Exploring the 23-mile Pine Mountain Trail at F.D. Roosevelt State Park can be sweaty work. For one day each year, Georgia’s largest state park allows dogs to cool off in the pool after their hike. Pups can do more than just laps at Liberty Bell Pool Dog Splash and Luau. There are also a range of contests to take part in, both in and out of the water. Everybody has a great time at this event, making competition tough in the Most Wags category. Dogs can also strut their stuff in the pool and try to land the Biggest Splash. Visit the vet and trainer Q&A table for help and advice on your pooch, and they might even give you some pointers for the Best Trick contest.

The Liberty Bell Pool Dog Splash and Luau will be held on September 7, 2019. The fee is $10 per dog.

Doggie Dash & Splash combines your dog’s need for speed with her love of water. The morning begins with a 5k run or 1-mile dash along the beachfront in Wildwood, NJ. After finishing the race, Fido will receive a Barktastic Dog Tag to show off to his pals. Other swag for runners includes a Doggie Dash t-shirt, leash and access to the music, food and dog games in the finisher’s celebration on the beach. The real prize is entry into the exclusive 10:30 a.m. slot at the Doggie Splash at Raging Waters Water Park. Once inside, dogs can paddle along the river adventure, frolic in the fountain pool and fetch tennis balls in the activity area. Non-racers can choose another one-hour slot throughout the day. Each dog attending the splash will receive a souvenir to take home. If Fido has any energy left, he can take a stroll down to the famous giant red fire hydrant of Wildwood Dog Beach, one of the most dog-friendly beaches on the East Coast.

This dog-friendly event will be held on September 8, 2019. Combined dog and owner admission to the water park starts at $24.99. Proceeds go to Team Foster, a non-profit organization whose primary mission is to pair service dogs with Tri-state area veterans.

Knoebels, one of the world’s most pet-friendly amusement parks, offers a great day out for humans and canines alike. Enjoy a relaxing train ride together, drive an antique car or ride on the historic carousel before heading to Crystal Pool. America’s largest free-admission amusement park welcomes dogs year-round, but they only allow access to the pool on special occasions. Knoebels Doggie Dive includes free rein of the pool for dogs, a Chinese auction, a bake sale, gourmet dog treats to sample and purchase, and a chance to meet a few heroes from local animal rescue organizations. Knoebels rewards their hard work by donating all of the proceeds of the event to their causes.

Knoebels Doggie Dive will be held on September 8, 2019. The fee is $10 per dog.

Dogapoolooza at Lava Hot Springs is an exciting day filled with fun activities and contests. Everybody loves Fido’s cute underbite and bad haircut, but if you think he might only be beautiful in your eyes, he can enter the Ugliest Dog Contest. Pups who are more classically adorable can try their luck in the Cutest Dog Contest. You can also bring your dashing Dachshund along to race other pups in the Wiener Dog Race.

Dogapoolooza will be held September 7, 2019. The fee is $10 per dog, and proceeds will help fund learn-to-swim programs and local canine charities.

The third annual Bark in the Waterpark at Montage Mountain Resorts looks set to be the best yet. Located just 8 miles from Scranton, PA, the resort is usually bustling with excited skiers carving down the slopes, but at this time of year the pool is where it’s at. Your pup is invited to play water fetch, imitate a striking wild animal in the polar bear pond and join in the games led by park employees. When her paws are starting to go pruney, you can wander between the doggy vendors and attempt to bag yourself a souvenir from a giveaway.

Bark in the Waterpark at Montage Mountain Resorts will be held September 8, 2019. Admission is $15 for humans, but dogs swim for free.

Bedford Splash closes out the summer season by inviting four-legged fans for a dip in the popular pool on Dog Splash Day. Diving dogs can plunge head-first into the pool and take part in awesome contests. Put your dog’s swimming ability to the test during the Retrieval Competition. Only the fastest dog back to the side will come in first place, but slow pooches still receive a doggie bag for taking part.

Dog Splash Day at Bedford Splash will be held on September 7, 2019. The fee is $5 per dog.

The Venetian Pool in Coral Gables differs from the other watering holes on this list because it’s made entirely of coral rock quarry and fed with spring water from an aquifer. The pool dates back to 1924 and has been maintained to reflect the Florida in which it was built, surrounded by palm trees and gorgeous Spanish-style buildings. Small and large dogs can enjoy this idyllic space in separate sessions at Paws in the Pool, which gives every dog the chance to have fun at their own pace. Doggy paddle underneath the waterfall in the blue-green water and imagine yourself drifting off together to a tropical paradise far away. This popular event has a maximum capacity of 200, so make sure you sign Fido up as early as you can.

Paws in the Pool will be held on October 6, 2019. Small dogs swim from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and large dogs swim from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The fee is $6 per dog and $5 per human. Admission is only granted to people with dogs.

Having fun isn’t hard when it’s for a good cause. The 12th Annual Doggie Plunge at Pirates Cove Water Park benefits Freedom Service Dogs, a non-profit organization in Colorado that matches people in need with a trained service dog. Last year’s Doggie Plunge raised $24,000, allowing the organization to keep training dogs at zero cost to clients. Life jackets for the plunge are provided by Outward Hound, so even novice dog-paddlers can stay afloat in the water. Fido also gets to enjoy free treats throughout the day, while humans can check out some of Littleton’s finest food trucks.

Annual Doggie Plunge will be held on September 7, 2019. The fee is $15 per dog.

Greenville gives South Carolina dogs two bites at the tennis ball with its Waggin’ at the Waterpark events, hosted at Discovery Island and Otter Creek. The Splash Days are split into two categories, with separate times for small dogs and large dogs. This gives nervous little pups the chance to get comfortable in the water without having to worry about a bounding Boxer barreling them into the deep end. Furry friends can play on the splash pads, paddle in the pool or charm the vendors for free goodies.

Waggin’ at the Waterpark will be held at Discovery Island on September 7, 2019, and at Otter Creek on September 21, 2019. Pre-registration fees start at $20, and discounts are available for people attending both events.