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Since today is #NationalPetDay I thought it was a good time to share some of our favorite things to do with the dogs in and around Phoenix. We love getting out and about with Chance and Kona but they definitely love it even more! Our partners at GMC let us borrow a GMC Acadia for a week to spoil the dogs a bit and even helped us get a few more donations to one of our favorite dog-related charities!

Favorite things to do with the dogs in and around Phoenix, AZ

Favorite Things to Do With The Dogs In Phoenix

Anywhere dogs are allowed is fun but our dogs definitely have some favorites. There are TONS of dog parks around the valley to choose from but my dogs are usually more interested in greeting the humans at the park than the other dogs (they will run and play but always get distracted when new people walk in lol!). These are our favorite things to do and places to go with the dogs:

  • To the lake or river –  While we love going up to Sedona or Payson, there are a few favorites closer to home as well. Both Chance and Kona love swimming in Lake Pleasant but they really love checking out the Agua Fria River in Table Mesa just north of the valley. We took Chance up this week and he was fascinated by the carp spawning all over the place in the river lol! The mats in the GMC Acadia are super easy to clean so even though wet, dirty Chance was romping around in the back, it cleaned up perfectly once we got home.Favorite things to do with the dogs in and around Phoenix, AZ Favorite things to do with the dogs in and around Phoenix, AZ Favorite things to do with the dogs in and around Phoenix, AZ Favorite things to do with the dogs in and around Phoenix, AZ
  • Hiking –  We only hike with the dogs in the Fall/Winter/Spring because it can be hard for them to stay cool in the summer. We stick to fun, easy hikes when we have the pups. Some “regulars” for us are Thunderbird Mountain Preserve, Waterfall Canyon Trail in the White Tank Mountains, Deem Hills in North Phoenix, Papago Park, and Go John Trail in Cave Creek. Their favorite hiking is definitely around the rivers though. Tip: Check out the app/site AllTrails for info on all the hikes in the area.Favorite things to do with the dogs in and around Phoenix, AZ Favorite things to do with the dogs in and around Phoenix, AZ Favorite things to do with the dogs in and around Phoenix, AZ Favorite things to do with the dogs in and around Phoenix, AZ
  • Running Errands – Puppaccinos all around! The dogs love when they get to hop in the car and go anywhere with us. The interior layout of this Acadia is a favorite layout with our family. 4 bucket seats and a 3rd row that folds down allowing plenty of room for the dogs. The Smart Slide seats make it super easy to load and unload along the way if needed. We loved the versatility of the interior in the Acadia most of all I think. They love to go to the coffee shop, the pet store, and any store that allows dogs to join their owners. Even if they don’t get out of the car, they’re excited to go. I love the double sunroof in this Acadia and so did Chance and Kona! I’ve also fallen in love with the ease of using the apps on the Infotainment center in GMC vehicles. You can download your favorites and even place an order ahead of time at places like Dunkin Donuts!Favorite things to do with the dogs in and around Phoenix, AZ Favorite things to do with the dogs in and around Phoenix, AZ
  • To brunch, lunch, or dinner – yep, we bring the dogs out to eat with us too! There are way too many dog-friendly patios to list but a few favorites are Cibo (my favorite pizza in the valley), AJ’s Fine Foods, Postino, O.H.S.O., and Joe’s Farm Grill.Favorite things to do with the dogs in and around Phoenix, AZ
  • To the Desert Botanical Gardens – they have had special dog-friendly days/nights where you can bring your pup along to see the gorgeous gardens.
  • To a Diamondbacks Game – you can book dog-friendly accommodations for certain games to see the Diamondbacks play WITH your dogs! They have a super fun dog park and even dog snacks. The boys LOVED doing this. You can see Chance’s full day out at the Diamondbacks Game here. Check out Dog Days of Summer for more details. Dog Days of Summer Diamondbacks Baseball

When you take your dogs out on the town, keep them on a leash, follow all the rules posted for the area, and pick up after them. I love being able to travel around with the dogs and want it to continue to be a great experience for everyone.

Donating to Soldier’s Best Friend

While celebrating this week we wanted to give back. We decided to buy some items on the Soldier’s Best Friend wishlist and dop it off to them while we had the Acadia. Chance and Kona helped load up the back with some new beds, bowls, and grooming supplies. I love that there is storage in the Acadia under where the dogs are sitting too so the smaller items don’t roll around back there with them.Favorite things to do with the dogs in and around Phoenix, AZ

Soldier’s Best Friend provides United States military veterans living with combat-related Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with Service or Therapeutic Companion Dogs, most of which are rescued from local shelters. We love what they do and how these dogs help change lives. Colton wants to look into volunteering with them this summer! Check out their site for more info if you also want to help.

Favorite things to do with the dogs in and around Phoenix, AZ

Author

Allison Waken is the founder, writer, photographer, and content creator of All for the Memories and All for the Boys.

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