do with your dog during a date. If you’re looking for a fun date, consider shopping together in an area with various dog-friendly stores. Have fun wandering into different stores, and maybe consider purchasing a few little gifts for each other or housewares for your home if you and your partner live together. Be sure to check in advance to ensure the stores in the area you want to go shopping are dog-friendly before heading out.
6. Explore nature
An inexpensive but fun date to share with your dog and partner is to go out and explore nature together. If you live in a big city, this can be as simple as spending part of the day in a new park together. It could also be an outing more involved, like going out hiking. If you’re going to be out exploring, pack a picnic lunch to enjoy together, and don’t forget to include lots of treats for your dog and, of course, plenty of water for everyone.
7. Go boating
For your next spring or summer date, consider going out boating with your partner and your dog. You don’t have to own your boat; most boat rental locations are dog friendly and will allow you to rent a rowboat, kayak, or paddle boat to take out for an hour, or even the whole day. If you’re not sure you’re up for paddling around a lake, consider taking a sunset sailboat cruise; not all will be dog-friendly, but companies are increasingly offering pet-friendly cruise offerings.