22 Fun Dog Activities During Summer That Cost $0

You’ve already done the usual walk around the block. Maybe thrown a ball once or twice. But let’s be honest: keeping your dog busy every day when it’s sweltering outside gets tiring fast.

But there are plenty of things you can do that cost absolutely nothing. No overpriced toys. No fancy doggy gyms. Just simple activities that help your dog burn energy, stay cool, and have a little fun. Whether it’s an early morning fetch, a backyard scent game, or a DIY puzzle made from things you already own, there are more no-cost options than you might think.

And that’s what this post is all about.

You’re getting 22 ideas. All free. Some for indoors, some for outside. All designed to help your dog stay active, mentally sharp, and happy when the weather’s working against you.

Let’s make this summer one your dog enjoys and you don’t have to budget for.

Quick Tips to Keep Summer Safe for Your Pup

• Start with water. Always have fresh water nearby. Bring Dakota 283 Dash Water System filled with cold water. Whether you’re in the yard, at the dog park, or just hanging out in the living room. Hydration matters more than you think, especially when temperatures climb.
• Watch for signs of overheating. Heavy panting. Red gums. Sluggish behavior. These are the big three. If your dog seems off, it’s worth a break in the shade.
• Skip the midday walks. Late morning to early afternoon? Probably not the best time to be out. Go for early walks or wait until the sun is lower. It’s easier on their paws and their energy.
• Speaking of paws, test the pavement. Use your hand. If it’s too hot to hold for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s feet.

None of these are complicated. But together, they keep your dog safe so they can enjoy all the activities coming up next.

22 Free Dog Activities During Summer

Some dogs are easy to please. Give them a shady spot and something to chew on, and they’re set for hours.

Others? Not so much. They’ll pace, bark, stare, waiting for you to do something entertaining.

And when the heat rolls in, your options shrink fast.

That’s where these 22 ideas come in. They’re free. They’re fun. And they’ll give your dog something to look forward to—without making you plan an entire event. Think of it like a summer menu of low-effort, no-cost activities you can mix and match.

1. Morning Sniffari Walks in Your Neighborhood

You’ve heard of a safari. A sniffari is like that, but for your dog’s nose.

Instead of a power walk, let them take the lead. Pause at every tree, mailbox, or blade of grass that smells suspiciously interesting. Early mornings are best with cooler pavement, better smells, and fewer distractions.

No rush. Just sniffing.

2. Ice Cube Treasure Hunts in the Yard

Hide a few ice cubes in the grass. Or freeze broth into cubes for extra flavor.

Toss them around the yard and let your dog go hunting. It’s refreshing, engaging, and surprisingly entertaining for both of you.

Bonus: it slows them down in the heat.

3. Splash Time With a Hose or Sprinkler

Some dogs treat water like it’s the best invention of all time.

If yours is one of them, hook up a sprinkler or gently spray the hose. Keep it supervised, keep it playful. Not every dog will jump in, but the ones who do won’t want to stop.

4. Explore a New Local Trail or Park

You don’t need to drive across town to find something new.

Use Google Maps or AllTrails to find dog-friendly paths nearby. Shaded spots are your friend. Bring water, and let your dog take their time. New sights, new smells, new mood.

5. Build a Cardboard Box Maze Indoors

Got boxes from your last online order? Perfect.

Set them up in the living room, add a few turns and tunnels, and hide a treat or two inside. It doesn’t need to look fancy. Your dog will be too busy figuring it out to care.

6. DIY Treat Puzzle With Things You Already Own

This one’s easy.

Use a muffin tin and tennis balls. Or roll up treats in an old towel. Stack cups with a surprise underneath. It’s all about turning snack time into a thinking game.

Keeps their brain busy while you sip your coffee.

7. Play the “Find It” Game Around the House

Pick a toy like WetMutt Dog Toy - Tire. Or a treat.

Let your dog watch as you hide it, then send them off to find it. Once they’ve got the hang of it, make it harder. Behind a pillow. Under a Paw PupProtector Waterproof Bed Runner. Around the corner.

It’s like hide-and-seek, but with more drool.

8. Tennis Ball Fetch in the Hallway or Driveway

Sometimes, the classics work best.

Toss a tennis ball in the hallway. Or the driveway, if it’s shaded and safe. Keep the sessions short in hot weather, and give your dog a chance to cool off between rounds.

And yes, count how many times they fake you out.

9. Backyard Nature Watch

Not every dog needs to run laps.

