09 May The Best Things to Do with Your Dog This Summer in Milwaukee
Summer in Milwaukee is one of the best times of year for you and your dog. Between lakefront views, patios, festivals, and endless trails, there are so many dog-friendly activities in Milwaukee to enjoy together during the warmer months.
At Veterinary Dental Specialists of Wisconsin, we’re big believers that a happy, enriched dog is a healthier dog, and Milwaukee makes that easy.
Here are some of our favorite vet-approved, tail-wagging activities to enjoy this summer.
Take a lakefront walk (or make it an adventure day)
Milwaukee’s lakefront is one of the biggest perks of living here, and it’s incredibly dog-friendly.
Top spots:
- Milwaukee RiverWalk – a scenic, walkable path through downtown where leashed dogs are welcome
- Lakefront Trail & Veterans Park – wide open views and space to roam
- Grant Park / Seven Bridges Trail – shaded, wooded trails with beach access nearby
These walks are perfect for:
- Mental stimulation (new smells = enrichment)
- Low-impact exercise
- Bonding time
Hit a dog-friendly patio or brewery
Milwaukee summers = patio season. And thankfully, many places welcome your dog.
Favorites include:
- Estabrook Beer Garden – classic Milwaukee vibe, dogs welcome outdoors
- Black Husky Brewing – dogs allowed inside and on patio
- Lakefront Brewery (patio) – popular stop along the river
You’ll also find tons of dog-friendly restaurants with patios across the city.
Bonus: grab your dog a treat at Salty Paws, a dog ice cream shop made just for them.
Try something different: get on the water
- Milwaukee Boat Line cruises allow leashed dogs on many sightseeing trips
- Paddle boats at Lakeshore Paddle Sport Rentals welcome small dogs
This is a great way to:
- Socialize your dog
- Build confidence
- Experience something new together
Go to dog-friendly events and festivals
Milwaukee really shows up for dog lovers in the summer.
Look out for:
- Fromm Petfest – a large, free lakefront event with vendors, music, and dog activities
- Dog Days at Drexel Town Square – community event with pet vendors and activities
- Dog yoga (“doga”), 5Ks, and social events throughout the season
These are perfect for:
- Social dogs
- Meeting other pet owners
- Trying new experiences
Explore neighborhoods built for dogs
Some Milwaukee neighborhoods are especially dog-friendly.
- Bay View – lakefront walks, parks, patios, and events all in one place
- Third Ward & Downtown – RiverWalk + restaurants + shops
- South Milwaukee – markets, parks, and scenic creekside trails
You can easily turn a simple outing into a full-day adventure.
A quick summer safety note from your veterinary team
While summer is fun, it also comes with risks:
- Avoid hot pavement (if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws)
- Bring water everywhere
- Watch for overheating—especially in brachycephalic dogs
- Be cautious with crowded events if your dog is anxious
If you ever have questions about your dog’s health, activity level, or summer safety, our team is always here to help.
If you’re out enjoying dog-friendly activities in Milwaukee this summer and notice signs of dental discomfort, mouth pain, or an oral injury in your dog, contact Veterinary Dental Specialists of Wisconsin to schedule an appointment with our team.
Photo by Laura Roberts on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 05/08/2026
