Five Fun Fall Activities to Enjoy the Outdoors with Your Dog

As autumn arrives, the TurffMutt Foundation encourages families to swap indoor time for backyard adventures that boost both human and canine wellbeing

Alexandria, VA, September 9, 2025 — The crisp air and vibrant foliage of fall create the perfect backdrop for spending quality time outdoors with your four-legged family members. The TurfMutt Foundation, a leading advocate for green spaces and outdoor education, is encouraging pet owners to take advantage of autumn’s cooler temperatures by exploring their own backyards and local parks with their dogs.

“You don’t have to travel far to find adventure. It’s right outside your door, and your dog will be more than happy to come along to all these activities,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation.

The Health Benefits of Getting Outside

Research consistently shows that outdoor activity provides significant mental and physical health benefits for both humans and pets. Time spent in green spaces is linked to reduced stress levels, improved focus, and better overall wellbeing – benefits that extend to our canine companions as well.

For dogs specifically, outdoor exploration provides essential mental stimulation, physical exercise, and opportunities to engage their natural instincts. The varied sights, sounds, and smells of autumn create an enriching sensory experience that indoor activities simply can’t match.

Five Fun Fall Activities Perfect for Dogs and Families

The TurfMutt Foundation suggests these seasonal activities that dogs and their families can enjoy together:

1. Become Backyard Scientists Transform your yard or local park into an outdoor STEM classroom using free educational materials available at turfmutt.com. Dogs make excellent research assistants as you explore seasonal changes, observe wildlife patterns, and learn about plant lifecycles. This activity combines learning with the natural curiosity both children and dogs share about their environment.

2. Host a Fall Scavenger Hunt Organize a search for seasonal treasures like colorful leaves, acorns, pinecones, and feathers. Dogs excel at this activity, using their natural hunting instincts to help locate items. Adapt the hunt to your local climate – whether you’re searching for desert blooms in Arizona or maple leaves in Vermont, the activity engages both human and canine senses.

3. Take Scenic Walks or Bike Rides Autumn’s spectacular foliage provides the perfect excuse for extended walks or bike rides through neighborhoods and parks. Dogs love the extended exercise, while families can observe migrating birds and seasonal wildlife changes. These outings provide excellent opportunities for leash training and socialization for younger dogs.

4. Star Gazing Adventures Evening activities extend outdoor time beyond daylight hours. Set up blankets in your backyard with hot cocoa and s’mores fixings for a cozy evening under the stars. Dogs often enjoy the calmer energy of evening activities and may spot nocturnal wildlife that daytime adventures miss. Teaching children about constellations while your dog relaxes nearby creates lasting family memories.

5. Make Yard Work a Game Turn necessary fall cleanup tasks into enjoyable activities for the whole family. Let children jump in leaf piles while dogs chase and play. Hide your dog’s favorite toys in the leaves for an engaging treasure hunt that combines work with play. Fall bulb planting can become a family project with dogs supervising (and occasionally “helping” by digging their own holes).

The TurfMutt Mission: Saving the Planet One Yard at a Time

Behind these activity recommendations is a larger mission. The TurfMutt Foundation, championed by rescue dog Mulligan the TurfMutt, advocates for the care and stewardship of yards, parks, and schoolyards for the benefit of all. Since 2009, the organization, which serves as an educational outreach program of The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), has reached more than 70 million children, educators, and families through educational programs and partnerships.

Mulligan herself is a rescue success story who stepped into some very special paw prints. She was adopted by Kiser at the Kentucky Humane Society’s annual “Mutt Madness” adoption event in 2019, taking over as spokesdog after Lucky, the original TurfMutt, passed away that fall following a decade of service. “She has big paw prints to fill after Lucky’s ten years as TurfMutt, who had an extraordinary run,” Kiser noted when introducing Mulligan. Now serving as the foundation’s spokesdog, she appears regularly on CBS’s Emmy Award-winning show “Lucky Dog,” where her “Mulligan Minute” segments teach viewers about the benefits of green spaces.

Supporting Green Spaces and Animal Welfare

The foundation’s work extends beyond educational outreach. In 2024, they sponsored a $1 million naming rights agreement that transformed the Great Lawn at Louisville’s Waterfront Park into the TurfMutt Foundation Great Lawn. This partnership demonstrates their commitment to creating and maintaining green spaces that benefit both communities and their pets.

Through collaborations with organizations like Scholastic, the U.S. Green Building Council, and various humane societies, TurfMutt continues to promote the message that outdoor spaces are essential for healthy communities – both human and canine.

Tips for Safe Fall Adventures with Dogs

As you plan autumn outdoor activities with your pet, keep these safety considerations in mind:

• Check the temperature of pavement and surfaces before extended walks
• Be aware of seasonal hazards like mushrooms, acorns, and toxic plants
• Ensure your dog’s identification tags and microchip information are current
• Bring water for both you and your pet during longer excursions
• Watch for signs of fatigue in both children and dogs during activities

Making the Most of Autumn

Fall’s arrival doesn’t mean the end of outdoor fun – it marks the beginning of a season filled with unique opportunities to bond with your pet while enjoying nature’s spectacular show. Whether you’re raking leaves with a playful puppy or star gazing with a senior dog, these activities prove that the best entertainment is often found right outside your door.

As Kiser notes, “Mulligan the TurfMutt and I enjoy this time of year when the air is crisp and the leaves are changing.” This autumn, consider following their lead and discovering the adventures waiting in your own backyard.

For more fall activity ideas and educational tips on creating pet-friendly green spaces, visit www.turfmutt.com.