If you want to take your pooch to the best dog parks in Maryland, you can learn about 10 of them below.
1. Patterson Park Dog Park (Baltimore)
Patterson Park Dog Park opened in late 2012 and was soon voted “Best Place for Fido” by Baltimore Magazine. The park is spacious, has grassy areas, and plenty of shade for your tired pup to rest in. There are also benches to sit on while your dog plays. The park is fully fenced with a double-gate entry.
Please ensure your dog is healthy and spayed/neutered before visiting Patterson Park Dog Park. Puppies under four months of age are not permitted inside the park. Your dog must have a collar with their ID tag, registration tag, and rabies vaccine tag. Please clean up after your dog and place waste in the covered trash cans inside the park.
2. Columbia DogPark (Columbia)
Columbia DogPark was the first fully fenced off-leash area for dogs in Columbia, MD. The park covers almost 3 acres of grassy terrain and is divided into two fenced areas – a 0.7-acre area for dogs under 25 pounds, and a 2-acre area for larger dogs. Each section has benches, drinking water for dogs, and waste disposal locations with a supply of bags.
To bring your dog to Columbia DogPark, you must be at least 18 years old and cannot bring more than two dogs at a time. Each animal must have written proof of a current license and rabies vaccine and must be leashed for entering and leaving the park.
3. Ridge Road Recreational Dog Park (Germantown)
Ridge Road Recreational Dog Park is a designated off-leash play area for energetic canines in Germantown, MD. The park opened in 2003 and covers around half an acre of space for playing and socializing. A 6-foot fence that is chained-linked surrounds the park.
Please pick up after your dog – bags are usually available and there is a pooper scooper on-site as well. Note that there is no water fountain for people or dogs, so bring your own water and a bowl for your pup. Please ensure your dog is vaccinated and keep a constant eye on them during your visit.
4. Ellsworth Urban Dog Park (Silver Spring)
Ellsworth Urban Dog Park is a large space in Silver Spring, MD, specifically designed for dogs who love to romp. The dog park was opened in 2016 and is a fully enclosed area with separate fenced off sections for small (under 20 pounds) and larger dogs. There are water fountains, Mutt Mitts, and plenty of space to roam.
The small and large enclosure both feature artificial turf mounds, benches, shade structures, and trash cans. The park can be accessed from the sidewalk along Colesville Road, and entry is via a double-gate system for added security.
5. White Plains Dog Park (Waldorf)
White Plains Dog Park is a public, off-leash play area for dogs in Waldorf, MD. The park is around an acre in size and has two separate fenced areas – one for small dogs, puppies (as long as they are over four months of age), or shy dogs, and one for larger or more boisterous dogs.
The park contains secure fences, picnic areas, drinking water (not available during winter), and pick-up bags. White Plains Dog Park is open seven days a week, from 8:00 am until dusk. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
6. Canton Dog Park (Baltimore)
Canton Dog Park is open from dusk until dawn every day and is a great place for your dog to play, socialize, and enjoy some safe time off their leash. This dog park is in Baltimore, MD, and features a double-gated perimeter fence, open space, shaded areas, nearby parking, and bags for waste collection.
Canton Dog Park is divided into two sections – one for smaller/older dogs and one for larger/more energetic dogs. The park undergoes routine maintenance and there is drinking water outside the gate. The rules for this dog park are posted at the entrance – please ensure that you read and follow them.
7. Worthington Dog Park (Columbia)
Worthington Dog Park is in Columbia, MD, and is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The park is divided into two separately fenced sections – one for active dogs and one for small, timid, or elderly dogs. As well as the large play spaces, there are also fenced areas of the park for rent (from May to November), and dog training is available.
Please clean up after your dog, and stay out of the park if it is excessively muddy or there is snow. Watch your dog closely as they play and remove them from the park if they are showing signs of aggression towards other dogs.
8. Green Park Dog Exercise Area (Gaithersburg)
The Green Park Dog Exercise Area is in Gaithersburg, MD, and is open to residents of the city, members of the exercise area, and their guests. To bring your dog to this park, they must be licensed with the city. The exercise area is located within Green Park, and makes up around an acre of fenced land.
Green Park Dog Exercise Area is divided into two sections – the upper level is smaller and has a dust-based ground cover, while the larger lower section is mostly grassy. Both areas have drinking water stations (seasonal), benches, and waste bag dispensers. There’s lots of free parking close to the entrance of the upper level.
9. Takoma Park Dog Park (Takoma Park)
Takoma Park Dog Park is a newer dog park based in Takoma Park, MD. The park is surrounded by a 7-foot chain-link fence for extra security and offers a safe space for active pups to play and socialize. The park features water fountains, benches, and ample street parking.
Please clean up after your dog during your visit to Takoma Park Dog Park. To enter the park, your dog must be fully vaccinated and over four months of age. If your dog is six months or older, they also need to be spayed/neutered.
10. Turkey Hill Dog Park (Waldorf)
Turkey Hill Dog Park is located in Waldorf, MD, and is maintained by the Charles County Government’s Parks and Grounds Division. The park is around one acre in size and has two separately fenced areas – a larger space for general play, and a smaller space for puppies, small dogs, or shy dogs.
The park includes benches, a picnic pavilion, and waste bags, and is open from 8:00 am until dusk each day. It is located inside Turkey Hill Park, which is also home to an athletic field, disc golf course, and many walking trails.
“Emily is an avid writer and dog lover who usually prefers the company of pets over people. Based in Los Angeles, when not stuck in traffic she spends her days reading in the sunshine, relaxing at the beach, or planning her next adventure.”
