Real‑life examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets

Spring examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets

Spring is that hopeful, muddy, slightly chaotic season when pets are itching to get outside again. It’s the perfect time to rotate in fresh toys and activities that tap into their natural curiosity.

Outdoor exploration toys: the first wave of spring energy

One of the best examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets in spring is the snuffle-based outdoor scavenger setup. Think of a snuffle mat or snuffle ball, but bring it out into the yard or onto a balcony. Hide a few low-calorie treats or part of your pet’s meal in the fabric folds, then place it among safe plants or on the grass. The mix of new outdoor scents plus the sniffing work gives them a workout that’s surprisingly tiring in a good way.

For dogs who love to chase, rubber fetch toys that bounce unpredictably are another strong example of spring enrichment. The slightly uneven ground of a thawing yard makes the chase more interesting, and you can keep sessions shorter while they rebuild fitness after a slower winter. Just watch for muddy, slippery spots and go easy on older joints.

Cats can get in on spring action too. Open screened windows or secure catios paired with wand toys that mimic birds or insects turn the view into an interactive game. Short, daily sessions with a feather wand or bug-style teaser toy mirror the spring explosion of wildlife and help indoor cats burn off that “zoomies at 3 a.m.” energy.

Garden-inspired activities: safe sniffing and supervised digging

If you’re a plant person, spring is your season—and your pet can share it safely with a few adjustments.

One very practical example of seasonal toys and activities for pets is a designated digging or rooting box. For dogs, this might be a low plastic bin or a corner of the yard filled with sand or loose soil where you bury tough rubber toys or chew sticks. For rabbits or guinea pigs (kept indoors), a cardboard box filled with shredded paper or hay lets them dig, tunnel, and search for small treats.

For cats, consider a cat grass planter (usually wheatgrass or oat grass) that they can nibble while you’re starting your own garden seedlings. The ASPCA maintains a helpful list of toxic and non-toxic plants so you can choose safe options: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

Rotating these spring setups every few days—moving the digging box, changing what’s hidden, or swapping wand toys—keeps the novelty high without you needing to buy endless new gear.

Summer examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets

Summer is enrichment season on “hard mode” because of the heat. The smartest examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets in summer focus on cooling, low-impact play that still challenges the brain.

Frozen enrichment: lick mats, ice treats, and puzzle feeders

If you only try one summer idea, make it frozen lick mats or puzzle feeders. Spread a thin layer of wet food, plain yogurt (no xylitol), or blended pet-safe fruits like blueberries or watermelon (seedless, in moderation) on a lick mat or inside a slow feeder, then freeze it. This simple setup is one of the best examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets because it:

• Keeps them busy for 15–30 minutes
• Encourages calm licking instead of frantic chewing
• Helps cool them down in hot weather

For dogs who love chewing, a frozen stuffed rubber toy filled with kibble, a bit of wet food, and water or broth is a classic summer favorite. Cats can enjoy frozen broth cubes (low sodium, no onion or garlic) placed in a shallow bowl for batting and licking.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reminds pet owners that heat can be dangerous even at moderate temperatures and emphasizes cooling strategies and hydration: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/heat-and-hot-weather-safety-tips-pets

Water play and low-impact exercise

If your pet likes water, summer opens up a whole category of toys and activities:

• A shallow splash pool with floating toys for dogs who enjoy pawing and bobbing for toys
• Sprinkler or hose “chase” time for water-obsessed dogs (short sessions to avoid overexertion)
• For cats, a water bowl with floating ping-pong balls or ice cubes, turning hydration into a mini game

These are all real examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets that you can set up in a small yard or even on a patio. Keep sessions short, offer shade, and always supervise around water.

Evening and indoor summer activities

When it’s too hot to be outside, you can shift summer fun indoors. Some of the best examples include:

• Indoor scent trails: drag a treat along the floor and hide it in a snuffle mat, under a towel, or inside a cardboard box
• Laser pointer or LED chase games for cats, always ending with a real toy or treat so they get the satisfaction of a “catch”
• Short trick-training sessions in the coolest room of the house: sit, spin, high-five, go to mat, or target training

The CDC highlights how physical activity benefits both humans and pets, especially when you build it into your daily routine: https://www.cdc.gov/physical-activity-basics/benefits/index.html
Pairing your indoor workout or stretching time with your pet’s trick training can keep both of you moving even during heat waves.

Fall examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets

Fall is the cozy, crunchy-leaf season—perfect for sensory play. Many of the best examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets in fall tap into smell, texture, and routine.

Leaf piles, scent games, and seasonal smells

If you have a yard, a leaf pile treasure hunt is a fantastic example of a fall activity for dogs. Rake a small, clean pile of dry leaves (no pesticides, no sharp sticks) and scatter a few treats or favorite toys inside. Let your dog dig, pounce, and search. It’s basically a giant, natural snuffle mat.

For apartment dwellers, you can bring the season indoors with fabric “leaf piles” made from old blankets or towels layered in a box. Hide toys or treats between layers and let your dog or cat forage.

Cats often appreciate fall-themed kick toys stuffed with catnip or silvervine. The change in weather can make some cats more playful, and rotating in new textures—corduroy, felt, or canvas—keeps those kick sessions interesting.

Back-to-routine brain games

Fall often means a return to school schedules and more time away from home. That shift can be stressful for pets, so enrichment that encourages independence is especially helpful.