Set up a shady spot in the yard and just let them sit. Watch squirrels. Sniff the air. Judge the neighbors. For older dogs or hot days, this can be just as satisfying as a walk.

Add a chew toy if you want bonus points.

10. Teach One New Trick Every Week

You don’t need a backyard for this.

Try simple tricks like “touch” or “spin.” Use a few treats and short sessions. It’s not about perfection—it’s about attention, repetition, and bonding.

Dogs love a mental workout.

11. Nap Together During the Hottest Part of the Day

Yes, this counts.

If the heat’s too much, lean into it. Find the coolest room in the house, throw on a fan, and take a break. Your dog probably won’t argue.

Sometimes the best activity is inactivity.

12. Host a Backyard “Bark-Off” Talent Show

Invite a few dog-loving friends over. Or go solo.

Teach your dog a silly routine. Clap for their hops, spins, or dramatic sit-stays. The point isn’t to win—it’s to play. And laugh. And maybe earn a few tail wags in return.

13. Fan + Frozen Towel = DIY Cooling Station

No AC? No problem.

Dampen a towel, freeze it for a bit, then lay it near a fan. It’s a quick, easy way to cool your dog down. Add a favorite toy or frozen treat for bonus comfort.

Low effort. Big impact.

14. Laundry Day Hide and Seek

Pile up some clean laundry, especially clothes that smell like you.

Tuck a few treats or toys inside. Let your dog dig, sniff, and explore. It’s simple, scent-driven fun that doesn’t require any prep.

Just maybe not during allergy season.

15. Dog Yoga (Yes, Doga) in the Living Room

Don’t overthink it.

Stretch on the floor. Let your dog join you. You can follow a short video or just go with the flow. The goal isn’t perfect poses—it’s calm, movement, and time together.

A few downward dogs are optional.

16. Make Bath Time a Water Play Event

Baths don’t have to be a struggle.

Take it outside if possible. Let your dog splash around a bit first, then work in some shampoo while they’re distracted. It’s not foolproof, but it makes things a lot easier.

And wetter.

17. Create a Scent Garden From Things You Have

Dogs explore with their nose. Give them something new to sniff.

Use small containers or bowls. Fill them with herbs, safe flowers, or spices. Think mint, rosemary, or basil. Rotate them each week to keep it interesting.

Just don’t plant anything toxic.

18. Do a Goofy Summer Photo Shoot

Grab your phone. Find some natural light.

Snap a few pictures of your dog doing… well, whatever they do. Add a pair of sunglasses or a towel for flair. No pressure to share them. But you’ll be glad you took them.

Especially the outtakes.

19. Build a Homemade Obstacle Course

Think DIY agility track.

Use couch cushions for jumps. Chairs to weave through. Blankets to crawl under. You don’t need much space or budget to get creative.

Great for rainy days or bursts of energy.

20. Play Dog-Calming Music or Nature Sounds

Yes, there’s music made just for dogs.

Pop on a Spotify playlist or search for calming dog sounds on YouTube. Add a chew or lick mat to the mix. It turns a boring afternoon into a slow, soothing break.

And maybe gives you a moment of quiet, too.

21. Visit a Dog-Friendly Beach or Lake

If you’re lucky enough to live near one, use it.

Bring a towel, water, and something for shade. Let your dog wade in, splash, or roll around in the sand. Keep an eye on currents, and don’t forget to rinse off after.

The ride home = nap time.

22. Picnic in the Backyard With Your Pup

You don’t need a park.

Lay out a blanket in the shade. Bring some snacks (for both of you), water, and maybe a frozen treat. Hang out. No rush, no goal. Just a bit of time outside, together.

Turns out, dogs are pretty good picnic dates.

When a Frozen Towel and a Belly Rub Are More Than Enough

You don’t need to fill every hour with something exciting. Your dog isn’t keeping a scorecard.

A quiet morning in the yard. A lazy stretch on the couch. A slow walk around the block. Those moments count just as much as the splashy ones.

For your dog, it’s not about how creative the activity is. It’s about you being there.

A frozen towel in front of a fan? That’s a win. Ten minutes of fetch with an old tennis ball? Also a win. Lying on the floor while your dog naps beside you? Still a win.

You don’t need fancy toys or big plans. You just need a bit of time, some patience, and a willingness to let your dog be a dog—even if that means letting them dig up your backyard for the third time this week.

Dog parenting doesn’t need to be perfect. Just consistent. Just present.