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5 National Parks to Visit This Year With Your Pet (for Free)

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

What's the perfect excuse to head to a national park with your best furry friend? Why, a fee-free day! Every year, the National Park Service (NPS) designates Free Entrance Days for free admission into national parks nationwide. Monday, January 9th, kicked off the first of seven Free Entrance Days for 2025, with National Day of Mourning for President James Earl Carter Jr.

But not every national park is pet-friendly. With hundreds of national parks in the United States, knowing where to go, what you can and can't do, and what to pack for your getaway is essential. Read on to discover five pet-friendly national parks worth exploring.

Why Head to a National Park, Anyway?

Visiting national parks is a centuries-old American tradition that dates back to 1872 when Congress established the first national park. When you visit a national park, you'll get to walk the trails that many presidents traveled and generations of visitors and their pets. 

National parks are also a great way to enjoy scenic views, exercise, and fresh air in one location. You can also spend extra time bonding with your pet and providing her a new place to explore. 

Visiting a national park is a relaxing getaway if you want to escape technology or noisy cities. National parks can also double as adventure spots, allowing you to explore panoramic trails and viewpoints with your furry friend. Whether you have an adventure cat or a curious canine who enjoys sniffing around new places, national parks offer much to do and see.

When Are the National Park Service's Free Entrance Days for 2025?

Most national parks, like Nez Perce National Historical Park, are free year-round. However, the Free Entrance Days allow you to enjoy the national parks that typically charge an entrance fee at no cost. In 2025, there will be seven fee-free days to enter national parks. These days include:

  • Monday, January 9th: (National Day of Mourning for President James Earl Carter, Jr.)

  • Monday, January 20th: (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)

  • Saturday, April 19th: (The first day of National Park Week)

  • Thursday, June 19th: (Juneteenth National Independence Day)

  • Monday, August 4th: (The Great American Outdoors Act's Anniversary)

  • Saturday, September 27th: (National Public Lands Day)

  • Tuesday, November 11th: (Veterans Day)

What to Pack

Before heading out to a national park, ensure you pack the essentials. First, think about how long you plan to spend at the park and pack based on the activities you plan to do. For instance, if you plan to head to the beach, pack some extra towels to dry your fluffy friend. You'll also want to pack essentials like water, food, and pet waste bags.

Here is a quick checklist of what to bring:

Check Out These 5 National Parks

While over 400 national parks exist in the United States, only some parks are pet-friendly. So, knowing which national parks to visit with your pet is essential. Here are five pet-friendly national parks worth exploring:

Acadia National Park (Maine)

Enjoy hiking along adventurous rocky trails when visiting Acadia National Park in Maine. This historic park became a national park in the early 20th century and offers spectacular lake and cliffside views. 

Bond with your pet as you travel along the rocky coastline of the Wonderland Trail, catching scenic views of the evergreen forest. If you're up for a challenge, consider capturing mountaintop views of the Bubbles Mountains along the Jordan Pond Path. Just avoid the section between The Featherbed Pond and the carriage road.

Looking for a shorter, more straightforward route? Consider heading down natural trails like Ship Harbor Trail or Beech Valley Trail. Whatever path you choose, remember that Acadia National Park's pet policy requires you to keep your pet on a leash and pick up its waste.

Photo by Michael Kirsh on Unsplash

Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

The Grand Canyon offers picturesque views rivaling most paintings, and you must see it for yourself. So why not bring Fido along? Adventure cats are also welcome at the Grand Canyon. 

But there are a few rules you'll need to follow. Like most national parks, you must always have your pet on a leash when visiting the Grand Canyon. Your pets are also only allowed in specifically designated areas. For example, you can take your leashed cat or dog on the greenway or bridle trail that connects the North Kaibab Trail. On the South Rim, you can walk with your pet on trails above the rim and Trailer Village, among other developed areas. You can also use the Grand Canyon Kennel near the Maswik Lodge on the South Rim to board your dog or cat. Just make sure you have your pet's shot records on hand.

