10 Animal Friendly Summer Activities

Summer is nearly here, and along with it comes lots of time for activities and fun! Outings this season provide a great opportunity to connect with the animals that inspire our compassionate lifestyle. Try one or more of these ideas for creating compassionate and enriching animal experiences this summer.

Visit An Animal Sanctuary

There are animal sanctuaries all over the country where families can visit, including Farm Sanctuary and Woodstock Sanctuary. While you are there, pet the rescues and hear their stories of salvation.

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Volunteer

Animal shelters are full of animals in need of love and attention. Visit your local animal shelter and walk a dog or pet a cat. Nonprofit organizations can also often use a hand, or you can order factory farming literature from Vegan Outreach to hand out on the streets!

Make a Feeder

Have fun with your family creating your own butterfly or bird feeder, and rejoice in visits from animal friends all year long.

Take a Hike

Visit a wildlife preserve and observe the nature and animals around you. Be sure to observe Leave No Trace when visiting.

Start Bird Watching

With the thousands of species among the various regions of the world, this activity offers unlimited opportunities for creating an enriching animal experience.

Camp at a National Park

Plan a day trip or overnight outing at one of the thousands of national parks in the U.S. and observe animals in their natural habitat.

Go Whale Watching

If you are close to the ocean, whale watching is great fun and one of the best ways to see sea animals up close. The best times to spot whales vary depending on the location, but summer in San Diego and the Central Coast in California offer great opportunities for seeing whales. Check local schedules and companies for tours.

Take Your Dog to the River

If you have a dog at home, bring them along on your adventures! Most dogs love trips to the ocean or river, so pull on your bathing suit, pack a vegan picnic, and head to the water. Some water sport companies even offer dog-friendly canoe trips!

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Plan a Fireside Vegan Marshmallow Roast

Grab some friends, light a fire, pull out the guitar, and roast some Dandies vegan marshmallows. Even Trader Joe’s now sells marshmallows that are gelatin-free!

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Plan a Vegan Bake Sale

Invite your local vegan community to join you in a vegan bake sale in your neighborhood. Choose a favorite nonprofit to support with the proceeds. If you’re not connected with the vegan community near you, you can always host a vegan lemonade and cookie stand!

Thanks to Stephanie Dreyer for this family-friendly vegan fun!