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.
Most dog parks have trees with shade, which allow 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!). But bring a towel, because they may get muddy!
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).
Rules and Common Sense at Dog Parks
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.
See Friends of Alum Creek Dog Park website here for updates and more details.
Big Walnut Dog Park
5000 E. Livingston Ave., 43227
Two acres on east side with large and small dog areas.
See details (along with other dog parks) on City of Columbus Recreation and Parks website.
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
See Westerville Parks & Rec website
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
See Columbus Metro Parks website for details and more dog parks.
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.
See details (along with other dog parks) on City of Columbus Recreation and Parks website.
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.
See details on Grove City website.
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.
See Heritage Trail Dog Park website.
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.
See Gahanna Parks and Rec website.
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.
See details (along with other dog parks) on City of Columbus Recreation and Parks website.
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.
See details (along with other dog parks) on City of Columbus Recreation and Parks website.
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.
See details (along with other dog parks) on City of Columbus Recreation and Parks website.
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.
See details (along with other dog parks) on City of Columbus Recreation and Parks website.
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), plus a 1-acre dog park for small dogs.
See details (along with other dog parks) on City of Columbus Recreation and Parks website.
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 no designated parking. Picnic tables, benches and a kiosk on-site. Park contains a drinking fountain.
See details (along with other dog parks) on City of Columbus Recreation and Parks website.
Destination Dog Park
Destination Outlets, 8000 Factory Shops Blvd Jeffersonville, Ohio 43128
6000 sq ft dog park with an agility course opened in July 2022, free and open to the public.
Destination Dog Park at Destination Outlets in Jeffersonville
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. See website for details.
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. See Friends of Alum Creek Dog Park website for full details.
Battelle Darby Creek
Dogs can swim in Osprey Lake (5800 Harrisburg-Georgesville) and in the lake in the Pleasant Valley Area (9020 US Route 62 Orient). See website for details.
Doggie Daycares are an option too!
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.
More upcoming pet fun…
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Thursday, October 5, 2023
Saturday, October 7, 2023
Thursday, October 12, 2023
Saturday, October 14, 2023
Thursday, October 19, 2023
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Sunday, October 22, 2023
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Val says
Thank you for letting me know. I didn’t realize the pond had been removed from Walnut Woods. I updated those listings. I appreciate you letting me know, as I don’t have a chance to personally visit all of these (and some are reader-reported).
Prairie Oaks, Battelle Darby, and Alum Creek all have access for dog water play.
Melanie says
This list is out of date. To my knowledge, the only park with water access (for swimming) is Alum Creek. I know for sure that neither Walnut Woods or Walnut Creek have water access.