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Looking for fun ways to keep your kids and dog entertained together? You’re in the right place. Children can form a strong bond with dogs without needing to interact physically. In fact, activities that safely involve them both are THE BEST way to build a positive relationship.
The activities we’ve put together are designed to fit into real life, whether you only have five minutes indoors or a free afternoon outside. Not only do these activities give your dog mental and physical exercise, but they also help children build confidence, empathy, and responsibility. Most importantly, they create sweet memories (and great pictures and videos!) for the whole family.
Research shows that children who interact with dogs often experience enhanced emotional well-being and social skills. In fact, studies show that children with pets are more likely to exhibit empathy and lower levels of stress.
Let’s dive into 15+ safe, fun, and practical ideas that entertain kids and dogs - tried and tested by the Dog Meets Baby children and dogs.
Important Safety Note: All activities require adult supervision.
Follow these safety guidelines:
We’ve separated the activities into:
Storytime with your dog is a good bonding activity because it is predictable, and the child is predictably calm, in your lap or cuddled next to you. Many dogs love story time as part of their daily or bedtime routine. Once your child can read (or knows the story by heart), you can also have your child read to your dog.
Kids can color, paint, or even craft portraits of their pup. A creative way to practice fine motor skills and celebrate their furry friend. It encourages artistic expression while strengthening their bond with their furry friends.
Looking for a creative way to engage your dog using items you already have at home? This DIY activity turns empty paper towels or toilet rolls into a fun treat dispenser! It provides mental stimulation while encouraging play and exploration. Kids will love making them, and dogs will love destroying them. Win-win.
Set up a splashy soap-and-water station for washing toys and bowls - it’s sensory play with a purpose. This activity teaches responsibility and turns chores into a fun game!
Kids mix and freeze dog-safe ingredients (such as yogurt, pumpkin, or wet food) into homemade pup-sicles. This simple project allows children to get creative in the kitchen using dog-friendly ingredients to whip up delicious snacks. A perfect summer activity.
Get hands-on in the kitchen as kids stuff puzzle toys with tasty fillings. This fun project keeps dogs entertained while teaching children valuable skills as they measure, mix, and assemble the toys.
Activities That Need Equipment or Training
Who says bobbing for apples is just for humans? Dogs get a splashy game while kids learn which toys sink or float. A refreshing activity to stay cool in the summer, and it’s great if you have a water loving dog.
Want a fun way to train your dog and engage your child? Try playing "Simon Says"! This classic game entertains while teaching important commands and listening skills.
An exciting activity that blends fun with training! All you need is a hoop and some treats or a favorite toy. Teach your dog to jump through a hoop with your child as the cheerleader or assistant trainer. Fun, teamwork-driven, and a confidence booster.
Hide kibble under cups or cones and let your dog sniff them out. Kids set it up, give the cue, and cheer on the search.
Build a course with cones, tunnels, hoops, or even a table to crawl under. Burns energy and encourages teamwork between kids and dogs.
Children design their very own treat delivery system using cardboard tubes, pipes, and tape. This activity sparks imagination and teaches children how cause-and-effect works, and provides an exciting game for dogs who love treats falling their way. Fun for the whole family, it is one of our favorite activities!
All you need is a roll of foil and a small slope to build a “river” so the children can send kibble, fruit, or toys floating downstream. It’s part craft project, part water play, one of our favorite summer activities.
Prop the child higher, and give a wrapping paper roll and some treats or kibble. Have a snuffle mat, a dog bowl, or a dog bed ready for the child to send some goodies down the chute.
A safe and fun way for children to feed the pup.
At the beginning of the pandemic, there was a toilet paper and paper towel shortage. Once you were able to find some, you were stocking up! We have never had so much toilet paper! As I was trying to figure out where to store it, the children started jumping over it. Space out several small walls of toilet paper rolls for your dog and child to jump over. As they get better it is, add another layer to the wall. How high can they jump? Expect a lot of laughter.
Link to key affiliate products that work across multiple activities:
Choose an activity that matches your space, your child’s age, and the time you have available.
Start with one activity this week and see how you, your child, and your dog like it. Wrapping paper chute might be a good one to start during the gift packing season.
Indoor activities - Kibble search, kibble drop, and kibble pockets are our favorites.
When my children were very little, cleaning the toys was a big hit.
The foil river and toilet paper jump and hoop jump always made everyone laugh.
Each post in this series includes step-by-step instructions, safety tips, and pro tips to make things easier for you.
Dog Meets Baby (Blog) is reader-supported. When you buy through links on this page, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you.
Online resources to help your baby and dog get along—right from the start and as they grow up together.
