Are you moving to Cincinnati with pets and exploring the area’s pet-friendly parks? Or are you a resident changing neighborhoods or looking for nearby dog parks in Cincinnati to explore? Fortunately, there are tons of beautiful dog parks you’ll love, many of them in large, wooded park areas with trails and fun for the whole family.
You shouldn’t limit yourself just to Cincinnati dog parks, though; this list also includes fun dog parks in the metro area that are definitely worth the short drive.
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Washington Park – Large Dog Park in Downtown Cincinnati with Water & Climbing Features
Washington Park is Cincinnati’s central urban park in the heart of Over-the-Rhine. It’s also the most convenient dog park that you can reach on foot while living in downtown Cincinnati. Washington Park, right in front of Music Hall, boasts a 12,000-square-foot fenced dog park with granite climbing boulders and a water creek to explore. There are dog and people water fountains, shaded benches, and synthetic dog turf for a safe, comfortable day of play. The park also has long opening hours: 6 am to 11 pm!
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There are a few rules to keep in mind:
- Leashes aren’t required except when entering and exiting the park
- Females in heat and aggressive dogs are prohibited
- Dogs must have current shots, a dog license, and an embedded chip and/or visible owner identification.
Washington Park, 1230 Elm St, Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 621-4400
Mt. Airy Dog Park – Enclosed Cincinnati Dog Park in Large Urban Forest with Dog-Friendly Trails
One of the best dog-friendly parks in Cincinnati is located in the beautiful Mt. Airy Forest. It’s also the largest park in Cincinnati with 1,500 acres to explore with miles of trails, a picturesque lake, disc golf, an arboretum, and the famous Mt. Airy Everybody’s Treehouse. When you visit, you’ll be looking for the Doris Day Dog Park, a two-acre enclosed dog park with grassy areas in the middle of the forest. The park was named for famous dog-lover Doris Day, a celebrity activist who founded the Doris Day Animal Foundation. There’s agility equipment, water fountains, and a separate small dog area.
Once your pup is done at the park, you can explore more of Mt. Airy on-leash with dozens of trails. Some of the most dog-friendly trails can be found near the dog park entrance.
Note: it’s a good idea to bring waste bags with you. In the winter, you should also bring water as the fountains will be turned off.
Mt. Airy Dog Park, 3006 Westwood Northern Blvd, Cincinnati, OH 45211 (513) 352-4080
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Armleder Dog Park – Fun Cincinnati Dog-Friendly Park with Dog Showers & Separate Areas for Small and Large Dogs
On the East Side you’ll find one of the top Cincinnati dog parks in the Otto Armleder Memorial Park & Recreation Complex, a 305-acre park. The Armleder Dog Park has 10 acres of space to explore with large breed and small breed areas, dog drinking fountains, shaded benches, and a dog shower! It was the first off-leash dog park in the Great Parks of Hamilton County parks and recreation system. There’s a new one-mile paved trail connecting to the complex’s 1.9-mile trail system and the five-mile Lunken Airfield Loop.
Note that the park closes when the Ohio River reaches 42 feet and the area floods. It’s open from dawn to dusk.
Be aware of some specific dog park rules:
- Aggressive dogs and females in heat are barred
- Clean up after your dog
- The small dog area is for dogs under 22 pounds
- All holes your dog digs must be filled
- No chew treats, dog treats, or food in the dog park for safety reasons
Otto Armleder Dog Park, 5057 Wooster Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45226 (513) 521-7275
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Kellogg Park Dog Field – 4-Acre Off-Leash Dog Park in Anderson Township
If you’re living in Anderson Township or nearby, you’ll want to check out the Kellogg Park Dog Field. The back four acres of 21-acre Kellogg Park are designated for the enclosed off-leash dog field. The fenced Cincinnati dog park features a gorgeous mural, frost-free dog fountain, and plenty of grassy space to play.
Note: your dog needs a valid permit for the Kellogg Park Dog Field. To get a permit, you must complete the application, submit current shot records (rabies, Bordetella, and distemper), and pay a fee. The permit fee for Anderson residents in 2021 is $45 for the first dog, $30 for each additional dog, and $5 to add an additional pass card. Non-residents pay $75 for the first dog and $50 for each additional dog. Permits are only available by fax or mail.
The dog field is open from dusk to dawn but may be closed occasionally for unforeseen reasons or maintenance.
Kellogg Park Dog Field, 6701 Kellogg Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45230 (513) 474-0003
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Red Dog Park @ Red Dog Pet Resort & Spa – Private Dog Park for Members Adjacent to a Pet Resort, Aquatic Center & Daycare
Red Dog is the first purpose-built pet resort in Cincinnati. You might overlook them assuming they only offer doggy daycare and boarding, but they do so much more with a doggy aquatics center and a members-only dog park. One of the highlights is the Red Dog Park.
Adjacent to the spa and resort, this members-only dog park features 3 acres of fenced off-leash play area with walking paths, agility equipment, grassy areas, and more. The Red Dog Park has a separate area for small dogs and large dogs with doggy fountains, waste stations, and seating.
The dog park is for members only. To become a member, you must provide current vaccination records for your pup, submit an application, and pay a $150 fee for one year. Members receive an access code and key fob to use the dog park. If you live nearby, it’s definitely worth the fee for access to the best dog park in Cincinnati.
Dog owners can bring up to 3 dogs to the Red Dog Park. Dogs cannot be fed in the park with chew treats, bones, and other food prohibited aside from “one gulp” treats.
Red Dog Pet Resort & Spa Cincinnati, 5081 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45227 (513) 733-3647
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Newport Dog Park – New Fenced Dog Park Near Cincinnati
One of the newest and best dog parks near Cincinnati is the Newport Dog Park, just across the river in Newport, Kentucky. The park recently relocated to a larger space behind the Newport Library. The park is so popular that a new location was necessary due to crowding. The brand-new, off-leash and fenced dog park in Newport features pet-friendly benches, a small dog area, water fountains, concrete walkways, and landscaping with shaded, grassy areas for pups to play and run.
Newport Dog Park, 901 E 6th St, Newport, KY 41071
Fort Thomas Dog Park @ Highland Hills Park – Hilly Dog Park in a 77-Acre Wooded Park
Right outside Cincinnati is the city of Fort Thomas, Kentucky. One of the city’s top attractions is Highland Hills Park, a 77-acre park with a playground, disc golf, game courts, and a popular dog park. The park is on a wooded hill with a mostly natural place to play and separate small and large dog areas. The steep terrain is something to keep in mind, although dogs definitely love it!
Fort Thomas Dog Park, 199 Mayfield Ave, Fort Thomas, KY 41075 (859) 781-1700
Wiggly Field Dog Park @ VOA MetroPark | Large Off-Leash Dog Park in West Chester
The Voice of America Park in West Chester is already a top draw for the two-legged with 435 acres to explore with a stocked lake and some of the biggest community events and festivals in the region. It’s also home to Wiggly Field Dog Park, one of the largest off-leash dog parks in Cincinnati.
There are two fenced areas for large and small dogs plus shaded areas and benches. The park is open from 8 am to dusk.
Wiggly Field Dog Park, 7850 VOA Park Dr, West Chester Township, OH 45069 (513) 867-5835
Cincinnati Dog Parks Map
Ready to hit the park with your four-legged friend and enjoy everything Cincinnati nature has to offer? If you’re researching dog parks ahead of relocating to the city or changing neighborhoods, give us a call at Bell Moving & Storage. We can help you settle into your new home and be ready to explore all the area’s best dog parks in no time!