Photo by Lionello DelPicclolo on Unsplash

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve (Colorado)

Try a different terrain and head for the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. While pets aren't allowed on the dune field's backcountry or inside the visitor center, you can explore the Preserve and the park's main use areas with your favorite feline or pup. Travel the scenic forestry trail of evergreens and aspen that early settlers and Native Americans once traveled when you walk the 3.2-mile Mosca Pass Trail. Hang out with your pet on the Pinon Flats Campground, or take your dog to explore the dunes. Just remember to keep your pet on a leash, pick up your pet's waste, and watch out for the spines of any prickly pear cactus you may encounter as you approach the dunes.

Photo by Taylor Wright on Unsplash

Shenandoah National Park (Virginia)

If you're looking for broader, open spaces for your pet to travel, consider Virginia's Shenandoah National Park. Only 20 of the 500 miles of trails in the park, including the Story of the Forest Trail and the Fox Hollow Trail, prohibit pets. The park has pet-friendly lodging, making camping with your cats easy in its pet-friendly campgrounds. 

Start with a simple, picturesque route like the Loft Mountain Loop or Ivy Creek trail via the Appalachian Trail. Along the way, you'll catch panoramic views of stony vistas and lush, forest-filled landscapes. Catch cascading waterfalls and serene streams as you walk on the four-mile Rose River Loop. Consider traveling along the Little Stony Man trail if you're looking for a short hike with cliff views. Just remember to keep your pet on a leash no longer than six feet and follow the park rules to keep you and your pet safe.

Photo by Lisa Riabinina on Unsplash

Capitol Reef National Park (Utah)

Want to frolic through a historic orchard or enjoy a serene view along a river trail amongst unique rock formations? Then, add  Capitol Reef National Park as one of your next pet-friendly road trip stops. Leashed pets can walk down the Fremont River Trail from the Fruita campground to the south end, where you will enjoy the sounds of the river and views of intricate rock formations billions of years old. Remember that you can't bring Rover beyond the gate at Hattie's Field. 

You can also travel with your furry friend between the Fruita campground and the visitor center, which comes out to about 1.4 miles or about a thirty-minute walk one way. Between dawn and dusk, you can also enjoy apple and apricot picking or frolicking through one of the park's unlocked and unfenced orchards, such as the Cass Mulford and Gifford orchards. Harvest season runs from the middle of June to the middle of October for various fruits and nuts, including apricots, peaches, apples, pears, and walnuts. During harvest season, you can enjoy sampling fruit for free or pay about $2 per pound to take some home. Remember to carry cash and check the Capitol Reef National Park's Facebook page for updates on current harvests and prices.

If you want an overnight stay, consider reserving one of the 71 spots on the Fruita campground for $25 per night and enjoy the night stars with your pup at this International Dark Sky Park.  

Spend a Day in a National Park With Your Pet

Looking for more pet-friendly national parks in the States? The National Park Service also has a map of pet-friendly national parks you can visit with your favorite furry friends. The map also gives you the inside scoop on whether you can take your pets inside the park and which trails they can or cannot travel. Whether you're looking to enjoy a holiday or some vacation time at a national park, you can do it with your furry friend throughout the year. Look at the map we mentioned here and plan your pet-friendly adventure at a national park.

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15 Fun Things to Do With Your Pet This Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving offers the opportunity to be grateful for your family--human and fur members alike! Discover 15 fun and relaxing things to do with your pet this Thanksgiving Weekend!

A gray and white kitten surrounded by wooden leaf blocks, pumpkin, and squash props against an ocean blue gradient backdrop in a Photo by Slavy Darozhkin

Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash

Thanksgiving offers the opportunity to be grateful for your family--human and fur members alike! But what if you want some unique ways to celebrate this weekend of thanks with your family, friends, and fur babies in an unforgettable way? We've got you covered! Here are 15 fun and relaxing things to do with your pet this Thanksgiving Weekend:

