Best Parks For A Puppy Play Date

Boston is a pretty densely populated city. Since it was founded before city planning existed, Boston doesn't have many dog parks or public spaces in comparison to cities out west that were founded later. But, Boston's history also makes it a gorgeous and interesting place to explore with your dog. So though the dog parks are few and far between, the ones the city does have are simply fantastic. Without leaving city limits, your puppy can enjoy the beach, the woods, grassy parks, and everything in between. Below are listed some of the best off leash and leash required dog parks in Boston. Have all your dog owning friends meet you their for a puppy play date this spring!

Boston Common
139 Tremont St.
Boston, MA 02116
(617) 635-4505
friendsofthepublicgarden.org

The puppies of Beacon Hill, Back Bay, North End, West End, and Financial District all have easy access to the leash free portions of Boston Common. Dog owners will know exactly when they reach the leash free zones because there are always lots of dogs at play! This central location is a great place for dogs to make friends! They have lots of space to run and play without making owners trek outside of the city.

Castle Island Beach
D Street & West Broadway
Boston, MA, 02127-0000
877-411-FIDO
www.bringfido.com

Castle Island is the best way to enjoy the beach with your dog without leaving the city. Dogs are not permitted on the beach all day, but before 7am and after 7pm, all dogs are allowed! Enjoy a sunset stroll with your pup and his or her friends or let your dog take a swim! Dogs love the beach almost as much as humans do, so Castle Island is a great treat for any dog and dog owner in the city.

Carlton Court is such a pretty hidden gem in the city. Between the historic brownstones of Boston's Bay Village neighborhood is a picturesque walkway with a number of grassy areas, benches, landscaping, and a dog park! The dog park is fenced off from the rest of the area, which allows dogs to frolic off their leashes for as long as they would like! This park is a great meeting spot for the pups of the South End, Back Bay, and Fenway areas.

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Hunnewell Park
Hunnewell Ave. & Elmhurst Rd.
Newton, MA 02135
(617) 796-1500
www.dogpark.com

Hunnewell Park is great for all dog owners that live just west of Boston. Located in America's safest small city, Newton, Hunnewell park is gorgeous, green and big! The park is open from dawn to dusk and there is parking available - a rarity for Boston dog parks! Dog passes are required for pups to access the park. They are available from the City Clerk for a fee of $50 per year.

The Esplanade
Along the Charles River, throughout Boston
(617) 227-0365
www.esplanadeassociation.org

Though The Esplanade requires dogs to be leashed, it is still a great place to host a puppy playdate. Stay healthy by inviting a friend and their dog to take a walk with you and your pup along the river with scenic views of Cambridge, lots of trees and gorgeous parks. Many enjoy the park because they have a long clear tract to run with their dogs - no traffic lights or speeding cars to worry about. Cross one of the pedestrian bridges and continue your puppy playdate in Cambridge in order to get unbeatable views of the Boston skyline.

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