Are you ready to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry companion? Check out the top spots in Richmond to play outside with your pup.
The weather is getting warmer again, and the sun is shining. You and your dog have probably both felt a little cabin fever over the winter. And now you're itching to get outdoors, breathe in that fresh air, and run around. But wait… where can you take your dog in Richmond, VA?
No worries, that's why we're here, to give you a list of all the best dog parks in and around the city—places where your pup can run free and play with other dogs. And we'll even tell you a little bit about each park and what features they have to offer. That way you'll know ahead of time if that's the right park for you and your four-legged friend.
Some parks will just have the basics—water stations and waste stations. And some will have water features, hiking trails, canine agility equipment, picnic pavilions, and so much more! So keep reading below to find out where your new favorite dog park is.
And are you interested in some more laid-back dog-friendly activities in Richmond too? What about lunch? You can actually take your pup out for a doggy lunch date to many of the popular restaurants and bars in and around Richmond. These days, more and more restaurants are opening up their outdoor patios to well-behaved canines. So your dog can sit right by your side while you enjoy a great meal or a beer with your family and friends.
And while you're looking for spaces and places that can take care of all your doggy's needs, don't forget about finding the best pet care possible for your precious pup. Click here to enter your zip code, and we'll help you find the best dog walkers, cat sitters, pet groomers, and more... All in and around the city of Richmond, VA.
But if you're ready to get some fresh air and exercise with your furry best friend, let's check out the best dog parks and off-leash areas in Richmond.
The 12 Best Parks, Dog Parks, and Off-Leash Areas in Richmond, VA:
- Barker Field Dog Park
- Chester Dog Park at Goyne Park
- Church Hill Dog Park at Chimborazo Park
- Clover Hill Dog Park at CTC Hull
- Dorey Dog Park
- Hanover Dog Park
- Northside Dog Park
- Phideaux Field Dog Park at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church
- Pole Green Dog Park
- Ruff House Dog Park
- Short Pump Dog Park
- Texas Beach/North Bank Trail
Barker Field Dog Park — 1300 Blanton Ave, Richmond, VA 23221
Barker Field Dog Park is actually the oldest dog park in Richmond, VA. This dog park is located within Richmond's Byrd Park, and is fully fenced-in with multiple acres of space for dogs to run and play together. You'll find plenty of shade trees, water stations, waste stations, picnic shelters, and benches for the humans. And there are even separate fenced-in spaces for small and large dogs. This park became the very first off-leash dog park in Richmond back in 1998, and has since been maintained by local volunteers.
Chester Dog Park at Goyne Park — 5300 Ecoff Ave, Chester, VA 23831
Chester Dog Park is a big, fully fenced-in dog park located within the larger Goyne Park. The entire park is 49 acres total and "offers fields for football, soccer and baseball, as well as tennis courts, a playground, dog park and picnic shelter." Plus an 18-hole disc golf course and wooded areas all throughout. The dog park itself has separate sections for small and large dogs, plenty of shade trees, water stations, and waste stations.
Church Hill Dog Park at Chimborazo Park — 3600 E Grace St, Richmond, VA 23223
Church Hill Dog Park is located within the 30-acre Chimborazo Park. At this park you'll find the National Battlefield Park headquarters, a mini Statue of Liberty, and a beautiful 180-foot view of the city. There is a park house that can be rented for meetings or events. This park also has a playground and a community garden. The dog park is fully fenced-in with two separate sections—one is for small dogs, and the other is for large dogs.
Clover Hill Dog Park at CTC Hull — 13900 Hull Street Rd, Midlothian, VA 23112
Clover Hill Dog Park is located at the Chesterfield Career and Technical Center – Hull Campus. This dog park is fully fenced-in and off-leash. You can find hand-pump water stations and water bowls, waste stations, plus benches for the humans to enjoy. And there are separate fenced-in sections for small and large dogs.
Dorey Dog Park — 7399 Dorey Park Dr, Henrico, VA 23231
Dorey Dog Park is located within the Dorey Park and Recreation Center. This dog park is "1 acre in size, with a 6 foot enclosed fence with two areas: one for small dogs and the other for larger dogs." There is also canine agility equipment, water fountains for dogs and humans, waste stations, and a paved walking trail. During the hot months, you may even find a kiddie pool filled with cold, refreshing water for the dogs to splash and play in.
Hanover Dog Park — 13017 Taylor Complex Ln, Ashland, VA 23005
Hanover Dog Park, also known as Taylor Dog Park, has canine agility equipment, 6-foot tall fences, water stations, waste stations, and benches for the humans. There are also porta-potties just outside of the fence for the humans to use. And sometimes, there are water-filled kiddie pools for the dogs to play in during those hot summer months.
Northside Dog Park — 500 Forest Lawn Dr, Richmond, VA 23227
Northside Dog Park is a fully fenced-in, off-leash dog park with two separate sections. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables, waste stations, and water jugs for the dogs. But make sure to bring your own water bowl. There isn't any shade, but the dog park is surrounded by wooded areas.
Phideaux Field Dog Park at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church — 4401 Forest Hill Ave, Richmond, VA 23225
Phideaux Field Dog Park is located next to Forest Hill Presbyterian Church. It's an off-leash, fully fenced-in dog park with grass, dirt, and mulch ground covering. There are benches, shade trees, waste stations, and sometimes kiddie pools for the dogs to cool off in. But make sure to bring your own water and dog water bowl. Just keep in mind that the park is closed on Sunday mornings from 9 am-12 pm while church services are happening.
Pole Green Dog Park — 8996 Pole Green Park Ln, Mechanicsville, VA 23116
Pole Green Dog Park is located in Pole Green Park in the Mechanicsville area. This fully fenced-in, off-leash dog park has 6-foot high fencing, waste stations, water stations, benches, and even canine agility equipment. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk. And the park at large also offers sports fields, wooded trails, a butterfly garden, and a community center. It's a great place for the whole family to enjoy.
Ruff House Dog Park — 3401 Courthouse Rd, Richmond, VA 23236
Ruff House Dog Park is a popular destination located within Rockwood Park. It boasts two separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, allowing for tailored play experiences. The park is known for its cleanliness and the availability of toys and agility equipment. Trees are scattered throughout the park, providing shade on sunny days. Ruff House also hosts events like doggie pool parties, which add to its charm and community feel.
Short Pump Dog Park — 3329 Pump Rd, Henrico, VA 23233
Short Pump Dog Park is located within Short Pump Park in the Henrico area. The dog park is fully fenced-in and off-leash with separate sections for small and large dogs. The ground covering is a synthetic turf grass that is specially designed for dog parks. And there are water stations, waste stations, and even water features for dogs to cool off in. The rest of the park offers sports fields, spray fountains, playgrounds, picnic facilities, and even a restored 1902 two-room schoolhouse. There's a little bit of something for everyone here.
Texas Beach/North Bank Trail — 1443 Pump House Dr, Richmond, VA 23221
Texas Beach/North Bank Trail isn't your typical dog park, but it's a gem for adventurous dogs and their owners. This natural area along the James River offers rugged trails and a chance for dogs to splash in the water. It's ideal for those who prefer a more natural setting over manicured lawns. Dogs need to be on-leash, but the diverse landscape and river access make for an exciting outing.
Visit All the Best Dog Parks in Richmond, VA
Can you believe just how many wonderful dog parks there are in Richmond? It's easy to see why pet parents love to live here! If you and your pup already live here or choose to make this city your new hometown, you'll never run out of dog-friendly things to do and places to go in Richmond, VA.
For more great articles about dog-friendly activities and pet-parenting advice, check out the Blog at LocalPetCare.com.
