If pumpkin spice had a fan club, your dog would probably be president. You might be the VP (heck, I would be the VP.)
But between busy schedules, budgets, and trying to pick an outing everyone (pup included) will enjoy, fall dates can get complicated fast.
Luckily, dog lovers have been buzzing about 16 autumn adventures that are cozy, simple, and surprisingly inexpensive. Let’s take a look at why these ideas are stealing the season.
Budget tip:
A Fall dog date can be affordable. It can help build a stronger bond with your furry friend while getting to know your partner better. There's no need to break the bank to have a fun and memorable date including your dog. Fall offers unique activities such as a visit to a pumpkin patch that everyone will love. It's good for your relationships and mental well being. That's a major win-win-win!
NOTE: If you have never met your date before, then always meet in a public area and keep your safety first. Remember to always tell a friend or family member where you will be and the time you expect to return. Don’t forget your phone either. Turn it on and leave it on vibrate or mute if you want. Location pings can be important.
1. Walk with your dog
Bundling up and going for a walk can be a fun activity. It can also reveal a lot about a person.
My dog, Henry, loves any chance to go for a walk. He enjoys smelling what happened since his last pass-by. Taking a new date to the dog park for a dog walk lets you know straight away if this relationship is worth pursuing.
For example, does your date enjoy this process? Or is your date put off by it? On the other hand, a dog walk with your current partner can be relaxing and allow you both to reconnect.
Cost: Free
2. Go to a dog-friendly brewery, winery, or coffee shop
What could be better than unwinding at the end of a long week or day with a date at a great coffee shop? Can you say pumpkin latte? Or is that “pup-kin” latte? Either way, I’ll take two!
Or how about a wine tasting at a winery with your partner and dog? Often these establishments (especially wineries) are located next to great walking trails with lots of people. You can sit, talk, people watch, and enjoy your drinks, or even walk the trails and do the same. This could be a very romantic date idea.
The cost will depend simply on what you order. Remember to hit the winery at happy hour for a great price.
Cost: $
3. Check out an outdoor cafe
While some restaurants will close outdoor seating as the weather gets colder, others will move out heaters or light a fire. The latter can be fun for all. Even better, it can be a cheap date with your dog.
It’s relaxing, you get to eat, and chat.
Plus, you can evaluate not only how your date treats your dog, but also the wait staff. Remember to keep an eye on your dog.
Of course, some outdoor cafes can be pricey, but you can still generally find ones that are reasonably priced and welcome dogs. Some outdoor cafes will offer happy hour prices, which are great for a cheap date idea with your dog.
Cost: $$
4. Play date with your dog
If you’re nervous about your date or simply need a different idea, this is a fun activity you and your dog will love.
All you need to do is go to your local neighborhood dog park and play with your dog. You may want to play fetch, frisbee, or even a sniffing game with your dog. This is an ideal cheap date for accessing your partner with your dog.
If your dog doesn’t like to play with toys then think about a sniffing game. Henry doesn’t like dog toys, but he loves sniffing games and really enjoys a great game of chase.
Another great aspect of a sniffing game is that you don’t need an off-leash park.
Cost: Free
5. Ball game
Do you love football or soccer? This is a terrific idea for game night. You get to spend a few hours cuddling up and getting to know someone, or just relaxing with your current honey. It can also be a great budget-friendly date idea.
For instance, my local minor league team has a grassy field next to the stands. This area is open to people and dogs to enjoy a picnic and a game. It’s a great idea that I wish would catch on, especially since the cost of sporting event tickets can be very expensive. These grassy field tickets are much more reasonable and more relaxing too!
Heck, even attending a tailgate party with your dog and date can be fun. There are usually games, food, and lots of laughs. Even better your dog is generally welcomed in the tailgate party area, even if not in the ballpark.
Of course, you’ll need to clean up after your dog. Also, don’t forget your dog will need water and maybe a doggie treat.
The cost will vary depending on your team’s dog-friendly tickets. Thankfully, the prices in my area are still reasonable.
Cost: $$
6. S’Mores Bonfire
Another wonderful, cheap date idea with your dog is to head out to your local state or national park, light a campfire, and break out the s’more fixings.
However, if your dog is scared of fire, then you’ll want to skip this idea.
Otherwise, pack your graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate squares. Share your s’mores or see who makes the best one.
You can relax, get to know each other, or get caught up with your current partner. Make sure to bring dog-friendly treats and water for your furry friend.
The cost is only that of the s’more fixing and gas.
