Boston's Best Places To Exhaust Your Dog This Winter
You aren't the only one experiencing cabin fever this winter -- your dog is too. Lucky for both of you, the Boston area has several solutions for beating the winter blues, both indoors and out. Take your pick!
CBS Boston Insider's Tip: Before spending time outside with your dog this winter remember that sidewalk salt can be very harsh on their poor little paws! Pay special attention to them before and after walks (booties and special balms are available to keep them from cracking!)
For when you need some fresh air check out these pup-friendly parks:
Peter's Park
Washington Street between E Berkley & Waltham Street
Boston (South End), MA
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
website
Joe Wex Dog Recreation Space in Boston's South End opened in 2007 as Boston's first city-sanctioned off leash dog-park. The park allows dogs a chance to run free, play and tire themselves out with over 13,000 square feet of space (including a separately enclosed 3,000 square feet area for small dogs). Bundle everyone up, head over and burn some energy.
Larz Anderson Park
Newton Street
Brookline, MA
Off-Leash Hours:
Dawn to 1:00 p.m., March - November
Dawn to Dusk, December - February
website
Larz Anderson Park in Brookline is another dog/owner paradise. Head on over the top of the hill area, Avon Street-side where your dog can enjoy a free-range romp. It is part of Brookline's GreenDoginitiative. For $50 a year, residents ($100 non-resident) and their dogs can enjoy off-leash heaven during designated hours year round.
When there's no chance you or your pooch are going outside, spend time at one of these indoor venues:
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00a.m. - 6:00p.m.
Saturday: 9:00a.m. - 2:00p.m.
Cost: $15 for ½ Day (under 5 hours)
$22 for Full Day
Go Play in Arlington is a mecca for warm puppy-playtime despite the harsh days of winter. Let your dog have off-leash romps with other pooch – only five bucks for 30 minutes on Saturdays. Go Play also offers doggie day care at reasonable prices. Playgroups are fully supervised by Go Play's staff and dog owners. And all dogs must pass an evaluation that includes vaccination verification and proper socialization. Before visiting make sure to check their website for rules and regulations.
Open Play Hours: Saturdays: 10:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.
Cost: $5.00
The go-to indoor playground for your pooch, Bark Place is a fully equipped doggie facility where your canine companion is invited to break free from its leash and run around while you supervise. Open Play sessions are Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 5:00p.m at Bark Place's PlayCare Studios for $5.00 -- a small price to pay for staying frostbite free! Bark Palace also offers, pet walking and sitting, and doggie daycare.
Remember no matter what destination you choose to let your dog loose, always remember to be a responsible dog owner!
Lauren is a Boston area transplant trying to figure out life in the city after graduating from art school.
