The Best Day Ever for an Active Dog in Tempe
Let’s be real: active dogs don’t do “chill.” They don’t lounge. They don’t relax. They wake up at 6 AM vibrating with the kind of energy that could solve the global power crisis, and they’re looking at their humans like, “So, what’s the plan?”
If that sounds familiar, welcome. Tempe is actually a fantastic place to completely exhaust—sorry, enrich—your high-energy pup. Here’s how to craft the ultimate day that’ll have your dog sleeping so hard they don’t even twitch when the doorbell rings.
Morning: Sunrise at Tempe Town Lake (6:30 AM)
Start early before the Arizona sun turns the pavement into a griddle. Tempe Town Lake has a fantastic 5-mile loop that’s perfect for active dogs who need to stretch their legs. The path is wide, scenic, and usually populated with other early-bird dog owners who understand the assignment.
Kimo, All Dogs’ resident English Bulldog, isn’t exactly hitting this trail at a sprint (let’s be honest, she’s more of a “waddle with purpose” kind of gal), but for Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, and those Vizslas that seem to run on rocket fuel, this is heaven. Bonus: there are water fountains along the way, and the lake breeze makes it bearable even as temperatures start climbing.
Pro tip: Bring a long lead if your dog is solid on recall. There are some open grassy areas where dogs can sniff and explore while you get your steps in.
Mid-Morning: Papago Park Adventure (8:30 AM)
After a quick water break at home, it’s time for the main event: hiking at Papago Park. The trails here range from easy to moderate, and the iconic red rock formations make for Instagram-worthy photo ops (because if your dog summits a rock and you don’t post it, did it even happen?).
The Hole in the Rock trail is a favorite—short but steep enough to get those doggy muscles working. Active pups love scrambling up the sandstone, and the view from the top is worth the climb. Double Creek Trail is another solid option if you want something a bit longer with varied terrain.
Important reminder: Paw protection is non-negotiable. Even in the morning, those rocks can get hot. Booties or paw wax are your friends. Also, bring more water than you think you need. Your dog will drink it.
Late Morning Cool-Down: Starbucks Pup Cup Run (10:30 AM)
After all that activity, it’s time for a reward. Hit up a Starbucks drive-through for a puppuccino. This isn’t just about the whipped cream (though let’s be honest, that’s most of it). This is about teaching your dog that hard work pays off in delicious, fluffy treats.
Watch as your previously unstoppable canine athlete turns into a gentle cream-licking angel. It’s the best 90 seconds of their day, guaranteed.
Midday: Rest and Recharge at Home (11 AM - 3 PM)
Here’s where responsible dog ownership comes in: rest time. Even the most energetic dogs need downtime, especially in Arizona heat. Head home, crank the AC, and let your pup crash. Active dogs might protest initially, but after that morning, they’ll be out cold within 20 minutes.
This is also when humans can, you know, exist. Eat lunch. Answer emails. Remember what it’s like to sit down.
Afternoon: Play Session at All Dogs Indoor Dog Park (3:30 PM)
Now here’s where things get exciting. When All Dogs opens in Tempe, this is going to be the game-changer for active dog owners. Imagine a climate-controlled indoor space where dogs can run full-speed, wrestle with new friends, and burn energy without anyone getting heatstroke.
For active breeds, socialization isn’t optional—it’s essential. They need to chase, be chased, play tug-of-war, and engage in the kind of chaotic zoomies that make other dogs question reality. All Dogs will be the perfect spot for this, especially during those brutal summer months when outdoor play just isn’t safe.
Even Kimo, who’s more about the sniff-and-waddle lifestyle, gets a kick out of watching the chaos unfold. She’s like the wise elder observing the young pups tire themselves out.
Early Evening: Kiwanis Park Off-Leash Area (5:30 PM)
Once the temperature drops (relatively speaking), head to Kiwanis Park. The off-leash dog area here is spacious, fenced, and separated by size, so your 70-pound ball of energy isn’t accidentally steamrolling a Chihuahua.
This is social hour. Dogs run, sniff, make friends, establish hierarchies, and generally do all the dog things that make them happy, well-adjusted animals. Meanwhile, owners chat, swap training tips, and bond over the shared experience of loving dogs who have more stamina than sense.
Heads up: Bring poop bags (obviously) and keep an eye on your dog’s energy levels. Yes, they’ll act like they can go forever. No, they actually can’t.
Dinner: Fuel Up at a Dog-Friendly Patio (7 PM)
Tempe has no shortage of dog-friendly patios. Places like The Pedal Haus Brewery, Rehab Burger Therapy, and Four Peaks Brewing Company welcome well-behaved pups. After a full day of adventure, most active dogs will happily lay under the table while their humans enjoy dinner.
Order your dog a plain burger patty or some grilled chicken (ask nicely, most places will accommodate). They’ve earned it.
Evening Wind-Down: Gentle Walk Around the Neighborhood (8 PM)
Cap off the day with a slow, sniff-focused walk around the neighborhood. This isn’t about exercise—it’s about mental stimulation and letting your dog decompress. Let them sniff every blade of grass, every fence post, every spot where another dog existed three days ago. This is their time.
Bedtime: Lights Out (9 PM)
If you’ve done this day right, your active dog should be in a coma-like sleep by 9 PM. No begging for another walk. No destroying the couch. Just pure, earned exhaustion.
And honestly? You’ll probably be right there with them.
The Takeaway
Active dogs aren’t high-maintenance—they’re just high-energy, and there’s a difference. Tempe offers endless opportunities to meet those needs, from trails and lakes to dog parks and soon, the climate-controlled paradise that will be All Dogs.
The best day ever for an active dog isn’t about doing one big thing. It’s about layering activities, mixing physical and mental stimulation, and creating a routine that leaves them satisfied, happy, and too tired to eat the furniture.
Now go forth and tire out those pups. Tempe is ready for you.
