We love our dogs and play with them constantly, but nothing beats socializing with “their own kind”.
Dogs are social creatures that thrive on interaction with their canine companions. A dog park is a great place for dogs to run off leash and socialize with other dogs.

It's a great way for you to meet fellow dog lovers, and also for you to get plenty of exercise running around with the canines! Dog parks provide an opportunity for responsible dog owners to let their dogs enjoy some time off leash in a safe, enclosed area. And of course, spending time with your furry friend is a great way to reduce stress and improve your mood.

If you are on a road trip across several states, you can think about hitting a few dog parks on the way to break up the driving and stretch the legs of both you and your dog. Being cooped up in the car must be driving your dog mad, and it’s a great way to get some air and burn some of that energy.

If dog parks are your thing, we’ve done the heavy lifting for you and compiled this extensive list of dog parks located across the country. Maybe you can make them part of your road trip!

1.Penn Valley Dog Park, Kansas City

Penn Valley Off-Leash Dog Park is the first off-Leash dog park in Kansas City, which opened in April 2004. The park has two doubled gate entries and stretches over 2.7 acres of the fenced off-leash area. Moreover, there is an additional 1.8 acres for small dogs or dogs with special needs. This place provides enough room for leisure activities for dog owners and ample space for dogs to run and play around. Read more about relaxation exercises.

Both people and dogs can use the water facility installed in the park. Apart from that, Penn Valley Park provides multiple opportunities, such as golf courses, aquatic centers and pools, museums, athletic fields and courts, disc golf, and garden and nature centers for its visitors. It is a place where families and their beloved pets can come and have a great time together.

Park Rules: If you decide to visit this park with your canine partner, these are some of the rules that you must follow.

• Handlers can enter this area at their own risk
• Handlers need to clean up after their dogs and dispose of trash.
• An adult handler can come with a maximum of four dogs.
• Dogs should always be under the supervision of their handlers.
• Owners are responsible for their dogs, both legally and financially.
• Aggressive dogs are not allowed in the area.
• Dogs on heat may not enter the park.
• Kids under the age of 8 are not allowed inside the park. An adult must accompany children ages 9 to 15. An adult handler is anyone over the age of 16.
• Outside the fenced area, all dogs must be leashed. Spike collars, prongs, and chokes are not permitted for safety reasons.

Address: 29th and Wyandotte, Penn Valley Park, MO 64108, Kansas City, United States
Timing: 5am - 10am
Contact number: 816-513-7500

2.Grovers Basin Dog Park, Phoenix City

Grovers Basin Dog Park is located in Phoenix City, Arizona. The park's unique features include two separate areas for large and small dogs, 2.3 acres of clean grass, and water availability for both people and dogs. 

People love this park's wide-open area, where off-leash dogs can romp and play. Some people love to sit and enjoy themselves in generous grass areas outside the fenced off-leash zone.

Park Rules: Please follow these rules to ensure safety of all.

• Visitors must use the mutt mitt dispensers located along the fence line. All dog owners must clean after their dogs.
• Outside the fenced zone, Phoenix Leash law applies at all times. Until they enter the off-leash zone, all dogs must be kept on a leash.
• Dogs must be accompanied by their owners. All animals entering the park must have voice control over them.
• Animal grooming is not allowed inside the park.
• If an animal shows excessive aggression, the owner must immediately put it on a leash.
• Only vaccinated and licensed animals can enter the park. 
• Inside the fenced zone, alcoholic beverages, smoking, and food are prohibited.
• Children under 12 are not allowed at the site for safety reasons.
• Dog handlers must enter the park at their own risk.

Address: 20th St. and Cave Creek Rd. Located in the Grovers Basin. Phoenix, AZ 85022, United States
Contact Number: 602-262-6696
Timings: 5:30 am- 10 pm

3.Cherry Creek Dog Off-Leash Area, Colorado

The Cherry Creek State Park has a massive off-leash zone spanning 107 acres with plenty of room for animals to play around and have fun. The off-leash site is situated in the southern part of the park's southeast area. 

Although there are no separate zones for large and small dogs, this place provides ample opportunities for dogs to enjoy themselves—for example, different terrains, short grass prairie, and wetlands with multiple trails weaving through them. To make your visit more adventurous, some parts are kept undeveloped, so you might come across native animals such as coyotes, prairie rattlesnakes, and bull snakes. 

