The dog parks Boston locals want to keep secret

In a city that reportedly had 1.8 off-leash dog parks per 100,000 residents in 2018, when it comes to dog parks, Boston knows what’s up. In the past twenty years or so, the city has spruced up some of its 2,300 acres of parkland to provide numerous safe spaces for four-pawed pals to have a runaround and practice their social skills. So whether you’re a Boston dog sitter, a fully-fledged Fido parent, or just a dog lover, hit up one of the best dog parks Boston has to offer. 

The best dog parks, Boston, MA

Joe Wex Dog Recreation Space, Peters Park: 1205 Washington St, Boston, MA 02118

Nestled inside Peters Park, this 13,000 square feet recreation space may not be the biggest of its kind, but it’s still one of the best dog parks in Boston, MA. There are two separate dog areas to choose from depending on the size of your pooch - big breeds have a roaming ground of 10,000 square feet and small pups have 3,000 square feet of space to let loose. Pea gravel makes it easy to clean up after your pup and stone slabs are scattered around for sniffing and climbing on. With shady spots, benches for tired legs, and even tennis courts on the other side of the doggy playground, there’s not much this park doesn’t have. But what’s the name about? During the 17 years he lived in the South End, Joe Wex used Peters Park to exercise and socialize the many German Shepherds he and his wife fostered. He played a major part in opening the first-ever Dog Recreation Space (DRS) in Boston, which welcomed the public for the first time in November 2007.

RUFF North End Dog Park: BOST-0301936000, Boston, MA 02113

When it comes to off-leash dog parks, Boston’s got its fair share of options. But if you usually head to Boston Common with Fido in tow, spice things up with a 20-minute detour to this pawpular puppy park. Pooch pals can stretch all four legs on this soft, artificial grass, and enjoy the agility course and other climbing equipment to their paws content. Dog owners will love the shaded benches in the warm summer months, and hot dogs become cool pups under the fire hydrant misting sprays. The volunteer group that runs the park, RUFF (Responsible Urbanites for Fido), works to educate puppy parents and to help promote a neighborhood that welcomes both humans and their pets. Fundraising events such as raffles and auctions are held here, and the park also organizes group walks so you can get to know all kinds of dog people, from local pet parents to loving dog sitters.

Fresh Pond Reservation Dog Park: 180-220 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge, MA 02138

While the Pond was originally Boston’s drinking water supply, nowadays the Reservation feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the big city lights. Cambridge-licensed dogs can roam freely in certain areas, but keep an eye on them as the trails are shared with pups on and off the leash, as well as runners, walkers, and bikers. If your pooch pal has good recall, a run around on Kingsley Field is not to be missed, and if you’ve got a water baby, they’ll love swimming in the Little Fresh Pond. Note that most of the nearby parking is for residents only, so this park is best for canines from the Cambridge area.

South Boston Bark Park: 1280 Columbia Rd, Boston, MA 02127

You and your four-legged friend will fall head over paws for this South Boston dog park, situated in an idyllic location right next to the beach, with lots of space to run around and an abundance of playful pups to make friends with. An enclosed area at the front allows you to put Fido on or off the leash safely, and the volunteer civic group responsible for this puppy play area relies on donations to continue providing poop bags, waste pickup, insurance, and upkeep of the park. Soak in the views and enjoy some salty sea air as your furry friend has a furbulous time meeting some new pooch pals!

Bremen Street Dog Park: Intersection of Bremen St & Porter St, 145 Bremen St, Boston, MA 02128

Under the A1 overpass you’ll find this East Boston dog park, a well-maintained puppy play area usually equipped with agility course apparatus and a doggy water fountain. A fence keeps Fidos from escaping too far, and a separate area for furry friends on the smaller side means everyone can play safely. Once puppy playtime is over, put your pooch pal back on the leash for a stroll around one of the nearby parks. 

JB’s Indoor Dog Park: 106 Longwater Dr, Norwell, MA 02061

The Boston area dog parks are great, but you’ll have to travel a little further in search of this Boston indoor dog park, which is technically in Norwell, MA. Trust us, it’s worth the journey to avoid muddy paws and enjoy the 3,000 square foot play area. This play area’s not just for cold winter days though, as the temperature inside is also controlled for when the heat’s too much for outdoor zoomies, so all the furry fun can continue come rain or shine! 

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about some of the dog parks Boston has to offer. If you’re thinking of visiting one of these Boston dog parks, it’s important to follow certain petiquette:

• Always follow signs to put your fur baby on the leash. Be mindful that different rules may apply depending on the season. 
• Remember that not everyone is a dog lover so keep an eye on Fido when using areas not designated just for pups. 
• Scoop the poop to keep parks safe and clean. 
• Keep Fido’s vaccinations up to date and don’t bring your pup to the park if they’re unwell.