Cost: $
7. Rickshaw ride with your dog
A rickshaw ride with your dog and partner can be a fun date.
However, make sure to check with the rickshaw owner to ensure your dog will be welcomed.
This can be a fun, cuddly date idea on a chilly evening. Plus, it’s definitely a very romantic date idea that will allow you to start or rekindle a relationship.
The cost will depend on your area.
Cost: $
8. Star gazing sounds spot-on
This is a fun date night idea. My dog, Henry, loves to just sit and people, dog, critter, or whatever watch. If you and your date love to look at the stars, this can be a great idea.
Grab your dog, a blanket, water, and a few snacks, and head to your local dog park or observatory. It’s a leisurely and romantic date. A fun activity to get to know someone or re-light the flame for a current relationship.
Cost: Free
9. Pumpkin patch visit
Pumpkin patches are fun. They are often dog-friendly. However, call ahead to make sure that the patch you want to visit will welcome your dog.
Also, make sure to keep your dog on the path and that they don’t pee or poop on the pumpkins. Of course, don’t forget the poop bags. It can be a delightful way to spend an afternoon date.
Again, make sure to pack some snacks and water for both the humans and your dog.
You can even carve your prize pickings together.
The cost will depend on the pumpkin patch. Some are free and some charge a fee.
Cost: Free-$
10. Drive-in theater
Who doesn’t love movie night? Once again, you’ll need to verify that the theater will welcome your dog. Some will and some won’t.
Of course, you will also want to pick a film that isn’t super noisy with fireworks or explosions. This should be relaxing for your dog as well.
Cost: $
11. Walking tour
A lot of towns have walking tours touting the local history.
For example, my town has a “Ghost Walk” through the historic district. It takes people back in time to the mining days when this area was founded.
However, dogs are always welcome on the tour. Although, the furry participants may need to stay outside of any historic homes included on the tour. This can be a super fun date and one your dog would love as well. Any ghosts you might see are always included for free too!
The cost of the tour is generally fairly inexpensive, at least it is in my area.
Cost: $
12. Doggie photos, anyone?
Love taking photos of your dog? This is a fun activity date idea where you can walk down main street or around town looking for great places to pose for goofy or even serious photos with your dog and date.
Let the laughter begin!
Heck, you may even take a gem of a photo, discover you have a gem in your date, and have your Christmas card photo as well.
Cost: Free
13. Go explore a hiking trail
Does your dog love the outdoors and exploring? Fall colors make it a great time to go for a hike.
Honestly, hiking seems to be in most dogs’ DNA despite their size. Henry is a born hiker. You can pack a few snacks and water for your dog and your partner. Don’t forget the poop bags for your furry friend too!
If this is a first date, you may want to wait a few months or go with a group of friends.
The cost depends on where you go and if the park charges a fee. Of course, there’s also the cost of your picnic snacks.
Cost: $
That includes watching the fish in a creek.
14. Go to an outdoor museum or national park
This can be a terrific option and one your dog will love! However, always call ahead to make sure your dog will be welcomed.
This date option allows you to reconnect with your partner while enjoying the surroundings and your dog. Don’t forget the water and poop bags!
The cost will depend on the fee for the park or museum.
Cost: $
15. Hayride
Yep, the iconic hayride of fall is always fun. Did you know that some hayrides welcome dogs? Check with your local hayride operator to verify.
It is a leisurely date that calls for a snuggle and a hot drink afterward. Of course, your pup will need a treat as well.
Even better, most hayrides are very affordable. At least they are in my area.
Cost: $
16. Maze
Fall brings out the creativity in people. You can find mazes near pumpkin patches or even next to hayrides.
It can be a fun afternoon of problem-solving. Yes, a lot of mazes will permit dogs. However, you’ll need to call ahead to confirm.
Don’t forget water and snacks for you, your date, and your dog. You may want to stop at a dog-friendly cafe or brewery after this adventure and laugh about your maze skills.
But again, make sure your furry buddy stays within the maze path and you clean up any deposits made along the way.
This is a very affordable date idea.
Cost: $
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Forget the scares and go for a fun fall tail-wagging date
I know sometimes a date night can be intimidating, but taking your dog with you provides a sense of calm. Dog-friendly fall date ideas are a great option! Your dog also gives you great information if your date is someone new. However, if your date is with an old flame, your dog allows you both to let your guard down and enjoy each other with your dog at your side. It’s a dog-approved fun activity and one you may want to mark on your calendar and revisit each fall. Your furry friend will love date night!
