The City of Brotherly Love is also the City of Barkin’ Fun with its collection of dog parks. While certainly an area of urban sprawl packed with history, Pennsylvania’s largest city has also gone to the dogs as owners carve out zoomy zones for off-leash fun.
Below, we’ll share the best dog parks in Philadelphia and explain the dos and don’ts of dog park excursions.
15 Best Dog Parks in Philadelphia
Philly is well-stocked with safe hideaways for dogs to roam and play safely. Let’s get to know the best dog parks that Philadelphia has to offer.
1. Schuylkill River Park Dog Run
About: Situated within Schuylkill River Park, this dual-zone dog park with synthetic grass has a safe fenced space for dogs under 25 pounds, seniors, and disabled doggos, as well as a fully-fenced run for larger, active canines. Considered a prime pupper stomping ground, it’s usually hopping with hounds, so if your dog’s a social butterfly, she’ll be in good company.
Info:
- Area: Fitler Square
- Address: 25th and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Website: https://www.fsrp.org/
- Opens hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Size: More than 1 acre
Special notes:
- Dog water fountains are plentiful
- Seasonal small canine pools and hoses are available
- When at max capacity, rules ask visitors to limit dog run time to 30 minutes
- Walking trails and fields available nearby for leashed walks and exploration
- Train behind the park can be loud, potentially spooking nervous dogs
- Children aren’t allowed in the dog run
2. Orianna Hill Park
About: Orianna Hill Park is a members-only dog run that’s free to visit, but all dogs must be registered online, attend an orientation, and receive a VIP dog tag. Fully fenced, this L-shaped natural grass and dirt space features dual entrances and exits, water bowls, and small pupper pools during the summer.
Info:
- Area: Northern Liberties
- Address: 901-913 N Orianna St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
- Website: https://www.oriannahill.org/
- Opens hours: All hours (quiet hours requested between dusk and dawn)
- Size: Approximately 1 acre
Special notes:
- All adult canines must be spayed or neutered
- Puppies less than 4 months old are forbidden
- Can file an incident report on their site in case of irresponsible owners
- The online registry lists your dog’s photo and information in case she goes missing (or if you need to report a problem pup)
- Owners are limited to 3 dogs or fewer per visit
- Pinch and prong collars are not allowed
- Dirt and mulch can get muddy (bring a towel for cleanup!)
- Mulch is not the best match for mutts who eat things they shouldn’t
3. Lanier Dog Park
About: These artificially-turfed, off-leash doggy digs are fully fenced and divided into separate play areas for large, playful pups and small or older canines who take life a little slower. While technically a public facility, Lanier Dog Park does ask visitors to enroll in a membership that helps cover maintenance costs, allows them to hold events, and improves the facilities over time, with a significant expansion planned for 2023.
Info:
- Area: Grays Ferry
- Address: 2911 Tasker St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19146, United States
- Website: https://lanierdogpark.org/
- Opens hours: Year-round, dawn to dusk
- Size: 4 acres
Special notes:
- All dogs must be older than four months
- Children under age 11 aren’t permitted in the dog park, and an adult must accompany children aged 11 to 15
- All visiting dogs must be properly socialized, fully vaccinated, and altered to visit the park
- Canine-themed events for your floof and her friends
- Small dog pools set up seasonally
- No dog food is allowed in the park
- The requested annual membership fees are $50 per household ($25 for seniors and students)
- Typically well-stocked with biodegradable poop bags
4. Green Street Dog Park
About: Green Street Dog Park is a members-only mutt zone with an electric key fob entry system, ensuring only screened people and pups enter and preventing overcrowding. Featuring both small and large dog sections, this running space also has onsite hoses for easy cleaning and hydration, plus mess-free artificial turf and cement ground cover.
