We’re all about family here, so we love to read and share about all the great things we find about raising one, from your kids to your pets. We certainly wouldn’t ever want to forget about our four-legged family members!
Dogs and humans have helped each other survive and thrive for tens of thousands of years, perhaps even hundreds of thousands. To show our devotion, many cities around the world have created beautiful parks to allow families and their dogs to enjoy and bond over.
Here are the five best dog parks in the world. Some boast multiple acres of land, some have cafes and events, but all are beloved by families and their dogs.
Point Isabel Regional Shoreline – Richmond, California
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area in Northern California, Point Isabel Regional Shoreline is one of the best dog parks in the world. It boasts 23 acres of picturesque parklands, all of which is completely off-leash.
Besides the stunning views of the area, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the park hosts a ton of truly amazing features and activities. One of the park favorites is Mudpuppy’s Tub & Scrub, which has full service as well as self-serve dog baths. There’s also the Sit & Stay Café right next door, which serves treats for you and your pup.
But it isn’t all treats and cappuccinos – the park has a ton of activities to enjoy, from trails to fishing to picnicking to windsurfing and more.
Dog Wood Park – Jacksonville, Florida
At 42 acres, Dog Wood Park wins perhaps the largest dog park in the United States. It boasts all sorts of activities that families and their dogs can enjoy. A park that large – how could it not have a ton of things to do? The park touts itself as a country club for pups and their owners, having huge fields, swimming ponds, a full agility course and more.
There are actually two areas for swimming: Lake Bow Wow, a 2 acre lake, and a pond for smaller dogs named Lake Fifi. In addition to the swimming holes, there’s Barkham Woods, a 10 acre wood with trails running through it.
Of the many spots in the park, the one that is perhaps most impressive is Kids ‘n’ Dogs. It’s an area specifically for kids of all ages and dogs who are superbly kid-friendly. It even has a full-on kids playground! It’s absolutely perfect for your two or four-legged kids.
PawsWay – Toronto, Canada
PawsWay in Toronto houses both dogs and cats in their pet center. Lovingly built by the Purina brand, PawsWay provides a way for all of us to celebrate our furry family members.
Most importantly, it’s the home for the Purina Animal Hall of Fame, which honors the heroic pets who have saved lives over the past 47 years. It’s a truly touching memorial that shows that bravery and heroism isn’t just for us two-legged folk.
PawsWay also features an off leash play area for dogs, but that’s not all. They offer training to your pets, such as obedience, tricks, & scent detection. They also offer seminars for you and your family, which include information on how to give first aid, handle urban mushing (which is as brilliant as it sounds), or deal with pet loss.
Hawthorne Canal Reserve – Leichhardt, Australia
As its namesake suggests, the Hawthorne Canal Reserve lies parallel to the Hawthorne Canal just west of Sydney, Australia. The park has both on and off leash areas that shows off some gorgeous sights along the canal.
In general, it’s a great spot for families and their dogs to socialize, exercise, and bond. It’s busiest on the weekends, where you can enjoy BBQs, train your pups, indulge in a snack, and generally soak in the day with other pet lovers.
Hawthorne Canal Reserve is also home to Café Bones, a dog-friendly eatery that offers treats such as the Pupaccino and Bark Bix. And some human food and drink, as well. Bone appetit!
Pilgrim Bark Park – Provincetown, Massachusetts
The Pilgrim Bark Park is more than just a dog park – it’s an homage, a remembrance of the two dogs who arrived with the Pilgrims traveling on the Mayflower in 1620. Although the park itself is just one acre, it’s located in Provincetown, Massachusetts, which is touted as a canine resort town!
The town is more than just superbly pet-friendly – it’s an artist community that thrives on its identity and rich history. In fact, the artists themselves have donated their works to the Bark Park itself.
The Bark Park is home to a wide variety of artwork. It boasts painted fire hydrants, dog-themed benches, beautiful sculptures, and even a smaller-scale version of the Mayflower itself. In all, it’s the perfect park for dogs and adults to play!