If you have a dog you are likely to always be on the lookout for a great place to take your pet for an outing. There are literally hundreds of dog parks and off-leash areas within the United States, most which are located near mid to larger cities. However if you are up to a bit of drive there are many wonderful natural areas that are designated as off-leash areas as well.
While it is impossible to list all the dog parks in the US, it is possible to highlight a few that are very unique and different. Finding dog friendly parks isn't nearly as difficult as it once was and in fact there are several websites that provide reviews and directions for dog parks both in the US and around the world.
In the northwestern corner of the United States one of the more popular dog parks is the Warren G. Magnuson Park. This beautiful park is designed with dogs and their people in mind, with wheelchair access right to the shores of Lake Washington. The park itself is almost 9 acres and the walkway from the parking area to the beachfront is approximately one mile. Outside of the off-leash area dogs are welcome on all paths but do have to be leashed when outside of the designated area. Dogs and their owners have access to the lake and swimming is definitely encouraged! There is a picnic area and a sheltered area, large grassy playing field and even a dog wash facility if you want to rinse or wash your dog off after a long day playing at the beach. Although not a sandy beach the small pebbles are easy on your dog's feet and comfortable for you as well.
The park also features a small and shy dog area that is separated from the general off-leash area. It is open to anyone using the park whose pet may be timid or just too small to be out with all the other dogs in the park. Highly popular this is a very busy, clean and friendly dog park.
On the opposite side of the country is Maryland's Quiet Waters Dog Park where dogs can run and swim and people have to stay on the shore. This park has a wonderful sandy beach and over six miles of maintained and paved trails for jogging and walking. Most of the trails and open areas are wheelchair accessible. This area is absolutely beautiful with lots to see and do in all seasons. Winter provides opportunities for humans to go skating while their dog's play, while the summer provides opportunities for all types of hiking and playing. This park also has a dog wash-up area so you don't have to have all that sand in your vehicle on the ride home.
Like Magnuson Park, Quiet Waters offers different areas for large and small breeds of dogs but also has an exercise area for elderly dogs. This allows owners to work with their dogs in the designated area that meets their pet's needs.
If you dog loves lots of challenges a trip to Shady Pines Dog Park in Grand Rapids Michigan may be just the outing your pet is longing for. This park is left very natural with huge towering pine trees and a man-made mountain for your dog to run up and down. There is also a swimming pond in the middle of the park that is great for a cooling dip after an hour or so of exploring. People have the option to relax on the Sunset Deck that looks out over the dog pond, providing a relaxing place to sit back and watch your dog play. The park also has its own refreshment area as well as a doggy boutique that sells all kinds of dog supplies and treats.
Shady Pines also has a shuttle that can pick up owners and their pets for transportation to and from the park. The grounds have a memorial garden for owners to remember beloved pets. The park is a pay as you use park with options for daily use as well as yearly memberships.
Named after a true presidential pet, the Millie Bush Bark Park in Houston, Texas is a real treat for both dogs and their owners. This park is almost a full 15 acres in size with different ponds, paths and open areas for games, activities, training classes and even dog shows and events. For people there are covered picnic areas and drinking fountains that are located just outside of the fenced dog park area. Dogs have their own running water that is not recycled or re-circulated; making sure it is clean for each dog that drinks.
The park features special wooden ramp areas into each of the three ponds, making it safe for elderly dogs or puppies to gradually and safely enter the water. The park is open every day from dawn until dusk and is a very popular place throughout the year. If you visit in the summer be sure to go either early in the morning or just before sunset to avoid the stifling hot weather.
Riverside Park in New York is located on the banks of the Hudson River, providing a wonderful scenic walking area. The park actually has three different off-leash areas as well as on-leash walking areas all through the park between 9:00am and 9:00pm each day. After nine at night and before nine in the morning the whole park is off-leash, making a great place to go for a jog or a walk in the coolest part of the day. This park features separate fenced areas for the smaller breeds as well as timid dogs that aren't up to the rough and tumble play of the common areas. Most of the surface area of the off-leash doggy spaces is crushed rock, making it easy to clean and very safe for the dogs.
Discovering new and unique dog parks in your area or where you are vacationing is a great way to add a bit of something different to your next holiday or trip. Many of the doggy parks are close to people parks with children's play areas and even swimming or playground areas, making a perfect match for the whole family.
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