1. Attend a Pet-Friendly Turkey Trot

Thanksgiving is a great day to get outdoors and enjoy a local turkey trot, even if you're traveling on the road. Turkey trots began in the United States in Buffalo, New York, in the late 19th century, where a local YMCA hosted the first Turkey Trot---a five-mile cross-country race. Thanksgiving is the most popular day to run a race on the road, and there is space for your furry friend, too. Check out these five pet-friendly turkey trots around the country happening this Thanksgiving Weekend:

  • Historic Turkey Trot & 5k Fun Walk (Bethlehem, PA): Enjoy a pet costume contest, a challenging 5K course, or a 1.7-mile walk on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

  • Pensacola Beach Turkey Trot (Pensacola Beach, FL): This Turkey Trot's proceeds benefit local and national brain cancer research and feature a 5k Turkey Trot that starts at 8:30am on Thanksgiving Day: November 28, 2024. You can also look forward to a version for kids that starts at 8am and a costume contest. Bring your leashed dogand some waste bags to quickly clean up after your pet.

  • Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot (Dallas, TX): Head to Dallas on Thanksgiving Day to join The Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot, which features family and pet-friendly fun. Enjoy a free family photo with a giant turkey, and pay $15 to add the Dog Trot. Leashed dogs can participate in a 5k or 8-mile walk or run, where your dog can win a medal if he's one of the first 750 dogs to cross the finish line during the 5k event. Just remember to bring extra poop bags and pick up after your dog.

  • Festival Foods Turkey Trot (Milwaukee, WI, and various WI locations): This fun Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot takes place all over Wisconsin, including Milwaukee, Oshkosh, Green Bay, and Appleton. So, you'll have plenty of options to enjoy the Dog Jog portion of the event with your furry friend. Register your well-behaved dog for $5 to participate in this two-mile walk, including a chic branded festival bandana to complement your pup's lool as he struts down the boulevard in style.   

  • Mesa Turkey Trot 5k & 10k (Mesa, AZ): This family-friendly turkey trot occurs at Red Mountain Park and starts at 8am on Thanksgiving Day with the One Mile Fun Run/ Walk. You can also register for the 5k, 10k, or Virtual Run. While dogs don't require a registration fee, the race host asks that participants with leashed dogs start at the back of the race and that you clean up after your pet.

2. Take a Thanksgiving Day Hike

Instead of getting stuffed, rolling over, and taking a long Thanksgiving nap, consider moving your body by taking a Thanksgiving Day hike right after eating. Thanksgiving is a day focused on feasting, but it doesn't mean you have to be completely off your fitness goals that day. Pick a local park that will be open on Thanksgiving Day. The great news is that most national parks, such as Grand Canyon National Park and Shenandoah National Park, are open on Thanksgiving Day. Remember that although the parks may be open, the visitor centers may be closed. Check out our guide on more pet-friendly National Parks to go beyond Thanksgiving Day and discover more places to take your pup on the go. Your body (and your pet) will thank you for it later. 

3. Go for a Run (or Opt for an Obstacle Course)

You don't have to travel far to enjoy the scenery around your pet-friendly Airbnb or hotel after gobbling down some yummy Thanksgiving Day meals. Opt for a short jog or run to get your digestive system going, and add a little exercise for your favorite furry friend. It can be as simple as taking a stroll around the block of your hotel with your curious cat or inquisitive Icelandic sheepdog. If you prefer indoor exercise, consider setting up an obstacle course or just taking time to play with your pet. We like Outward Hound's Zip & Zoom Indoor Dog Agility Training Kit for Dogs for a little indoor agility training on the go. But if you have a witty kitty who is super playful, consider a laser, a fish on a pole toy, or a robot mouse to keep him active while indoors.

4. Gobble Up Thanksgiving Leftovers

Even after Thanksgiving Day, the leftovers are often still abundant. So why not get creative with your Thanksgiving Day leftovers and make some pet-safe treats for your furry friend to eat. Have leftover turkey meat? Why not pair some aside for your favorite fur ball with sweet potatoes and green beans, which would make for a great combination and source of fiber, vitamins, and protein. Just keep it plain and simple by forgoing any leftovers with added salts, sugars, or other condiments that can create digestive issues for your pet.  