However, you can ensure your pup's safety by keeping them at a safe distance from dangerous zones at all times. 

Park Rules: Although most park rules are the same as listed above, we’ve included special features of the Cherry Creek Dog Off-Leash Area that you must keep in mind if you visit this place.

• To access the DOLA ( Dog Off-Leash Area), you need either a daily pass ($3) or an annual pass ($25). A daily pass allows you to bring three dogs maximum. The pass can be obtained from self-serve stations, entry gates, or park offices.
• Owners need to bring safety essentials for their trip.
• Always bring drinking water for your pup.
• All handlers must have a leash on hand and clean-up bags to pick up anything their dog lays down.
• Discourage your pup from digging holes in the area.
• All dogs must be fully vaccinated and licensed.

Address: 4201 S Parker Road Aurora, CO 80014, United States

Contact Number: +1 303-690-1166

Timings: 5 am-10 pm

ALSO READ: Requirements of Travelling with Dogs - in Europe

4.Lake Of Isles Dog Park, Minneapolis

Lake of Isles Off-Leash Dog Park is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The park stretches over 1.7 acres with separate regions for large and small dogs. It is a beautiful open space that is fenced from all sides. 

The entrance is on the west lake of Isles Parkway, while the park is between West Lake of Isles Parkway and West Lake Street. Moreover, there are seven recreational areas for large and small dogs to play and make new friends. Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board also provides services such as cross-country skiing, off-road cycling, water parks, museums and sledding and snowboarding lessons.

Park Rules: Most dog rules are same as other off-leash dog parks with exception of:

• Dogs can be off-leashed only in seven designated areas.
• Annual permit costs $38 for the first dog and $27 for each additional dog. However, a daily permit costs up to $5, and only three dogs per handler are permitted.
• All owners must possess Off-Leash Dog Permit to enter the park.
• Dogs declared dangerous animals under the city code are not allowed to enter the park.

Address: 2845 W Lake of the Isles Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55405
Contact Number: 612-230-6400
Timings: 6am-12pm

5.Sepulveda Basin Dog Park, Los Angeles

Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park is a wide open field with obstacle courses, perimeter fencing, and water stations. Another cool thing about this park is its separated small, medium, and large regions, offering visitors a comfortable environment to let their dogs go off-leash and enjoy themselves. 

Moreover, the park provides clean-up bags, scoopers, hoops, tennis balls, and agility ramps. People love this place for how spacious it is. Skate parks, golf courses, nature gardens, and other facilities are also provided nearby for a fun experience for families.

Park Rules: People visiting this park must note and observe the following rules:

• No animals other than dogs are allowed inside the park.
• Small children should be supervised by their guardians. They must be discouraged from running around as the probability of getting chased is high.
• All dogs must be neutered, licensed and vaccinated.
• No dogs under the age of 4 months are allowed inside the facility.

• Aggressive animals are not allowed inside the park. 
• Handlers must clean after their dogs.

Address: 17550 Victory Boulevard, Encino Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406, United States
Contact Number: 818-756-8189
Timings: 6am-6pm (closed on Friday 6 am-11 am)

6.Quail Run Park, Mesa Arizona

Quail Run Park is an excellent recreational area featuring two baseball courts, four soccer fields, a picnic area, two softball fields, and plenty of shaded space for leisure activities. Still, the off-leash area for fur buddies to play around and have fun is what stands out to most people. 

The off-leash dog park stretches over 3 acres with separate spaces for small and large dogs. Moreover, Quail Run Park has no access fees and offers facilities such as restrooms, drinking water, and plenty of benches to sit around and relax. Bring your happy pup out for fun and well-needed exercise if you’re passing by! 

Park Rules: All dog owners should observe these rules when they come to Quail Run Park.

• All dog handlers must carefully clean after their animals and dispose of the waste.
• Aggressive dogs are prohibited from entering the area.
• Be sure your dog is licensed and vaccinated.
• All dogs must be securely leashed when entering and leaving the area.

