Dog Friendly Day(s) Out In Seattle

May 3, 2016 10:33 AM

We are having some major renovations done in our house that require myself, my husband and our small dog to be out of the house during the days that they are working, including some weekend days. Rather than stashing the pup in doggy daycare, what should we do with ourselves in the Seattle area?

We'll need to be out of the house from about 8 am to 5 pm each day.

Complication: I'm 7 months pregnant and not interested in strenuous hikes or spending an entire day at a brewery, the two go-to dog activities in Seattle. I would happily spend an afternoon at a brewery if they have at least some non-beer options and a food truck, but would love some advice on what those might be! I would also happily spend some time looking at pretty scenery and walking- just no Rattlesnake Ridge or Poo Poo Point for me right now.

So far, we'll have to account for Saturday and Sunday, which could include day trips to pretty places (where can we go that has nice scenery but no steep climbs?), ferry rides, time at parks (we already frequent Alki Beach, Lincoln Park, Discovery Park, and other local faves), or something else entirely.

During the week, pup will have to go to doggy daycare on the days I work, but I work from home 2 days a week. Is there a dog-friendly coffee shop I could get some work done at?

Note- if you read my previous question where I panic about my dog exhibiting some aggression, know that we were able to take her to a fabulous trainer and learned a lot. She is a-okay in the settings I'm thinking of.

posted by whodatninja to Pets & Animals (5 answers total)

Ballard Coffee Works is dog-friendly and work-friendly. We bring our guy in there often and he's never the only dog in there. The food is hit-or-miss, but the coffee is always outstanding. WiFi is stable - I haven't had issues with it ever.

As for the weekends, I'm a big fan of just neighborhood walking and house/garden gawking. Find a quiet neighborhood and just stroll around. Especially with the weather being how it is lately, everyone's out making things look pretty.
posted by chillin411 at 10:46 AM on May 3, 2016

If you're willing to come to the eastside, Marymoor Park is pretty amazing.
posted by town of cats at 10:50 AM on May 3, 2016

Whidbey Island is my favorite dog-friendly day trip. Head out in the morning and take the ferry. Go to Marguerite Brons park first, which has a lovely forested area with paths. Totally flat, so it's more a stroll than a hike but it's a great way for a dog to be able to run around the woods (completely fenced in). Then go to Double Bluff beach, where dogs are allowed off-leash. Drive up and cross back over to the mainland at Deception Pass, and stop for dinner or late lunch in LaConner, which has some great dog-friendly restaurants. I particularly like Seeds, which has a patio and uses a lot of local ingredients.
posted by lunasol at 11:58 AM on May 3, 2016

Cowen Park Grocery (across the street from the park on Ravenna and Brooklyn) has nice outdoor seating and is pretty dog friendly. Food, coffee, snacks, free Wi-Fi and a friendly vibe. Could be good for working remotely.
posted by brookeb at 2:39 PM on May 3, 2016

Seconding Whidbey Island! Another great dog park on Whidbey is Patmore Pit, which is near Coupeville-- it is also totally flat, and totally fenced, and more 'open' (only a smaller wooded area), so if you or your dog would prefer that to the woods at Brons, it's a nice option! Both parks also have 'small dogs only' areas if that's a concern.

Greenbank Farm is also open to off-leash dogs-- it's not 100% fenced but it's pretty big, so if your dog isn't a bolt-and-run-away-forever type, you should be fine-- It does have hills, but they're fairly gentle, and the views are stunning-- you can take a look and see if it looks worth the climb to you, as you drive past. :)

Memail me if you have any questions regarding Whidbey, I'm local!
posted by The otter lady at 7:20 PM on May 3, 2016