If dogs have anything in common with children, it’s that they both like to be free to run as fast as they can and not be asked to sit.
And if dog parents have anything in common with child parents, it’s the shared sweet feeling at the park of knowing how tired your kid is going to be later.
The U.S. is filled with endless options for you to take your pup to make sure they exercise, socialize, and take a long nap when they get home. Here’s a round-up of some the best parks in the U.S. by region!
WEST COAST
1. California – Huntington Dog Beach
Where well-behaved and rule-abiding pups can enjoy the beautiful Pacific coast and California sun. They even allow human weddings!
2. Colorado – Cherry Creek State Park- Off Leash Dog Area
107 acres of fenced fun and water access year-round. It’s practically a Doggy Disney World!
3. Hawaii – Hawaii Kai Dog Park
Located in the only rabies-free state in the U.S., Hawaii Kai is surely as safe as it is fun for your pup.
Its breathtaking views aren’t too shabby, either.
4. Idaho – Nampa Dog Park
Nampa Dog Park features three separate areas for big, small, and senior dogs, along with six total acres of safe roaming. They’re currently on standby for funding that will help them build a swimming pond for pups.
MIDWEST
5. Illinois – Montrose Dog Beach
Montrose is Chicago’s first legal off-leash beach for dogs. With over 26,000 visitors checked in on Facebook, it’s safe to say doggies kinda like it here.
6. Kansas – Shawnee Mission Off-Leash Dog Area
The 53-acre off-leash dog area in Shawnee Mission is open year-round and offers a swimming area, natural surface trails, and wooded areas. We’re back in Kansas, Dorothy!
7. Missouri – Twin Lakes Recreation Area
Twin Lakes is divided into three separate dog parks. Lakeside is an area fenced on three sides and accompanied by a lake for swimming, Paws Pond is special for smaller pups, and an Off-Season Dog Park is set up to prevent pups from falling through the frozen lake water.
8. Ohio – Washington Dog Park
This place was made for your pup. The turf is synthetic and special for dogs, the water creek was built for pup enjoyment only, and there are large granite boulders for safe climbing.
Washington Park is clearly the dog-friendliest!
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NORTHEAST
9. Connecticut – Southbury Dog Park
For water-loving pups, Southbury’s off-leash area for dogs features a fun, natural stream shallow enough to make them feel like they’re walking on water and plenty of running space.
10. Massachusetts – Pilgrim Dog Park
Pilgrim is like an outdoor museum park for dogs. Local artists designed its benches, poop-bag stations, kiosks, and the huge dog house in the entrance.
All artsy pups welcome.
11. Pennsylvania – Schuyklkill River Park Dog Run
In the early 90’s the people of Philadelphia fought for a safe place to let their dogs roam free. Eventually the Mayor approved a fenced-in area that became the gorgeous Dog Run it is today.
12. New York – Prospect Park
Prospect Park of Brooklyn, New York offers off-leash hours for pups to enjoy its wonderful, sweeping terrain!
SOUTH
13. Alabama – Loch Haven Dog Park
Two acres of off leash fenced area, watering facilities, and an agility course!
14. Florida – Bonita Beach Dog Park
A beautiful dog beach with crystalline waters, white sand, and a special doggie shower! (And it’s human-friendly, too).
15. Georgia – Newton Dream Dog Park
If this park were empty, you’d think it was for kids. Fully equipped with safe turf, a bridge, hoops, and tunnels, and tons of water sprinkler fun!
16. Louisiana – NOLA City Bark
New Orleans’ premier dog park offers 4.6 acres of pure joy for your pup, including a doggie wash station, plenty of sprinting room, and their favorite: other dogs.