Address: 4155 E Virginia St Mesa, AZ 85213
Contact Number: 480-644-7529
Timings: 7am-10pm (Closed on Thursday, 12pm-1pm for maintenance)

7.Marymoor Off-Leash Dog Park, Redmond Washington

Locally dubbed "Doggy Disneyland", Marymoor Off-Leash Dog Park is a spacious region expanding over 40 acres. By far, one of the largest dog parks in the country. Moreover, the dog park includes fields, rivers, woods and well-maintained access to beaches, paths and walkways. There are 60 miles of looping trails and five access points for dogs to enter and enjoy the river. Unlike most dog parks, Marymoor offers recreation facilities for people as well. No wonder there are over 800,000 visitations from people every year.

Park Rules: Like all dog parks, Marymoor has its own rules and regulations that its visitors must follow.

• Everyone must pay a $1 parking fee or face a $35 fine.
• Don't leave valuables in your vehicles; ensure your dogs are leashed in the parking space.
• Clean-up bags are provided at all dispensers near trash cans. Make sure you clean your dog's feces and dispose of them properly.
• Marymoor is a voice control off-leash dog area. Please pay close attention to your dogs at all times.

Address: 6046 West Lake Sammamish Parkway NE, Redmond, WE 98052
Contact Number: 206-477-7275
Timings: 8am-8pm

8.Mt. Tabor Off-Leash Dog Park, Portland

Portland is the largest city in Oregon and home to many adventurous areas, from which Mt. Tabor Park stands out the most. Mt. Tabor is a volcanic vent that went extinct and now stands tall at 400 feet. 

Portland City now uses this mountain as an adventure-filled park with a basketball court, an amphitheatre and multiple hiking trails. However, there is something particularly interesting for the dog-loving community—an off-leash dog park filled with fun. 

The off-leash zone is ample space, fenced on three sides, with one side opening to a narrow and steep drop-off, so you need to be careful with your dogs when you visit this place.

Park Rules: You need to abide by these park rules for the safety and comfort of yourself and other visitors.

• Mt. Tabor Park provides clean-up bags, so you must clean after your pooch.
• There is no separate area for large and small dogs. It would be best if you looked after your dog and its safety.
• Even though the park provides a water facility, you must carry water for yourself and your pup as it is a steep area.
• Don't put your dog off-leash outside the off-leash zone.

• Make sure all your dogs are vaccinated and licensed.

Address: 6336 SE Lincoln St Portland, OR 97215
Contact Number: 503-823-5121
Timings: 7 am - 9 pm

9.Arlington/Arkwright Off-Leash Dog Park, Saint Paul

The Arlington/Arkwright Off-Leash Dog Park is a popular and scenic place to come and visit with your four-legged friend. The mixed terrains offer unlimited opportunities for you and your dog to get some well-needed exercise. 

Wood chip covers the ground in this park, making cleaning after your pup easy. The dog park expands to 4.5 acres, all of which is fully fenced. Apart from the off-leash dog zone, Arlington offers its visitors multiple opportunities to keep their visits interesting, such as rain gardens, a basketball court, a walking loop and an outdoor amphitheatre.

Park Rules: Like all parks, Arlington Park has rules you must consider when visiting this place.

• All visitors must bring their clean-up bags and clean after their four-legged friends.
• Make sure you bring plenty of water for your pet.
• Aggressive dogs are not permitted to enter the park.
• There is no need for a permit but vaccinated and licensed animals can only enter the area.

Address: 400 Arlington Avenue East, Saint Paul MN 55130
Contact Number: 651-632-5111
Timings: 7am-9pm

10.Ellicott Island Park, New York

This off-leash dog park is best known as the "Bark Park" in Ellicott Creek. This unique park is not fenced but surrounded by water. All dogs are welcome here, as long as their owners clean after them and care for the environment. 

There are plenty of spaces for your dog to roam around and several access points to enter the water. This spot is a must-stop for socialization with its extensive green plains, water availability and wash stations.

Park Rules: The following are some of the park rules for Ellicott Bark Park.

• Inside Bark Park, there is a prohibition on bringing glass containers.
• Alcohol by permit only.
• Loud noise or music is prohibited.
• Outside Bark Park, all dogs must remain leashed at all times.

Address: 10 Creekside Dr, Tonawanda, New York, US, 14228
Contact Number: 716-858-7037
Timings: 7am- 9pm

Final Thoughts 

Driving can be tiring business, not just for you but for your canine passenger too! Break up the trip with tons of breaks along the way, and what better place to stop than a dog park, where your precious pooch can enjoy himself with some newfound friends.

We hope that this list provides you with some inspiration for your trip itinerary. Happy travels, and have fun!

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