Things to do with babies and dogs
I'm looking for suggestions of things to do out of the house that include my baby AND my dog. Ideally we are looking for things that include other kids or dogs! The obvious answer seems the park but many play structures fence out dogs. This is totally understandable but puts me in a bit of a bind as I only have so many walks in me in one day.
Has anyone come up with a brilliant solution to this problem?
She will be 6 months soon but suggestions welcome for any age; this issue is not going away. The dog is 30 lbs and well behaved in public places, also good off leash.
Nov 28, 2017
Parent Replies
Depending on where you live, Dracena Park in Piedmont may be an option if you are not too far away. We take our 5 month old and dog there often. It's an off leash park for dogs and there are a few small trails and lead down to the Dracena Quarry where there is a large grass area and play structure and rock climbing wall for kids. The dogs can only be off leash in the trail portions though. Om the same note, there is another playground with an off leash dog area/trails behind the high school in Piedmont as well. I usually strap the baby on a carrier and let the dog roam around the trails.
I would suggest walks where the dog can be off leash & your baby can look around at interesting things -- the Albany bulb, Berkeley Marina, Point Isabel. I also wonder if there are parks without a fenced-in area, so you can have your dog close-by? Wondering about Ohlone Park (where you could bring your dog to the dog park to get tired out), or Strawberry Creek Park?
I don't know where you're located, obvi, but there's a great dog AND human park by me called Canyon Trail Park. It's on the El Cerrito/Richmond border, you can find it easily on the Googles, and it's got a play structure next to a beautiful open field where dogs run around and frolic. There's also a fun little nature walk you can take down into the woods, over a little bridge to a pond and back up, which is very entertaining as your baby gets big enough to notice things that aren't boobs.
Family of two preschoolers and a similarly sized dog here! Plus, we are apartment dwellers so multiple walks with dog and kiddos is necessary - I feel your pain! As your baby ages, the dynamics will change. For now you can focus on dog parks while baby wearing and off-leash areas or easy hiking trails with leashed dog plus stroller. Once the baby is walking, you can still do the same - off leash areas while toddler wearing and on-leash hikes with stroller. You'll soon know ALL the restaurants with kid friendly and dog friendly outdoor eating areas. But really, the best place of all is Pt. Isabel. You will come here often and it will be great for hearty dog runs while you enjoy a stroller walk that will eventually be kiddo walking alongside you.
Have you tried walking at Point Isabel? I have been taking walks with my daughter and dog there since she was 7. There are a LOT of dogs, but it is a beautiful setting, beautiful views, and there is even a dog washer there. http://www.ebparks.org/parks/pt_isabel
Have fun!
hi! If you haven't discovered it already, Point Isabel is a wonderful place to walk with your baby and your dog. It is just past Costco. Everyone seems like they are in a good mood there and if it's a clear day, the view is spectacular. Plus your little one will be interested in all the dogs and action around him/her. I've only been to the Albany Bulb once, but it also seems like a good place to walk with both; much less busy than Pt. Isabel. Enjoy!
Albany Bulb! Maybe not quite time at 6 months but within a year it will be perfect. Toddlers love digging in the sand and it’s off-leash for dogs.