Photo by Beth Price-Williams
Spring in Pennsylvania can often be unpredictable when it comes to the weather, but most of us still spend as much time as we can outdoors with our pets. While a trip to the dog park or a stroll around the neighborhood offers us an easy way to enjoy the fresh air and longer days, sometimes we crave an adventure. Next time you’re mulling over where to explore next, consider one of these outdoor pet-friendly spring activities in Pennsylvania.
1. Waldameer Park & Waterworld – Erie
Delighted screams, the sound of metal hitting the tracks, and the feeling of ice cream dripping down your chin as you race to finish your cone before the sun melts it. Could a spring day at an amusement park get any better? Yep, it gets better when that park is Waldameer Park in Erie and you can bring your leashed dog or cat for a day of fun. Pets aren’t allowed on rides but have their own water fountain near Steel Dragon.
Bring the whole family as pets cannot be left unattended while you ride. Waldameer Park is known for such classics as the Tilt-a-Whirl, Scrambler, Ferris Wheel, and Flying Swings. When you’re not riding, try your hand at a game of chance or indulge in hand-dipped ice cream, fresh cut French fries, walking tacos, or grilled burgers.
The season at Waldameer Park generally runs from early May until September.
Address: 220 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505
2. Elmwood Park Zoo – Norristown
A trip to the zoo just got a whole lot more fun with Elmwood Park Zoo’s Dog Days. On select days throughout the year, except for July and August, Elmwood Park Zoo welcomes leashed pups to explore the popular pet-friendly attraction in Pennsylvania. However, there are some areas, including the Barn and Harmony Hideaway, that dogs are not permitted. Don’t forget your camera to snap photos as you and your dog explore the zoo that’s home to bald eagles, reptiles, alpacas, giraffes, and sloths.
You must purchase a ticket to the zoo for yourself and your dog. If you have a membership, your dog will receive a discount on their ticket or you can add your dog on to your membership. Find days and hours of Dog Days at Elmwood Park Zoo.
Mark your calendar, too, for Yappy Nights. Held after hours, the popular event includes a free pup cup for your pooch.
To attend pet-friendly events at Elmwood Park Zoo, bring proof that your dog is current on vaccines and heartworm test and the date of their last visit to the vet.
Address: 1661 Harding Blvd, Norristown, PA 19401
3. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site – Elverson
Get a glimpse of a former iron plantation as you explore the grounds of Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, flanked by French Creek State Park. Nine scenic trails wind through the park, ranging from the one-mile Kalmia Trail to the six-mile Boone Trail. Whether you go on a hike or stroll through the park, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
Pets are not permitted in any of the park buildings, including the visitor center, so keep that in mind when planning your visit. Clean up after your pets to ensure the site remains pleasant for all visitors and continues to be pet-friendly.
Address: 2 Mark Bird Ln, Elverson, PA 19520
4. Bear Run Nature Reserve – Mill Run
Slip on a pair of comfy but sturdy hiking shoes and leash your pup for a day of exploring the natural beauty of Western Pennsylvania at Bear Run Nature Reserve. With more than 20 miles of hiking trails, the dog-friendly nature reserve is home to more than 500 plant species and 53 species of birds. Hiking trails, which wind through a mature hemlock forest, are typically rugged, so be prepared. Let someone know where you’ll be hiking, charge your phone, and bring plenty of water.
Park in the upper lot and you’ll find the main trailhead nearby.
Address: 1478 Mill Run Rd, Mill Run, PA 15464
5. Bushkill Falls – Bushkill
Touted as the “Niagara of Pennsylvania,” Bushkill Falls boasts spectacular natural beauty, including eight waterfalls. Explore with your leashed pet on one of four trails that offer sensational views of the park’s cascades. The 15-minute Green Trail, which features stairs, is the shortest of the trails and leads to the Main Falls.
If you’d like to see all eight falls, gear up for an adventure along the Red Trail. The two-mile trail usually takes around two hours to complete. Be prepared to climb stairs, deal with natural surfaces, and walk along boardwalks.
While the waterfalls are undeniably the highlight of Bushkill Falls, the seasonal attraction also features a children’s playground, picnic areas, mining for gemstones, and a gift shop. Bring a picnic (grilling is not allowed), grab a burger, sandwich, or pizza at the snack bar, or treat your sweet tooth with ice cream and fudge from Fudge Kitchen.
Address: 138 Bushkill Falls Trail, Bushkill, PA 18324
6. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden – Oakdale
Breathe in the fresh spring air as you explore, with your leashed dog, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden in Oakdale. Carve out at least an hour or two, especially if you want to see everything, to meander through the Garden of the Five Senses, Margaret Lawrence Simon Dogwood Meadow, Allegheny Plateau Woodland, and Asian Woodland. Step into a magical wonderland at Bookworm Glen and Hermit Hut in the European Woodland.
While it might be tempting to wander off the path, stay on the trail with your dog. Only leashed pups are permitted at the pet-friendly attraction in Pennsylvania, and you must pick up after your dog. Dogs are not allowed in the café or on its terrace and they are not permitted during ticketed special events, including Dazzling Nights.
Timed tickets are available online. You can also purchase tickets at the garden’s Welcome Center.
Address: 799 Pinkerton Run Rd, Oakdale, PA 15071
7. Knoebels Amusement Resort – Elysburg
A popular family destination for a century, Knoebels Amusement Park promises a ton of old-fashioned fun and you can bring your leashed pet with you. Unlike most amusement parks today, Knoebels is admission free. You can either purchase a day pass for rides or buy tickets if you don’t plan to ride a lot.
Pets are not allowed on rides and must always have someone with them. Knoebels boasts a full menu of old-school rides, including the bumper cars, antique cars, giant wheel, and carousel. A day at the park wouldn’t be complete without playing a few games of chances and treating yourself to such tasty treats as burgers and hot dogs, fresh cut fries, homemade fudge, and ice cream.
While Knoebels is pet-friendly, there are some spots, including covered dining areas and buildings, where pets are not permitted.
Knoebels Amusement Park typically opens for the season at the end of April.
Address: 391 Knoebels Blvd, Elysburg, PA 17824
8. Presque Isle State Park – Erie
Pack a picnic, pile the whole family into the car, and set off on a spring day trip to Presque Isle State Park in Erie. Like all of the state parks in Pennsylvania, Presque Isle State Park is pet-friendly as are some of its nearly dozen beaches. The Erie beaches are open seasonally from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
While Presque Isle State Park may be best known for its beaches, it offers plenty more to do too. Embark on one of the 11 miles of hiking trails, ensuring your pets are leashed, and you clean up after them.
Address: 301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505
How many of these outdoor pet-friendly spring activities in Pennsylvania will you add to your bucket list? If you’re searching for more pet-friendly activities in Pennsylvania this spring, head over to your favorite search engine, type in “pet-friendly activities near me” or “dog-friendly activities near me,” to see where your next adventure might take you.
