Let's Plan a Doggy-Date

Spring is approaching which means warmer weather, later sunsets allowing for some fun after work, and endless possibilities for fun activities!

Have you been noticing two little eyes watching your every move? Have you noticed four paws scurrying behind you with every step you take? We get it. Life happens, and work must be finished. Laundry is piling and deadlines are accumulating. With all of this commotion, take a break every once in a while! How about you treat yourself, and your pup, to a date?

The Springfield community offers a variety of dog-friendly activities which means you, the family, and all the paws can plan for an activity that gets the whole family together. While evening walks are not only a great form of exercise for both you and your furry-friend, it's nice to get away and do something new to everyone!

Cruse Dog Park: This was the first off-leash dog-park in Springfield, opened in 2008! The space is a whopping 6 acres all together, allowing 4 1/2 for bigger dogs, and 1 1/2 acres for smaller dogs. This would be a great place for them to expel some energy and be around other dog friends too! They offer one day passes, but this is mostly used by registered users. "Please note you must provide a current Certificate of Vaccination for Rabies, rabies tag number and pet medical records from a licensed veterinarian documenting current vaccinations for Parvo, Distemper, and Bordetella." Cruse Dog Park is open sunrise to sunset with the exception of Thursday in which they open at 8 a.m. Annual registration is $25 per dog, with a two dog per individual policy, and $10 for a daily fee with a $10 deposit.

Frisco Highline Trail: Looking for an extended walk, a place to jog or bike, and with scenic views? Look no further. This 37 mile trail is flat, peaceful, and beautiful! The Frisco runs from Springfield (W. Kearney St. and N. Rural Ave.) to Bolivar (N. Claud Ave. and W. Fair Play St.). In the summer, we can promise this is one of the most serene places to walk, jog, and bike, and better yet with your dogs!

Fantastic Caverns: First off, this location is crazy cool for humans, but what is even better is that leashed pups can join too! To preserve the natural state of the cave. it is toured in jeep-drawn trams. General Adult admission is $26, Child Admission is $17, and children under the age of 5 are free with an adult.

Photo Credit - April Turner

Ritter Springs Park: This park is HUGE, like 245 acres huge! There is so much do do rather that be having a picnic, hike, explore the insight caves, hang out in the rivers, or play fetch in the lavish green fields! Because of the space, even in times where the park experiences higher volume of visitors, it should never feel too cramped for space. Better yet? It is located minutes away from Fantastic Caverns! You could plan a whole day of fun with your four-legged friends! Ritter Springs is located at 3683 W Farm Rd 92 Springfield, MO 65803. All dogs must be leashed!

Other locations to keep in mind that are pup-friendly: Bass Pro Shops, Nathaniel Green Park, Phelps Grove Park, Tie & Timber Beer Company, 4 by 4 Brewing Company (come hangout with a C.A.R.E. pup every third Monday of the month!!!), Nathan Boone Homestead, Cherry Picker Package X Fare, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield (on a six foot leash), Mothers Brewing, Mikes Unique, Fetch, Petco, Petsmart, and so many more!

Get outside, or even inside at certain locations, and do something fun with your whole family, dogs included! Make these locations be the start to or continuing fitness journey. Get away from the hustle and bustle, and just have fun! Springfield is a very dog-supportive community, and your dog is ready to make new friends too!