The hottest weeks of the year are often referred to as the “dog days” of summer – a time when it’s even too hot for dogs to be running around. We know that’s not really the origin of the term, but we decided it was a great time to celebrate our devoted furry friends! A couple dates to note on your calendar are: DOGust on August 1st (the universal birthday for shelter dogs), and National Dog Day on August 26th. Of course you don’t really need a reason to give your pup extra attention or play time. In that spirit, we’ve put together a list of our favorite dog parks in the DMV.

WASHINGTON D.C.

Photo Courtesy of: Newark Dog Street Park

Newark Street Dog Park

39th and Newark Street, NW Washington, DC 20016

Newark Street Dog Park was designed for the enjoyment of dogs and people alike. The Dog Park is located in the sunny southwest corner of the Newark Street Park complex, beyond the children’s playground.

West End Dog Park

25th St NW, Washington, DC 20037

Great spot to take your furry best friend to mingle with other dogs.

Kingsman Field Dog Park

D St NE, Washington, DC 20002

The DC Department of Parks and Recreation Kingsman Field dog park project at 14th Street and Tennessee Avenue, NE, is a partnership between DPR and Hill Hounds.

Langdon Dog Park

2901 20th Street NE, Washington, DC 20018

Langdon Park is one of the largest parks in the entire District. The Dog Park provides a convenient and accessible place for these many dog-owning neighbors to meet, build relationships, and strengthen their communities.

Photo Courtesy of: Friends of NoMa Dogs-FOND

Swampoodle Park

3rd &, L St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Friends of NoMa Dogs (FOND) is a charitable organization charged with the care and maintenance of NoMa’s first dog park, Swampoodle Park. Swampoodle park is a great urban park. Every inch of space is planned to maximize community enjoyment, from the 5,000 square foot dog park to children’s Walhalla Play structure.

VIRGINA

Dog Parks in Your Neighborhood – Attached is a PDF with information regarding the parks below. Please feel free to download and print a copy for yourself!

Potomac Yard at 561 East Monroe Ave.
Founders Park at North Union St.
Windmill Hill Park at South Union St.
Simpson Stadium Park at Monroe Ave. (lighted)
Duke Street east of the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Library
Montgomery Park at the corner of Fairfax and 1st Streets
Dog Run Park at Carlyle, 450 Andrew’s Ln.
Ben Brenman Park by Backlick Creek (lighted)

CLICK HERE To View Dog Parks Within Arlington County

Photo Courtesy of: Barkhaus

Barkhaus

529 E Howell Ave, Alexandria, VA, US, 22301

Come and enjoy great food and drinks while watching your best friend runaround off leash indoor and outdoor. This is a great place to socialize for humans and dogs alike!

Photo Courtesy of: Shirlington Dogs

The Shirlington Dogs II

2710 S Oakland St, Arlington, VA 22206

The Shirlington Dog Park was established over thirty years ago and was one of the first officially recognized off-leash dog exercise areas in the region. Being approximately two acres in size, its narrow, quarter-mile length with an accessible trail, runs along an urban stream on the one side and warehouse buildings on the other. There is also a separate adjoining area for small dogs.

Rosslyn Gateway Park

1300 Lee Highway Arlington, VA 22201

Bring your dog(s) to Gateway Park to enjoy some exercise while socializing with neighboring dogs off leash.

Creighton West Park

Creighton Rd, Leesburg, VA 20175

The Creighton West Dog Park is located along the trail that runs from Creighton Road to Ryan Road. The dog park contains two separate areas: one area for dogs 25 pounds and under, and another area for dogs of any size. This park is for the use and enjoyment of all Brambleton residents.

MARYLAND

Waggertail Dog Park

5400 Haig Dr, Riverdale, MD 20737

Waggertail is a large, grassy dog park that has a fenced, lobby area containing gates opening into large and small dog areas. Features include a water fountain, large shade trees, comfortable benches and over 2 acres of space giving dogs and people plenty of room to get acquainted. Please register your dog here.

College Park Dog Park Association

College Park Dog Park, Maryland 20740

The College Park Dog Park is a great place to bring your dogs of all shapes and sizes to run around and meet other dogs alike.

Kensington Dog Park

10450 Metropolitan Ave, Kensington, MD 20895

Lots of room for your furry friend to run around and enjoy the outdoors while meeting others. Great convenient option for dog owners who need to tire their pup out!

Dog Park at Cabin John Regional Park

7400 Tuckerman Lane, Bethesda, MD 20817

Exercise and socialize your pet in a safe and clean environment.

Ellsworth Urban Dog Park

621 Ellsworth Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20910

The dog park consists of two separate, fully enclosed and Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant exercise areas: a small dog area (approximately 2,800 square feet) intended for dogs under 20 pounds, and a large dog area (approximately 17,000 square feet) intended for healthy, well-socialized dogs over 20 pounds.

Top Dog Parks Within The DMV