With 95% of Philadelphia residents living within a 10-minute walk from the city’s 567 parks, no matter your pup’s temperament, size or spirit, there’s a dog park near you that’s perfect for your pet.
Here are the best dog-friendly parks and off-leash runs in Philadelphia:
The Best City Parks
Leashed dogs are welcome at every city park, but for off-leash and fancy-free play, there are eight dedicated off-leash dog runs. Each is managed by a local Park Friends volunteer organization (with oversight from the city) and may request a membership fee (or volunteer hours) to help offset maintenance costs. Here are five city parks where your dog can unleash and unwind:
Lanier Dog Park
Address: 2911 Tasker St
Social: Facebook
This four-acre park received a facelift in 2018 and is now home to two dog parks, one for small dogs and one for larger dogs. Join the Friends of Lanier Dog Park Facebook group and you’ll find a 550-strong passionate community of local dog lovers, as well information about the organization’s monthly “Yappy Hour.”
Manayunk (Pretzel) Park
Address: 4300 Silverwood St.
Given it’s moniker based on the pretzel-like shape of the sidewalks, Pretzel park has a small, fully fenced dog run for pups to enjoy off leash play. The run is largely wood chips and dirt (BYO bags, water and tennis balls), but Manayunk locals are working to improve the spot.
Mario Lanza Dog Run
Address: 214 Catharine St.
The Mario Lanza Dog Run is run by Queen Village K9, a local organization that plans community events and maintenance projects for the park. You can join the association for $25 a year (or $60 for three years) to help upgrade the park’s amenities, fund special events, like park cleanups, as well as regular social events, like the monthly “Yappy Hours” at nearby pet-friendly restaurants.
Schuylkill River Park
Address: 300 S 25th St.
This is Philly’s fanciest dog run, with synthetic turf, colloquially known as “K9Grass,” as well as different sections determined by dog size and a flowing water fountain. Be aware that it’s located along the train tracks, so it’s not the spot for those sensitive to loud noises.
Seger Dog Park
Address: 1020 Lombard St.
Members of the Seger Dog Park Owners Association host seasonal events, including Woofstock concerts and Howl-o-ween events, at this nearly 10,000-square-foot, fenced-in dog run. A donation of $50 per year is recommended to help offset the costs of running the park.
Off the Beaten (Park) Trail
If you want to get out and about and take in the scenery, here are a few privately-owned spots worth the trip:
Cira Green
Address: 129 S 30th St.
Social: Yelp
This popular 1.2-acre rooftop park perched atop a 12-story parking garage is not only a fan favorite for dog-friendly outdoor drinking and dining, but also for breathtaking views while on the dog run.
Penn's Landing Dog Park
Address: 1 N. Delaware Ave.
The Residences at Dockside is a pet-friendly building, so of course it includes a fenced-in dog park as one of its amenities. The riverfront park is divided into separate areas for runs as well as dedicated spaces for small and large dogs.
Most outdoor adventures are all fun and games, but if the unexpected happens pet insurance provides peace of mind. Consider protecting your dog with a ManyPets health insurance plan to help you cover veterinary care in case your dog gets hurt at the dog park.