5. Have a Spa-ty Paw-ty

Nothing feels as good as relaxing and bonding with your extraordinary pet than enjoying a Thanksgiving Spa Day. Here are some items to gather to make your Spa-ty Paw-ty a relaxing adventure away from home:

6. Enjoy a Brunch on the Beach

If you're lucky to celebrate Thanksgiving Weekend near a coastline, why not enjoy a day having brunch on the beach or near a waterview. You can head to a dog-friendly beach and lay out blankets, setting up your brunch. But if you want it a little easier, consider dining out. Check the hotel or local beach restaurants open if you plan to have brunch on Thanksgiving Day. You want to ensure they offer menus to accommodate your dog, too. Here are some pet-friendly restaurants where you can enjoy brunch on the beach or with a view during Thanksgiving Weekend:

  • Shooters Waterfront Cafe (Fort Lauderdale, FL): This restaurant offers a water view and typically offers brunch on the weekends. You can also expect a dog-friendly menu with your pup's choice of chicken, beef, or ocean reef turkey.

  • Sandy's Beach Shack (Huntington Beach, CA): Head to the Huntington Beach Pier this Thanksgiving Weekend and enjoy brunch goodies from the menu, like Hawaiian French Toast and the Beachfront Breakfast with the view of the sandy beach, waves, and pier. Dogs are welcome to hang out with you as you dine on the patio, and they even have their own dog menu with meals catered to small and large dogs.

  • Barefoot Beach Cafe (Honolulu, HI): Soak up the sun and enjoy a delicious brunch at Barefoot Beach Cafe in Honolulu, Hawaii. This pet-friendly beach park sand bar features breakfast items, such as Spiked Avocado Toast and the Sweetbread French Toast on the menu. Sit at one of the picnic-style tables, enjoy live music from 10am to 1pm on Sundays, and have fun frolicking on the sand with your pup. But remember that this is an alcohol-free spot due to local Park and Recreation rules.

7. Enjoy a Fall Photoshoot

A great way to remember your holiday weekend would be to take a fall photo shoot. Think of how many main shots you want to capture and plan the scenes, such as the backyard of your VRBO or Airbnb with fall foliage. You can even take your scene planning up a notch and find fall foliage around the area using the Fall Color Finder Map by Minnesota DNR. Consider coordinating clothes, such as taking photos in matching pajamas. But keep in mind that taking a photoshoot with pets calls for a bit of patience and planning. Make sure to have a favorite toy to distract your favorite feline. If you're taking a photo shoot with multiple dogs, consider giving them an easy command they will pay attention to, such as "sit" or "stay." Make sure if you're taking photos of your pets that you hold a treat up and behind the camera so that it appears that they are looking at the camera. But remember to include some candid photo shots and take advantage of the best light during the golden hour, typically within one to two hours of the sun setting and rising.

8. Enjoy a Starry Night Campsgiving

You can save on the cost of an expensive hotel, be one with nature, and enjoy a clear night sans city lights by camping out at a pet-friendly campground. When planning for a starry night camping with your pet, consider checking out the location early if you can before booking to make sure you're not choosing a spot too close to a busy bathroom or pathway where tons of campers make sure you pack a few items to make your starry night run as smoothly as possible. Here are a few items you may want to have on hand:

9. Teach New Tricks

Thanksgiving Weekend is also a great time to teach your dog new tricks. Start with beginner-level training commands like sit and stay or leave it. But if your pet knows basic manners, then it's time to have some fun and teach them tricks like spinning and shaking hands. Teaching new tricks can also be helpful in taking fall photo shoots. You can teach your pup to lower her chest and take a bow for a cute yet candid late-fall photo.

