Bring Your Dog to Sussex County Sunflower Maze Opening Day — August 19

Not every great co-pilot day involves an engine and a show field. Sometimes it's acres of gold, a camera, and a dog trotting happily beside you. Sussex County Sunflower Maze Opening Day is one of those — a scenic drive out to northwestern New Jersey for a wide-open walk among the sunflowers.

The basics

From the event listing on our Events Board:

• What: Sunflower Maze Opening Day — a dog-friendly seasonal attraction
• When: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
• Where: Sandyston, NJ

Opening day means the fields are fresh and the maze is at its fullest — acres to wander, rows to explore, and more photo opportunities than your phone has storage for.

Why it's a great outing with a dog

A sunflower maze is basically a sniff-and-stroll wonderland. The paths give your dog a steady stream of new smells and sights at an easy, self-paced walk, and the open sky beats a crowded indoor venue for a nervous rider. For the car-culture crowd, it's a beautiful destination drive — wind out to the country, park, and let the day slow down for a bit.

Straight from the host

Per the listing: Well-behaved leashed dogs welcome. A copy of the dog's rabies vaccination record, digital or printed, is required for entry. That rabies-record requirement is checked at entry, so screenshot it or print it before you leave the driveway. Details and hours can change, so confirm everything with the venue before attending.

Co-pilot tips for a smooth visit

• Bring the rabies record. Digital or printed both work — just have it ready at the gate so you're not stuck fumbling in the sun.
• Keep the leash on. Well-behaved and leashed is the rule; a standard 4-to-6-foot leash keeps your dog close through the rows.
• Watch the heat and the ground. Mid-August fields get hot and there's often little shade. Walk during cooler hours, take breaks, and check that the dirt and gravel aren't scorching underfoot.
• Pack plenty of water. Open fields mean sun exposure; bring a bottle and a collapsible bowl and offer sips regularly.
• Carry high-value treats. Great for keeping a photogenic pup looking your way. Our freeze-dried treats are light, single-ingredient, and won't melt into a mess in your pocket.
• Never leave your dog in a parked car. Farm lots can heat up brutally fast — the whole point is that your dog comes along.
• Clean up. Pack bags and leave the fields as beautiful as you found them.

Make a day of the drive

Rural Sussex County is prime road-trip territory. Use our Dog Adventure Plotter to add a shady walk or a dog-friendly patio to the route, and keep an eye on the Events Board for what's next.

Golden fields, a long country drive, and your best friend in the passenger seat. Ella’s ready when you are. 🐾