Dogs need exercise and socialization to be happy and healthy, and fenced, off-leash dog parks make it easy for dog owners to provide both for their pups. The cooler weather allows dogs to run without worrying about overheating, so dog parks are a great place for them to run it out (so you don’t have to run with them!). Central Ohio is home to so many awesome dog parks, that it’s easy to find a few favorite dog parks in Columbus.
Whether your doggies like lots of room to run, agility courses, or swimming, there are plenty of options.
Many of the dog parks are part of our amazing Columbus Metro Parks or City Parks, so they have trails, walking paths, and more within the park (leashes are required outside of fenced dog park areas). Follow posted rules at each park, and for the well-being of your dog and others, make sure you follow the listed size requirements for the separated big and little dog sections at each park.
Aggressive dogs do not belong at any dog park, nor do dogs in heat, unvaccinated dogs, dogs who are fearful or unsocialized, or dogs who do not listen to their owners commands. It’s important to always have eyes on your dogs in a dog park, as play can quickly escalate into aggression between dogs. Use common sense and courtesy, and remember to clean up after your dog. Waste bags are typically available, but you should always have your own supply in case supplies are empty.
It’s important to make sure your dog has access to water when you take them to a dog park. While some parks offer shared water bowls and access to water, we highly encourage you to bring a separate bowl and water for your dog, as seemingly healthy dogs can carry harmful virus and bacteria.
Dog Parks in Columbus
Friends of Alum Creek Dog Park, 3993 Hollenback Rd.
Enclosed beach and grassy dog park. Amenities: Hose available for muddy dogs. Well-maintained park that is completely volunteer-maintained. They host monthly clean-ups and provide poop bags if you forget your own. Shared toys and water bowls are available as well.
Big Walnut Dog Park, 5000 E. Livingston Ave., 43227
Two acres on east side with large and small dog areas that open to a pond. No drinking water access.
Brooksedge Bark Park, 708 Park Meadow Rd., Westerville
1 acre large dog area, 3/4 acre large dog area, 1/4 acre small dog area. Amenities include agility stations, water hydrant, dog waste bags, benches, dog drinking fountain
Glacier Ridge Dog Park, 9801 Hyland Croy, Plain City OH
The 2.5-acre dog park features an open field, drinking fountains, paved path and a wooded area for dogs to explore and is open to dogs of all size
Godown Dog Park, 6099 Godown Rd. Columbus, OH 43235
One-small dog area and 4.5 acres for large dogs. Amenities include benches, dog water fountain, paved parking. Lots of room for dogs to run.
Grove City Dog Park at Breck Community Park, 3005 Demorest Road, Grove City, OH 43123
4 fenced areas for large and small canines. Two of the areas, about three acres each, are intended for dogs weighing 35 pounds or more. The other two areas, about one-and-a-half acres, are for dogs under 35 pounds.The park also features walking and biking paths, a water fountain with pet-bowl function, a retention pond and off-street parking.
Heritage Trail Dog Park, 7262 Hayden Run Road, at the Heritage Trailhead.
1 acre for small dogs, 3 acres for larger dogs. Doggie “sprinkle area” with water features and a doggie drinking fountain. Benches and shaded areas along the path. Dog park closed during winter months.
Nando’s Dog Park (at Darree Fields Park), 6285 Cosgray Rd, Dublin, OH 43016
2 acres with sections for large and for small. Large breed area has a walking area for owners. In addition, there are benches, a picnic table and trash cans. The City has also designed a box where residents can donate plastic grocery store bags for reuse in pet waste removal operations.
Pooch Playground Dog Park at Pizzurro Park,
4 acre fenced area where dogs may run off-leash. The dog park includes a fenced area for small dogs, 25 lbs. or less, and an agility area for all dogs. A paved path runs through the large dog area
Rocky Fork Metro Park Dog Park, 7180 Walnut St, New Albany
Splash pad for dogs. Large and small dog area, both fenced. Small off leash trail right by the dog park. Poop bags and trash cans
Dan Bissonette, Dog splash pad at Rocky Fork
Scioto Audubon Dog Park, 400 W. Whittier Street Columbus, OH 43215
2.5 acres, with separate areas for large and small dogs and an agility course and digging sand pit. Dog waste bags are available.
Spindler Road Dog Park, 2121 Spindler Rd, Hilliard, Ohio
Large spaces for big and little dog areas, pond, paved walking trail inside of the fence, dog waste bags provided.
Three Creeks Dog Park, 2748 Spangler Rd. Columbus, OH 43207
4 acres with a side for small dogs and one for large dogs. Parking available. Portable restroom, picnic tables, and a kiosk on-site. Park contains a drinking fountain.
Walnut Woods Dog Park, 6716 Lithopolis Road Groveport, OH 43125
Buckeye Area features a 3-acre dog park for large dogs (20 pounds and over) with a fenced doggie swimming area, drinking water, plus a 1-acre dog park for small dogs.
Wheeler Memorial Dog Park, 725 Thurber Dr. W., 43215
1.5 acres in historical Harrison West/Victorian Village area. There is a side for small dogs and one for large dogs. This dog park has two sides and are rotated on a monthly basis. This is performed to allow one side to always be in the recovery stage (turf conditions). The dog park has been closed during the winter months to help with turf related issues. The dog park has no designated parking. Picnic tables, benches and a kiosk on-site. Park contains a drinking fountain.
Dog Parks in Columbus with beaches and swimming options
Christie Ross, Doggie Beach at Prairie Oaks Metro Park
Prairie Oaks Darby Bend Lakes, 2755 Amity Road, Hilliard, OH
Doggie beach with dog swimming.
Walnut Woods Dog Park, 6716 Lithopolis Road Groveport, OH 43125
Buckeye Area features a 3-acre dog park for large dogs (20 pounds and over) with a fenced doggie swimming area, drinking water, plus a 1-acre dog park for small dogs.
Big Walnut Dog Park, 5000 E. Livingston Ave., 43227
Two acres on east side with large and small dog areas that open to a pond. No drinking water access.
Friends of Alum Creek Dog Park, 3993 Hollenback Rd.
Enclosed beach and grassy dog park. Amenities: Hose available for muddy dogs. Well-maintained park that is completely volunteer-maintained. They host monthly clean-ups and provide poop bags if you forget your own. Shared toys and water bowls are available as well.
There are many doggie daycares around the city that will give your dog socialization and company while you are at work or otherwise occupied, and often include playtime and play equipment. Prices typically range from $15-$20 per day.
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