Some reliable examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets in fall include:

• Timed or puzzle feeders that turn mealtime into a problem-solving session
• Snuffle rugs or scatter feeding (tossing kibble across a rug or safe area) to make eating slower and more satisfying
• Interactive treat balls that your pet has to roll or bat to release food

These activities help fill the quiet hours when the house suddenly feels empty. They’re also a great way to keep weight in check as outdoor time starts to shrink.

Winter examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets

Winter can be the hardest season for staying active, but it’s also when enrichment matters most. When walks get shorter and daylight disappears early, the right toys and activities can keep your pet from sliding into boredom or restlessness.

Cozy indoor enrichment: snuffle blankets and nesting toys

One of the best examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets in winter is the snuffle blanket or fleece snuffle rug. Hide pieces of kibble or small treats in the fabric strips and let your pet “hunt” for their meal. This works well for dogs, cats, and even some small animals like rabbits (using their appropriate diet, of course).

Another real example of a winter-friendly toy is the soft nesting or burrow bed with hidden toys. Small dogs and cats often love beds that let them tunnel in and discover plush squeakers or crinkle toys tucked inside. It combines warmth, security, and play.

Indoor obstacle courses and low-impact movement

When it’s icy or dangerously cold outside, you can bring the walk indoors.

Set up a simple indoor obstacle course using:

• Couch cushions for gentle climbing
• Towels laid out as “target” spots
• Chairs and broomsticks as low jumps or weave poles (for healthy, adult dogs)

Guide your dog through with treats or a favorite toy. For cats, create a vertical course with shelves, cat trees, and window perches, then encourage them to move between spots with a wand toy.

The AVMA offers guidance on keeping pets safe in cold weather, including signs of hypothermia and frostbite: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/extreme-cold
Use that as a reference to decide when to shorten outdoor time and lean more heavily on indoor enrichment.

Winter mental workouts

Short days can affect mood—for both people and pets. Building in regular “brain workouts” is a gentle way to keep spirits up.

Some strong winter examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets include:

• Scent discrimination games: hide two or three containers, only one with a treat, and teach your dog to signal the right one
• Clicker training sessions for new tricks or behaviors
• Food puzzles that are slightly more challenging than their summer versions, since they’re spending more time indoors

Even five to ten minutes of focused mental work can leave your pet pleasantly tired and more relaxed.

Matching seasonal toys and activities to your pet

The best examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets aren’t one-size-fits-all. They depend on species, age, health, and personality.

• Puppies and kittens: Short, frequent sessions with softer toys and simple puzzles. Focus on safe chewing options, gentle play, and positive early experiences with different textures and environments.
• Adult, active pets: Mix higher-energy activities (fetch, agility-style games, water play) with scent work and puzzle feeders. Rotate toys with the seasons to keep them interesting.
• Senior pets: Lower-impact options like sniffing games, lick mats, and gentle indoor courses. Choose softer toys and avoid high jumps or slippery surfaces.

If your pet has health issues—like arthritis, heart disease, or breathing problems—talk with your veterinarian about safe activity levels. The American Veterinary Medical Association’s general pet care resources are a good starting point: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare

Simple yearly plan: weaving seasonal enrichment into routine

You don’t need a huge budget or a giant backyard to use these ideas. Think of the year in four “enrichment seasons” and rotate a few favorites:

• Spring: outdoor snuffle games, digging boxes, bird-mimicking wand toys
• Summer: frozen lick mats, splash pools, evening scent trails and trick training
• Fall: leaf pile hunts, fabric foraging boxes, back-to-routine puzzle feeders
• Winter: snuffle blankets, burrow beds, indoor obstacle courses and scent games

Across all four seasons, the best examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets share the same goals: keep your pet thinking, moving, and feeling connected to you. You don’t have to do everything. Pick two or three ideas that fit your lifestyle right now, try them for a week or two, and adjust based on your pet’s reaction.

If their tail wags faster when you grab the snuffle mat, or they come running when you pull out the wand toy, you’ll know you’ve found the right seasonal “playlist” for them.

FAQ: examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets

Q: What are some easy examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets if I’m on a budget?
You can repurpose household items: cardboard boxes for hide-and-seek, old towels for indoor “leaf piles,” DIY snuffle mats made from fleece strips, frozen broth cubes in a bowl for summer, and simple scatter feeding in different rooms. These are all low-cost examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets that still provide real enrichment.

Q: Can you give an example of a safe frozen treat activity for summer?
Yes. For dogs, stuff a rubber chew toy with a mix of kibble and a little wet food, top with water or low-sodium broth, and freeze. For cats, freeze small cubes of tuna water (from tuna in water, not oil) or low-sodium broth and drop one or two cubes in a shallow dish for batting and licking. Always introduce new foods slowly and check with your vet if your pet has health issues.

Q: What are the best examples of indoor activities for winter when it’s too cold to walk?
Indoor scent games, snuffle blankets, short trick-training sessions, food puzzles, and simple obstacle courses using cushions and chairs are all strong winter examples. Rotate two or three each week so your pet doesn’t get bored.

Q: Are there examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets that work for both dogs and cats?
Yes. Snuffle mats (with species-appropriate food), cardboard box mazes, window bird-watching paired with wand or chase toys, and frozen lick-style treats (using cat-safe or dog-safe ingredients) can all be adapted. The key is adjusting the difficulty and the type of food or toy to match the animal.

Q: How often should I rotate seasonal toys and activities?
Aim to rotate toys and activities every few days to a week. You don’t need new items constantly—just put some away and bring them back later. Many pets act like a toy is brand new after a short break. With each new season, swap in a few activities that fit the weather and your schedule, using the examples of seasonal toys and activities for pets in this guide as a starting point.