Boston is such an amazing place, with its melting pot of diverse cultures, beautiful outdoor areas, smorgasbord of dining options, and interesting history. Given everything that the city has to offer, it’s no surprise that Boston was named one of the best big cities in the US by Conde Nast Traveler! With all the great things that this city has to offer, it wouldn’t surprise us if you’re already looking for the best apartment rental websites in Boston.
The icing on top of the cake? Boston also has great dog parks where you can bring your beloved pet for a fun day out. These parks allow your dogs to run around and have fun with other dogs, as well as give you a chance to mingle with other dog lovers in the area. What’s more, many of the best dog parks in Boston are off-leash, which really allows your dog to enjoy themselves.
Here are seven of Boston’s best dog parks, where you can find them, and what you can expect when you visit.
Carleton Court Dog Park
Address: SW Corridor Path, Boston, MA 02116, United States
What You’ll Find:
Located in Columbus, Carleton Court Dog Park might be one of the smaller dog parks in Boston, but it’s still a great place to visit if you want to allow your dog to run around off-leash. The park is open daily from 6:30 am to 10:00 pm, so you won’t have to worry about when you can bring your dog. Whether you’re a sunrise walker or you prefer talking out your dog later in the day, you’ll find like-minded dog owners mingling in the park.
Carleton Court was a former tennis court converted into a dog park, so the ground is covered with the same protective and soft material. This makes it easier for your dog to run around and they won’t get as dirty or dusty compared to other dog parks! There are numerous benches around the area where you can sit and wait for your dog to finish playing, as well as water spouts where your dog can get a drink if they get thirsty.
Fresh Pond Reservation Dog Park
Address: 180-220 Fresh Pond Pkwy, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States
What You’ll Find:
If you have a dog that loves to play in the water, then you should definitely make a beeline to Fresh Pond Reservation Dog Park. Just as the name suggests, this dog park is located on the shoreline of Fresh Pond Reservation, and yes, your dog can run around off-leash here! The only thing you need is a license from the City of Cambridge, which you can apply for online. The requirements include your dog’s complete vaccination records and a small fee ($10 for spayed/neutered pets, and $30 for unspayed/unneutered pets).
There are two ponds that your dog can swim around in, namely Black’s Nook and Little Fresh Pond. There are also open spaces where you and your dog can hike or run around, such as Kingsley Park and Lusitania Field. However, keep in mind that you will be sharing these spaces with joggers, picnickers, bikers, and other people out for a day in the park, so make sure that your dog is well-socialized and able to handle crowds.
North Point Park
Address: 6 Museum Way, Cambridge, MA 02141, United States
What You’ll Find:
Located in Cambridge, North Point Park is one of the largest dog parks in Boston that allows dogs to roam around off-leash. Your dog will love exploring the huge 8.5-acre area! Just like at Fresh Pond Reservation, the park is located along the waterfront of the Mystic River. And just like Fresh Pond, dogs are allowed to go for a dip into the water to cool off. Just make sure to let them swim near the riverbanks where the water isn’t too deep and where there aren’t any ducks around.
If your pooch isn’t a big fan of the water, North Point Park still offers a ton of great activities. There are dog-friendly running trails and fenced-in play areas, although there are some spots without a fence, so keep an eye on your pet. North Point Park is a great place to visit during the summer when the flowers planted along the trails and walkways are in full bloom.
Peters Park
Address: 1277 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118, United States
What You’ll Find:
Opened in 2007, Peters Park is one of the most popular dog parks in Boston partly because it was the first park that allowed dogs to go off-leash. As a city-sanctioned dog park, it is maintained well by the local government, making it one of the safest and cleanest dog parks in the whole city. With more than 13,000 square feet of space to run around in, your dog is sure to have a howling good time in Peters Park. What’s more, the park also offers a separate 3,000 square feet enclosed area for small dogs.
The best thing about Peters Park is that it offers fun activities for the whole family! After spending some time running around the dog park, you and your pooch can head on over to the numerous picnic grounds to rest and have a bite to eat. There are also basketball courts, a baseball field, a tennis court, and even a handball court for those who want to have a quick pickup game.
RUFF North End Dog Park
Address: DeFilippo Playground, BOST-0301936000, Boston, MA 02113, United States
What You’ll Find:
If you love taking your dogs to a dog park but don’t necessarily love cleaning them up afterward, then RUFF North End Dog Park is THE place to bring your dog. The entire park is covered with antibacterial turf so that your dog doesn’t get dusty or dirty while running around. What’s more, the park has an irrigation system that cleans out the whole area every evening to keep it fresh and clean for park visitors. The park has two sections: one for large dogs and another for dogs under 25 pounds. It also has an agility course outfitted with ramps, tunnels, and obstacle courses for your dogs to complete.
RUFF stands for Responsible Urbanites for Fido, the group of volunteers who run and maintain the dog park. Their website tells you everything you need to know about RUFF North End Dog Park, from their rules to their opening hours. The group’s mission is to promote a healthy community, which includes responsible pet ownership.
South Boston Bark Park
Address: 1280 Columbia Rd, Boston, MA 02127, United States
What You’ll Find:
If you don’t mind that your dogs get a bit dirty while playing, South Boston Bark Park is a haven for energetic canines. This expansive dog park has tons of places where your dogs can run around and explore, so be ready to chase after your dog if they’re going off-leash! The park grounds are lined with gravel, so it can get a bit dusty during the summer.
The South Boston Bark Park is also run by a group of dog-loving volunteers who want to promote responsible pet ownership in the area. If you want to connect with dog lovers and find out more about their events like pet meet-and-greets and their annual Halloween costume party, you can subscribe to their newsletter.
Zero New Washington Dog Park
Address:0 New Washington St, Somerville, MA 02143, United States
What You’ll Find:
Zero New Washington Dog Park has everything that your dog could want. It has a huge open space for running around, as well as tunnels and ramps for agility runs. There are also drinking fountains all around the park in case your dog gets thirsty. The park has benches and gazebos where you can sit and watch over your dog, or rest for a little bit in between runs.
The only downside is that the park doesn’t have any artificial turf or groundcover, so your pooch can get dirty while playing. Make sure to pack some wipes or a towel so that you can clean off your dog after their playtime.
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