Grand Rapids has so many opportunities for families and kids who love dogs!
Interacting with animals builds confidence, empathy, and joy in kids! Give your kid all those doggy benefits, even if they can’t have a dog of their own just yet. Whether or not you have a furry friend of your own, there are tons of activities in the Grand Rapids area that appeal to kids of all ages.
Here are 7 fun, family-friendly things dog-loving kids can do in West Michigan:
1. 📚 Read to a Therapy Dog at the Library
Sign your young readers up for the therapy dog program at your local library! Kiddos can snuggle up to read a book or talk to a trained, certified therapy dog. This can be a great way for young readers to build confidence.
West Michigan libraries (Kent District Library and the Grand Rapids Public Library) host frequent therapy dog events.
Older dog lovers: If your child is 16 and has a well-behaved dog of their own, you might even look at becoming a certified therapy dog team.
2. 🐕 Attend a Dog Event
Search local dog events and you’re sure to find some that appeal to kids as well! These can be fun times to meet your neighbors, get outside, and introduce your kid to some new dogs. Think adoption day at the pet store, or dog day at the Whitecaps or Griffins stadium.
Want your kids to learn more about the awesome things going on in their community? Look for events like Retriever Fever, which raises support for service dogs through Paws with a Cause.
3. 🥏 Watch some doggy sports
If your kiddo wants to see all the amazing things dogs are capable of, check out the Grand Rapids Agility Club. They put on events like agility competitions and obedience and rally shows. You may even connect with people who can help your child get started in dog sports.
4. 🧼 Volunteer at an Animal Shelter (with Supervision)
Older kids may be able to volunteer at rescues or shelters with their parents. Some rescue organizations even host clubs and camps that give kids hands on experience with animals!
Humane Society of West Michigan has a junior volunteer club for kids 5-12.
If you really want to help, many rescues need temporary foster homes for their dogs.
5. 🐩 Meet the Breeds
See all kinds of different dogs at the Grand Rapids Kennel Club dog show! Twice a year, dogs from all around Michigan and beyond come to the dog show to compete for best in show. It’s like West Michigan’s version of the Westminster Dog Show!
They even have Jr. Showmanship options if your child has a show dog!
6. 🌲 Take a Doggy Field Trip
Want a doggy adventure without the long term commitment? Borrow a dog from a friend or (with older kids) sign up for dog’s day out at the humane society.
Make sure to have some treats, and use the field trip as an opportunity to teach your kids the rules of walking the dog:
- adults hold the leash
- give treats with a flat hand
- always clean up after your dog
7. 🦴 Make Homemade Dog Treats
Kids love baking, and dogs love eating, so this one’s a win-win! Use simple recipes with peanut butter, oats, pumpkin, or banana to bake up some homemade treats. These can be fun to sell or give away to the dogs that your kids meet!
Bonus: deliver extra treats to a local shelter or rescue.
Final Thoughts
There are so many ways dog-loving kids can connect with animals, even if they don’t have a dog of their own. However you want to do it, these experiences help kids develop empathy, responsibility, and a love for the natural world.
So leash up, pack the treats, and explore all the paws-itively fun things West Michigan has to offer!
Already have a dog? Get your kid involved with the dog training process! Start today!
Know another great dog-friendly activity in West Michigan? Share it in the comments or tag us in your adventures!
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