Info:
- Area: Spring Garden
- Address: 1817 Green St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
- Website: https://www.greenstreetdogpark.org/
- Opens hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Size: ¼ acres
Special notes:
- Double-gated entrance keeps canines safer
- Members are allowed to visit the park with a maximum of 2 dogs at a time
- Onsite video recording provides added security
- No guest dogs are allowed
- Puppies under 6 months old aren’t permitted
- All member dogs must be altered, licensed, up-to-date on their rabies vaccination, and under the care of a veterinarian
- Dogs must wear a member’s dog tag at all times during visits
- There is a 30-dog limit total to the park at any time, with 12 in the large area and 18 in the small (a 30-minute visit limit applies during these busy times)
5. Columbus Square Dog Park
About: Banish muddy mutt paws once and for all with Columbus Square Dog Park’s artificial grass and concrete canine run. Entirely fenced, the off-leash space includes stumps for pups to climb, sniff, “water,” and more.
Info:
- Area: Passyunk Square
- Address: 1200 Wharton St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
- Website: https://mycolumbussquarepark.org/about/dog-park/
- Opens hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Size: Unavailable
Special notes:
- All solo dog owners must be 18 years or older to enter the dog run
- An adult must accompany children 14 to 17, and children under 14 aren’t permitted
- All visiting dogs must be licensed and vaccinated, plus they must wear ID tags at all time
- Intact dogs and puppies under 4 months old aren’t permitted in the park
- No food is allowed in the dog run
- Small and large dog sections
- There’s a 3-dog-per-visitor rule in place
- Several benches for pet parents to rest on
6. Philadelphia Animal Hospital Pool
About: Have a water-loving woof but no pool for splash time? Visit this vet-owned and operated private pool that lets your doggy take a dunk in a clean, spacious pool for a small fee.
Info:
- Area: Eastwick
- Address: 7401 Holstein Ave Philadelphia, PA 19153
- Website: https://www.philadelphiaanimalhospital.com/swiming_pool/
- Opens hours: Open year-round, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Size: Unavailable (but it is pretty much just a pool)
Special notes:
- Day passes are $35, and monthly unlimited passes are $150
- Times are booked in advance using private hour-long blocks
- Saline-filled pool for dog-safe water fun
- Ideal low-impact activity for older dogs or pups with joint issues and injuries
- Dogs must undergo a wellness exam and show proof of vaccination before swimming
- You must establish care with the animal hospital to use the facilities
7. Palmer Doggie Depot
About: The volunteer-run Palmer Doggie Depot is a great low-key canine hangout. It isn’t as flashy as some other dog parks, but it still allows lots of doggone fun with a spacious off-leash area.
Info:
- Area: Fishtown
- Address: 37 E Palmer St, Philadelphia, PA 19125
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/PalmerDoggieDepot/
- Opens hours: Year-round, 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Size: Unavailable
Special notes:
- Features a mix of terrains, including cobblestone, dirt, and grass
- Hold mutt-friendly events, like costume contests
- It can get super muddy during wet weather
- Water spigot and bowls available for hound hydration
- Pupper pools available seasonally
- Dog park community meetings are open to visitors (plus, you can volunteer or run for the board!)
- Seating is limited to a few benches, so anticipate standing
- Fencing is a sturdy black chain link
8. Unleashed Bark & Beer
About: Sip on a cold one while watching your canine play with her best buds at this unique dog beer garden establishment. While use is limited to Craft Hall patrons, it’s a great meetup spot for friends and their four-footers.
Info:
- Area: Fishtown
- Address: 901 N Delaware Ave Philadelphia, PA 19123
- Website: https://www.crafthallphilly.com/unleashed
- Opens hours: Monday to Friday: 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Saturday: 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM, and Sunday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM pm
- Size: 2,000 square feet
Special notes:
- Dogs must be leashed while entering and exiting the dog run
- Hold’s special dog-themed days, like Harry PAWter’s Day
- Over 40 seats for humans
- Contactless ordering and delivery of breed-themed cocktails and house beers
- No food allowed in the dog area
- No puppies under 4 months
- All children must be supervised in the dog area
- You can order flavored dog mocktails to add to the available water dishes
- No smoking allowed
- Dogs are only permitted in the Unleashed Dog Run and Puppy Porch (service animals may enter indoor human digs, however)
9. Piazza Dog Park
About: Designed to be an urban oasis for off-leash play, this compact canine courtyard is enclosed in a chain link fence. Several trees dot the property, giving your floof plenty of opportunities for scent-marking and sniffing.
