A study by Laurel Allen from the University of Pennsylvania found that while Philadelphia dog parks positively impact the community, legal roadblocks can negatively impact certain design aspects. This mainly has to do with the areas that allow dogs to be off-leash, which can affect circulation in a particular area. Nevertheless, there are many parks in Philadelphia where dogs can be let off the leash, as you’ll see below!
1. Orianna Hill Dog Run
The Orianna dog runs are located in Orianna Hill Park and extend from Orianna St East to N 3rd St with gates on both sides. The park has space for picnicking, gardening, and ample trails for dogs and pet parents. Included is a 20-year-old community garden located in the picnic area that users and donors maintain.
2. Seger Dog Park
The mission statement of Seger Dog Park is to foster a sense of community and neighborly love that extends beyond the confines of the park. The park has started widespread community cleanup initiatives to clean up litter from the streets and waterways of Philadelphia. The park is a fully fenced-in, mulched area with multiple amenities for dogs and pet parents, including a water park area, hydrants, statues, and multiple food vendors. It’s perfect for medium-bred dogs, such as beagles and boxers.
3. Big Dog Run (Schuylkill River Dog Park)
The Big Dog Run of Philadelphia is a spacious metropolitan run for large dogs at the Schuylkill River dog park. The run is often listed as one of the best dog runs in the city, though the park also has a spacious run for small and mixed-type dogs. This run includes a large green grass field, multiple walking trails, and spectacular views of the city’s bridges and skyscrapers. Great Danes and hound dogs will love these large spaces.
4. Pretzel Park
The Pretzel Park Dog Park is small in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The park is fully fenced in and is considered an off-leash play area. The park is incredibly spacious, standing at 13.8 acres of the play area with multiple types of ground. Unlike many others on this list, the Pretzel Dog Run at Manayunk Park does not include any drinking water or bowls, so it is recommended to bring your own when visiting.
5. Penn’s Landing Dog Park
Penn’s Landing Dog Park boasts stunning views of the Delaware River and multiple resting areas for both dogs and their owners. The park provides clean drinking water, clean-up bags for your furry friend, and mature trees for a comfortable shaded area. The park is fully fenced in and provides a safe and fun experience for you and your pet!
6. Piazza Dog Park
The Piazza Dog Park is a spacious area for your pet to play in the Philadelphia area. The park contains a mixture of Astro-turf, benches, and rounded stones for multiple types of resting and play areas. The park is located in a convenient area and often becomes crowded, so plan for less crowded times if you require more space for your furry friend.
7. Tucker Dog Park
Tucker Dog Park is one of the less-known parks on this list. The lack of competition can be a positive aspect when visiting the park. The park is rated highly by frequent visitors and often has space for your pup to run freely with little to no crowds. The park includes a 1.25-acre forest area equipped for off-leash hiking and a .2-acre shy dog area. The park also includes a 6-acre meadow area for your puppy pal to roam. Amenities at the park include a dog hydrant, a hose, and multiple resting shaded areas. Be prepared to run into any number of birds or insects.
8. Columbus Square Dog Park
Columbus Square Dog Park is one of the most populated dog parks in the city of Philadelphia, located inside Columbus Square Park. Though the park is small, it is off-leash and includes pea gravel ground and stumps for dogs to play on. The park is noted as convenient for city life, with the most significant downside being the number of dogs in such a small space. It’s excellent for small breeds like dachshunds and chihuahuas.
9. Palmer Doggie Depot
The Palmer Doggie Depot is an off-leash dog park located just south of the Parks Department’s Shissler Recreation Center. The small park is a free amenity to all who live in the neighborhood, providing stone and grass ground space and a large dirt field. The park is completely fenced in and is surrounded by city life.
10. Lanier Dog Park
Lanier Dog Park of Philadelphia offers one section for small pups and one for large dogs. The park includes all weather grass for luscious green ground in any season, and pet owners are reminded to clean up any mess to ensure the cleanliness and public safety of the park. The park is fully fenced and well maintained. Puppy pools are filled up in the summer months. It’s a great park for Labradors, Jack Russells, and Golden Retrievers to enjoy.
