Are you looking for the perfect park for your pampered pooch? Well, then our list of the 9 best dog parks in Northern Virginia has you covered!
From scenic trails to cooling wading pools, each of these parks offers a unique experience for you and your pups. So, grab those harnesses and dog leads, and let’s get going to some of the best parks in Northern VA!
9 Best Dog Parks In Northern Virginia
1. Glencarlyn Dog Park
Address: 301 S Harrison St, Arlington, VA
Closest highway: Arlington Boulevard, US-50
Features: Trails, water access, scenic surroundings
Tucked away in the scenic Arlington woods, the Glencarlyn Dog Park is a total paradise for your playful pups! With plenty of space, this off-leash park offers your dog a chance to make new friends during free play or to splash in the nearby streams with other dogs.
If you have a smaller (or shy) dog, the good news is that they’ll have their own safe area to play with other smaller dogs. Plus, the shaded trails mean that both you and your pup can enjoy a relaxing walk.
2. Shirlington Dog Park
Address: 2710 S Oakland St, Arlington, VA
Closest highway: Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Features: Stream, separate sections for small and large dogs, picnic area
If you’re looking for a hidden gem in Arlington, the Shirlington Dog Park is the perfect place to be! With separate areas for small and big dogs, pet parents can let their fur kids run wild without having to worry. Of course, you should still keep an eye on them to make sure they’re playing well with the other dogs in the park.
Since there is a great picnic area, you’ll also be able to enjoy a relaxing afternoon or mingle with the many owners who come here daily! Oh, and you can leave the pup’s water at home since there’s a water station for your dog in the park.
3. Benjamin Banneker Dog Park
Address: 1700 N Sycamore St, Arlington, VA
Closest highway: Custis Memorial Parkway
Features: Fenced areas for small and large dogs, gravel terrain, shady trees
Does your pooch prefer to be wild and free and run around off-leash? Well, then you’re in luck! The Benjamin Banneker Dog Park in Arlington is another off-leash dog park filled to the brim with other friendly, well-trained canines who just want to run around without restraint.
With tons of shady trees and comfy benches, it’s the perfect spot to kick back and relax while your dog chases a ball or makes some new friends.
It’s important to note that there is a lot of gravel terrain, though, so it may not be the best pick for pups with sensitive paws.
4. Barcroft Park
Address: 4200 S Four Mile Run Dr, Arlington, VA
Closest highway: Henry G. Shirley Memorial Highway
Features: Multiple sports fields, activity equipment, water access
Barcroft Park is one of the best hangout spots in Arlington, and it’s the ideal spot for pooches with a lot of energy to spend! Not only does it have dog activity equipment, but it also has plenty of open space for off-leash romps with the other dogs in the park.
What we really love about this park is that it’s perfect for the whole family. With plenty of children running around, the atmosphere here is extremely inviting. So, don’t forget to bring the kids along for a fun day out with your beloved pup.
5. Towers Park
Address: 801 S Scott St, Arlington, VA
Closest highway: Washington Boulevard
Features: Fenced areas for big and small dogs, grass terrain, friendly atmosphere
If you have a big, boisterous dog that loves the company of other dogs his size, then you may want to pay a visit to Towers Park. But, if your little pooch is happiest when he’s playing with other smaller dogs, this park is just as much for you as it is for big dog owners!
With separate areas for dogs of different sizes, you can let your dog enjoy itself without a care in the world. All you need to do is sit back, relax, and let your pup go absolutely crazy with its new buddies.
6. Chandon Dog Park
Address: 0161 19 D1, Herndon, VA
Closest highway: Dulles Access Road
Features: Separate areas for small and large dogs, wading pools, shaded areas
Looking for some summer fun or a way to exercise your pooch even on the hotter days of the year? Then look no further than the Chandon Dog Park in Herndon.
Not only is this park well-laid out with separate play areas for dogs of different sizes, but it also has tons of shady areas and wading pools to help your furry friend cool down in the summer sun.
There’s also always a friendly vibe at Chandon, which may be beneficial for anxious dogs who are still learning to socialize. Just remember to be a vigilant and responsible pet owner – you don’t want to ruin anyone else’s fun!
7. South Riding Dog Park
Address: 25152 Elk Lick Rd, Chantilly, VA
Closest highway: John Mosby Highway
Features: Wood chip surface, shaded by surrounding trees, doggy obstacle course
Let’s be honest: The same old dog parks can get pretty boring after a while. That’s why we love the South Riding Dog Park! Found in Chantilly, this park has a wood chip and mulch surface. So, if your dog loves getting dirty or having a true outdoor experience, this park must be on your must-visit list.
This is also a great choice if you want to train your furry friend since it includes an obstacle course with agility equipment. Talk about convenience!
8. Vint Hill Dog Park
Address: 4263 Aiken Dr, Warrenton, VA
Closest highway: Lee Highway
Features: Private park with public access, small dog play area, agility equipment
Next on our list is Vint Hill Dog Park, which welcomes four-legged visitors of all sizes to come and enjoy the open space. Complete with activity equipment and plenty of shade for sunnier days, this park is an absolute haven for pups and pet parents alike!
You also don’t get much more serene than Vint Hill. With gorgeous surroundings and plenty of peace and quiet, it’s one of our favorite spots for a lazy Sunday outing with the pooches. It also doubles as an off-leash park, but there is a small dog play area for smaller canines that feel nervous around off-leash dogs.
9. Grist Mill Dog Park
Address: 4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy, Alexandria, VA
Closest highway: Mt Vernon Memorial Highway
Features: Shaded area, plenty of trees, benches
If you live in or have visited Alexandria, chances are that you already know all about the Grist Mill Dog Park! This park is jaw-droppingly gorgeous and clean, with trees scattered everywhere you look.
Of course, this provides a lot of shade for your furry friends to keep cool and comfortable – even when they’re running themselves ragged!
This park can get a little crowded, though, since it’s one of the most popular parks in the area. So, if your dog doesn’t do well with crowds, this may not be the best spot for you.
FAQs
Is it my responsibility to clean up after my dog at the dog park?
Yes, it’s your responsibility to remove any dog waste from any of the dog parks we have mentioned. It’s all part of being a responsible pet owner and respectful of the other owners and dogs in the park! Of course, it also helps to keep the area free from bacteria and maintain a certain hygiene standard – just as you would at home.
At Pet Domestic, we understand the importance of proper pet waste removal. If you’re in Leesburg, McLean, Ashburn, or really anywhere in our Northern Virginia service area, choosing a proper pooper scooper service can make all the difference.
So, don’t hesitate to contact us today for all of your pet waste removal needs!
Are there any specific rules or regulations I should know when visiting dog parks in Northern Virginia?
Absolutely! While each dog park may have its own set of rules, there are some common regulations that you’ll need to know when you’re visiting the dog parks around Northern VA. Your dog should be under control at all times. Aggressive behavior is not only frowned upon – it’s not tolerated at all, particularly in off-leash dog parks.
Additionally, you’ll want to ensure your dog is up to date on its vaccinations and wearing proper tags for easy identification.
Final Thoughts
Taking your dog (or dogs) to the local parks in Northern Virginia not only gives them an opportunity to burn off their energy and get some much-needed exercise, but it’s also a great way to socialize them correctly.
Just remember, no matter which park you go to, you should always maintain responsibility for your canine companions and ensure that they’re playing by the rules.
With proper park etiquette, though, your furry friends are sure to have the time of their lives!