Info:
- Area: Northern Liberties
- Address: 156 W Wildey St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
- Website: https://foursquare.com/v/piazza-dog-park/4d9cd64e7865a093864fda7a/photos
- Opens hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Size: Unavailable
Special notes:
- Dog run flooring is a mix of gravel, artificial grass, and large decorative stones
- Double-gated entrance and exit for added security
- Located on a noisy corner, which may bother anxious dogs
- Separated large and small dog runs to keep pups safe
- Limited bench seating
- Massive metal sculpture for dogs to sniff
Dog parks can be too overwhelming for some four-footers or an overall poor fit for dog-selective ones. Have no fear, there are several great dog park alternatives, like having one-on-one doggy dates with a pup your dog’s already friends with, taking a hike into the woods together, or setting up a backyard scavenger hunt with goodies.
10. Mario Lanza Dog Park
About: Run by volunteers, Mario Lanza Dog Park is free to visit. Its stone floor allows for great drainage, preventing much of the muddiness seen in other dog parks, though use caution if your dog tends to eat things she shouldn’t.
Info:
- Area: Queen Village
- Address: 214 Catharine St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/mariolanzadogpark/
- Opens hours: Dawn to dusk (busiest between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM)
- Size: About ¼ city block
Special notes:
- No small dog-only area
- Onsite hose area for cleaning canines as needed
- Pooper scoopers and trash cans are available
- Paved walking trails outside of the dog run for leashed walks
- Bring a bowl for your doggo to drink up, as it isn’t guaranteed one will be present
- Dog run secured with metal, vertically-slatted fencing and chainlink
- Holds occasional doggy events for visitors, like photoshoots
- Some mature trees within the dog run for sniffing and exploring
- Benches and tables are available for resting your feet while your floof plays
11. Rob Stuart Memorial Dog Park
About: Rob Stuart Memorial Dog Park’s artificial grass ground eliminates the risk of bringing home a mud monster, plus rinses clean to wash away potty points. Fenced with metal barriers featuring vertical slats, it doesn’t have the highest walls on all sides, so use caution if your canine’s a climber.
Info:
- Area: Logan Square
- Address: North 21st Street & Winter St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/863912454556567/
- Opens hours: Dawn to dusk
- Size: 0.78 acres
Special notes:
- Separate runs for small and large dogs
- Water fountains for dog drinking are available
- Relatively long and narrow dog run, so some pups may find it restrictive
- Double-gated entrance/exit for added safety
- All visiting dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations
- Dogs must wear current vaccination, licensing, and registration tags
- Prong, martingale, and electric collars are forbidden
- No dog food, treats, toys, or balls are allowed within the dog runs
- Puppies under 4 months old and female dogs in heat aren’t allowed
12. Pretzel Park Dog Park
About: Nestled beside Cresson Street, Pretzel Park Dog Park is a laidback hound hangout fully fenced and free for the public. While enclosed, the brick and metal fences are low, so it’s not recommended for escape artists.
Info:
- Area: Manayunk
- Address: 4300 Silverwood St, Philadelphia, PA 19127
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/PretzelPupsOfManayunk/
- Opens hours: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Size: 13.8 acres
Special notes:
- Woodchip and dirt terrain
- Can get super muddy during wet weather
- No separate small dog area
- Water bowl available onsite, but there’s no hose or spigot
- Paved trails nearby for leashed strolls with your woof
13. Roxborough Dog Park
About: Venture into this urban oasis for four-footers that got its start in 2018, containing small and large dog sections. All visitors must be members, as an access code controls the entrance.