10. Enjoy a Pet-Friendly Potluck

Gather your family and friends and get ready to have fun while eating grub and host a pet-friendly potluck. Enjoying a pet-friendly potluck is ideal even when you're away on vacay, but it's critical to plan for the event so it can run as smoothly as possible. First, consider food and treats for both humans and pets. If you plan well enough, you can even make treats from scratch. Try making Nyesha Arrington's dog biscuits and glaze featured in Max's Chef+ Selena's first season. Make sure you think of foods to accommodate your human guests' and furry friends' diets, such as ensuring there is a fish dish, vegetarian, or vegan dish for guests who are pescatarian, vegan, or vegetarian. Assign the side dishes to those you can rely on, and think of a backup plan, such as a backup dish or restaurant if someone is late or doesn't show up with the turkey and dog treats. If you're hosting your pet-friendly potluck early enough, you can have the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade playing in the background as you prepare brunch. Or leave it on and continue to stream The National Dog Show from noon to 2pm your local time on NBC.

11. Volunteer at a Local Animal Shelter

Thanksgiving is a time to share your caregiving skills with local animal shelters through volunteering. Check if a local shelter you're vacationing near needs help on or around Thanksgiving weekend. The type of help you can provide can be helping to walk the local animal shelter dogs or feeding the cats. Some animal shelter organizations, such as theArizona Humane Society, allow group volunteering, one-time volunteer opportunities, or even taking adoptable dogs on a field trip to a coffee shop. Check in advance to see if the animal shelter allows your pet to accompany you if you plan to bring her along.

12. Have Fun With a Thanksgiving Scavenger Hunt

Give your pet mental stimulation while enjoying a little exercise by creating a fun Thanksgiving scavenger hunt. If you're staying in an Airbnb with your cat, you can incorporate nose work training and climbing challenges by placing treats on a cat tree, under a red Solo cup, or underneath cardboard boxes. You can also encourage your cat's hunting instincts by hiding her favorite toys around different locations on Airbnb. Make your dog excited to find treats and add some mental stimulation by hiding his favorite treats in a food puzzle. We're fans of Outward Hound's selection of food puzzles at different levels. Try this Outward Hound dog bright treat puzzle by Nina Ottosson for the beginner and dog brick puzzles for a more advanced level. You can also include an exercise element in the scavenger hunt and set up a dog agility course. A Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt can also be fun if you're hosting a pet-friendly potluck.

13. Prance Around a Pet-Friendly Pumpkin Patch or Farm

While the beginning of fall is typically the best time to head to a local pumpkin patch with your pet, you can also enjoy time out on the farm in late November. Head to Outhouse Orchards in North Salem, New York, and enjoy hayrides and a corn maze at this dog-friendly pumpkin patch. Just remember to put Fido on a leash. If you want to kick off Christmas and hunt for some Christmas trees, head to Santa's Christmas Tree Forest in Eustis, Florida. While this pet-friendly pumpkin patch is closed on Thanksgiving Day, you can enjoy looking for live Christmas trees starting Black Friday, November 29, 2024. The farm also features a petting zoo, ice cream from the Frozen Elf, and Santa's Flight Zip Line.

14. Make it a Movie Night

Thanksgiving Weekend is a great time to spend indoors cuddled up with your kitten and making it a movie night. If you have a lap dog like a chihuahua, they'll also enjoy a movie night! You can opt for a movie marathon and watch some family-friendly, pet-related content, Beethoven, Marlee and Me, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, and a Garfield Thanksgiving, or watch some Thanksgiving classic movies like Soul Food and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. But if you want to hone in on pet-centric content, consider the new streaming service Buddi. As of November 2024, the service offers a seven-day free trial, which rolls to $7.99 a month or $79.98 annually. You can also give the gift of Buddi and take advantage of the holiday promotional offer at $59.98 a year until December 31, 2024.

15. Remember Why You're So Thankful With a Gratitude List

With all that is happening in the world, there is nothing like creating a gratitude list to name all you're thankful for. Pick up a playful journal or jot down some reasons you're grateful for your pet in your life on a mini chalkboard or whiteboard. It can be as simple as being thankful for the company, having your own cheerleading team, or having an exercise partner.

Be Thankful

Thanksgiving Weekend is the time to spend time with your loved ones. It's also the perfect time to relax or get out with furry friends. With so much to do this Thanksgiving Weekend, you have much to be thankful for. What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving season, and what do you plan to do?

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