Want to take your pooch for some frolicking run-around amusement with other dogs? Here are 4 fun off leash dog parks in Arlington, VA, where you’ll find amenities such as water fountains, play areas, and nearby dog friendly restaurants and bars.
Benjamin Banneker Dog Park
Benjamin Banneker Dog Exercise Area, 1680 N. Sycamore St., Arlington, is .06-acre fenced exercise area with a year-round water supply. The area includes a small-dog enclosure with a separate entrance.
The exercise area is part of the well-shaded 11-acre Benjamin Banneker Park that includes a playground, picnic tables and grills, a stream and nearby access to Four Mile Run, W&OD and Custis Trails.
Arlington County is currently in the process of renovating the park, which is near the neighborhoods of Falls Church, Madison Manor and Westover. You can see the planned dog park improvements – including adding synthetic turf and new seating at the county’s Benjamin Banneker Park project page.
Fort Ethan Allen Dog Park (Madison Dog Park)
Fort Ethan Allen Dog Park, 3829 N. Stafford St., Arlington, is part of the 15-acre Fort Ethan Allen Park. This dog park is also known as Madison Dog Park to the regulars from the Arlingwood, Chain Bridge Forest and Rivercrest neighborhoods. The fenced-in dog park features mulch ground cover, drinking water and benches.
The park includes Madison Community Center and is surrounded by the earthwork berms of the Civil War-era fort.
James Hunter Dog Park
James Hunter Dog Park, 1230 N. Hartford St., Arlington, is a roughly half-acre fenced dog park that features a deep fine gravel play area with a waterfall, small splash pond and drinking water spigots for our four-legged friends and separate shaded sitting areas and gardens for all.
James Hunter Park is close to the Lyon Village and Clarendon neighborhoods and is open from sunrise to 9 p.m. Being two blocks from the Clarendon Metro station means you have easy access to the many restaurants with outdoor pet friendly sidewalk seating areas along Wilson Boulevard including Liberty Tavern and Northside Social.
And, on Sunday, June 10, enjoy live music and free food from Smoking Kow BBQ from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Bark In The Park.
Shirlington Dog Park
Shirlington Dog Park, 2710 S. Oakland St, Arlington, is a 2.4-acre gated park along Four Mile Run that is recognized as one of the top dog parks in the Washington, DC, area.
This large dog park in Arlington, VA, has a separate area for small dogs, drinking water and tables for dog owners. Situated along Four Mile Run, it’s easy for dogs to get down to the creek and frolic in the water.
There are plenty of dog-centric stores right near the park including Wag More Dogs and The Muddy Mutt. And for dog owners, New District Brewing offers nearly a dozen beers on tap. You are also close to the Village of Shirlington and the many pet-friendly restaurant patios including Copperwood Tavern, Guapo’s, and Palette 22 (Yappy Hour Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m.!), plus Dogma Bakery offers treats for your pet.
You can stay-to-date on Shirlington Dog Park through Shirlington Dogs monthly newsletter.
Please note that the best entrances to use for the dog park are off S. Four Mile Run, either at the end of S. Oxford Street (near Wag More Dogs) or at the end of S. Nelson (near the baseball field).
Comments (2)