Info:
- Area: Roxborough
- Address: 4117 Mitchell St, Philadelphia, PA 19128
- Website: https://www.roxboroughdogpark.com/
- Opens hours: Open daily between 6:30 AM and 9:00 PM
- Size: Unavailable
Special notes:
- All dogs must show proof of alteration and vaccination at membership signup
- Membership is $100 annually or $25 for three months and can be canceled at any time
- Dirt, paver, and grassy areas (can get messy!)
- Dog water bowls available for hydration
- Members-only setup has more of a community vibe than standard dog parks
- Special events like Halloween gatherings for members
14. Dog Park at BOK
About: Tucked beside the BOK building, this dog park is a hidden gem of Philly. Don’t let its petite size fool you, as this under-the-radar rover romper space isn’t as packed with paw traffic as other dog parks around the city.
Info:
- Area: South Philly
- Address: Corner of 9th Street and Dudley Street
- Website: https://www.buildingbok.com/dog-park
- Opens hours: Weekday hours are 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and weekends are 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Size: Unavailable
Special notes:
- Enclosed with short, chain link fencing and an outer metal fence with vertical slats (not ideal for escape artists!)
- Loose stone terrain offers great drainage, preventing muddiness
- Hollowed logs and benches for pups to climb and explore
- Drinking basin with a fresh water source
- Single play area (no small dog space)
- Not much seating for pet parents, so wear comfy shoes and expect to stand
15. Seger Dog Park
About: Enjoy off-leash fun with your floof at this double-gated, fully-fenced dog run in Seger Park. Artificial turf keeps things from getting messy, while dog water fountains ensure canines stay hydrated during play.
Info:
- Area: Washington Square West
- Address: 1001 Rodman Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
- Website: https://segerdogpark.org/
- Opens hours: Always open
- Size: Approximately ½ city block
Special notes:
- Membership is required, with a requested $50 annual fee ($25 for seniors and students)
- Dogs must be vaccinated and licensed
- No toys except tennis balls are permitted in the dog run
- Puppies under 4 months aren’t allowed
- Intact male dogs or female dogs in heat are forbidden
- Prong, chain, choke, and spiked collars aren’t allowed in the dog run
- Owners can only bring 3 dogs maximum at one time
- No food is to be brought in the dog run
- Children under 10 aren’t allowed in the dog run; those 11 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult
What Should You Look for in a Dog Park Before Visiting?
Research is important before visiting a new dog park, as you want to ensure you and your sniffer are safe and comfortable. This process involves reading into everything from the onsite amenities like seating and water fountains to the type of fencing used.
Investigate these must-know facts before venturing out to new doggy digs:
- Fencing style: Fencing at least 6 feet tall is ideal, but some parks have 3- to 4-foot fences that some large dogs can scale. You’ll also want to look at the fencing material. Chain link is climbable and may be damaged or rolled, allowing escapes, while some vertically-slatted fences are easy for skinny dogs to slip through.
- Size and space: Some dog parks are large and allow your dog plenty of legroom to run and play, while others feature tighter quarters that can leave owners feeling the squeeze too. A big enough play space is essential if your dog loves the zoomies or if a park is bustling.
- Entrance and exit design: Double-gated entrances and exits to dog runs are the safest, as they feature a gate connecting to the central dog place, along with a secondary “spillover” space that’s fenced and gated just in case a canine slips around someone.
- Day-to-day traffic and peak times: Some dog parks (especially in cities like Philly) see sizable crowds that may lead to time limits inside or long waits. All this commotion can also be stressful for some pups.
- Hours of operation: Most dog parks are open from dawn to dusk, but this isn’t always true. Some have special shutdown times for maintenance, so acquaint yourself with a given park’s schedule before visiting to avoid a hiccup.
