7 Dog-Friendly Winter Activities on the Main Line

Photo of a dog sitting in the snow

7 Dog-Friendly Winter Activities on the Main Line

Winter weather has arrived on the Main Line! As the temperature drops and snow starts to fall, you might be looking for some cold-weather activities you can enjoy with your fur-baby. Sure, there will be some days when you and your pup will be perfectly happy enjoying the comforts of home, where you can play training games, break in those new holiday toys, or just snuggle up on the couch and watch a movie together. But for those times when you are craving an outdoor adventure, want to take your pup on a dessert date, or just need a change of scenery, the area has lots to offer. So, Wagsworth has compiled a list of seven winter-friendly outings for you and your pup that are sure to appeal to a wide range of interests. Before you head out, we encourage you to keep these winter safety tips for dogs in mind and to verify online that the activity you have in mind hasn’t been affected by bad weather or other circumstances.

7 Local Dog-Friendly Events and Activities

1. Skunk Hollow Park

Let your well-behaved pup off their leash so they can get out some energy as they explore the over 90 acres that make up this beautiful park. You and Fido will love having plenty of space to play fetch or zoom around the park.

  • Southern section of Radnor Hiking Trail, 600 Darby Paoli Road, Villanova
  • Daily, dawn to dusk
  • Free

2. Salty Paws Ice Cream

Who says ice cream is only a summertime delicacy? If you think your furry friend deserves a sweet treat—and why wouldn’t they?—Salty Paws serves lactose-free ice cream for dogs in fun flavors like maple bacon, pumpkin, and blueberry. There’s a doggie bakery, too, if your pup would prefer a doughnut, muffin, cookie, or other baked good.

  • 27 W. Gay Street, West Chester
  • Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Friday through Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.
  • Prices vary based on purchases

3. Johnstown Tomahawks Pucks and Paws Game

This popular annual event invites Tomahawks fans to bring their fur-babies along for an exciting evening of ice hockey. By the end of the night, you and your pup might just become die-hard fans.

  • 1st Summit Arena, Johnstown, PA
  • March 9, 7 p.m.
  • Your ticket costs $13; your dog receives free admission when you make a donation to the Humane Society at the door

4. Beau’s Dream Dog Park at Buchanan Park

With year-round attractions like a play tunnel for smaller pups and a tennis ball launcher in the big dog section, there is no shortage of fun to be had at Beau’s Dream Dog Park. There are plenty of opportunities to socialize with other dogs, so your pup might even leave having made a new friend or two.

  • 901 Buchanan Avenue, Lancaster
  • Daily, sunrise to sunset
  • Free

5. Willisbrook Preserve

If you and your pooch could use a break from the daily hustle and bustle, check out Willisbrook Preserve, which has about 3 miles of trails for the two of you to explore. Your leashed pup is bound to have a ball sniffing around and enjoying this winter wonderland.

  • Natural Lands Nature Preserve, Line Road, Malvern
  • Daily, dawn to dusk
  • Free

6. Baldwin’s Book Barn

This bookstore, with stone walls, five floors of books, and a wood-burning fireplace, provides a toasty spot where you can curl up with a good read. The best part is that well-behaved dogs are welcome, and the friendly staff might even share a treat or two with them. Once you find a cozy nook, you and your four-legged bestie are free to stay and hang out as long as you’d like.

  • 865 Lenape Road, West Chester
  • Daily, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
  • Prices vary based on purchases

7. Valley Creek Trail

This beautiful walking trail will take you and your pup past scenic landmarks like a covered bridge and the Valley Forge Dam. If you’re both feeling a little more adventurous, you may want to try snowshoeing or skijoring with your pal.

  • Valley Forge National Historical Park, 1400 N. Outer Line Drive, King of Prussia
  • Daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
  • Free

Wagsworth Can Help Your Dog Get Ready For—or Recover From—All Your Winter Outings

There’s one more place we’re sure your dog will love to visit this winter—Wagsworth! Whether you want to get your pooch looking and smelling their best for a day or night out on the town or their coat has taken a beating from all that romping around in the snow, our award-winning grooming spa may be just what they need. Our full-service salon offers relaxing treatments for teeth brushing, nail clipping, baths, brush-outs, and much more. When your fur-baby leaves Wagsworth after a day of pampering, they’ll be feeling relaxed and confident—and all ready for your next adventure together.