- Separate spaces for large and small/older dogs: The best dog parks have safe areas for small dogs and seniors and a run for larger pups who may injure a smaller or more fragile floof during play.
- Water accessibility: Dogs need access to fresh, clean water during play. The best pup parks will have doggy water fountains or bowls and hoses available. This is critical in warmer weather.
- Terrain: Artificial turf and concrete prevent messes, but both can be hot on paws in the heat. Dirt, woodchips, and grass are fun for rough-and-tumble fun but also messy, particularly when water is involved. A happy medium would be gravel, though some dogs try to dine on rocks.
- Membership requirements: Some dog parks require memberships, with a few issuing key fobs for entering. Free parks are a great money saver, but a paid extra step lowers your risk of encountering an unvaccinated dog or one with aggressive tendencies, as many private facilities hold owners accountable for naughty behavior, while public parks do not.
- Vaccination and spay/neuter requirements: Unvaccinated dogs can spread disease, and intact dogs may trigger (or experience) aggression and bullying in pack settings. Look for a pet park that doesn’t allow either.
- Dog limits: Most dog parks limit visitors to bringing two to three dogs per pet parent. These rules aim to make sure you can adequately handle your pack.
- Human amenities: Benches and nearby bathrooms go a long way in keeping you comfortable during your dog’s park playtime.
- Waste disposal: Poop bag dispensers and trash cans are common at dog parks, with others offering pooper scoopers. It’s always a good idea to bring pup poop bags from home, too, just in case they run out.
- Owner reviews: Most importantly, read what real people say versus a dog park’s website alone. You want real-life feedback, not a business blurb. These also sometimes offer nifty tips and tricks, like the best times to visit, where you can find the nearest restroom, and where the poop bags might be.
- Breed restrictions: Some dog parks ban specific breeds, particularly bully breeds like pit bulls. Knowing these in advance is a must.
A Reminder About Dog Park Manners Before Your Next Visit
A major aspect of dog park visits is good citizenship, as one problem person can ruin everyone’s day. Responsible owners are essential in keeping your pup’s play place friendly and safe.
Basic dog park etiquette includes:
- Cleaning up after your canine: Scooping poop is obvious, but you should also fill in holes your hound digs or throw away anything she shreds, like toys with fuzz (if allowed at the park).
- Following posted park rules: Respect the laws of the land, whether it’s leaving kiddos at home or only visiting during operating hours.
- Watching your dog at all times: Nothing’s worse than an inattentive pet parent ignoring their dog as she jumps on other people or attempts to escape the entrance and exit.
- Stopping problem behavior before it becomes dangerous: Don’t allow your dog to bully other pups or act like a nuisance with humping and jumping. Redirect her or take her home to calm down rather than risk a dog fight.
- Taking responsibility: You’re liable if your dog bites or injures another dog or does any dog park damage. Trade information and pay for the damages. This is vital, as dog park statistics show that 1 in 7 owners report their dogs being attacked at a dog park.
- Leashing your dog: Keep your canine on a lead outside of the dog run to maintain everyone’s safety, and remove the leash in the run so your pup can have fun without any leash aggression.
- Making the right choice: Dog parks aren’t for every dog. The setting can be highly stressful and unpredictable, making it a poor fit for anxious pups or medically fragile seniors. This also means being honest about your dog’s feelings about other dogs. If your four-footer is even remotely dog selective, skip these parks entirely.
- Leaving food at home: Food can trigger gnarly dog fights but can also be dangerous if a pup has allergies. Just leave it at home, for everyone’s sake.
- Skipping trips when your pup is sick: Dog parks are meant for healthy pups. If your doggo’s under the weather, stick to at-home fun until she’s feeling better.
- Avoiding the park when your dog’s in heat: Some dogs ban intact pups, but if you frequent one that allows them, never bring your female when she’s in heat.
Have you visited any of our picks for the best dog parks in Philadelphia? Is there another Philly fur zone your dog loves? Share with us and other owners in the comments.
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