The Best Rhode Island Dog Parks
When the days get longer and the weather starts warming up, there’s nothing quite like getting outside and enjoying all the beauty that nature has to offer. And that includes Rhode Island’s beautiful dog parks!
It doesn’t matter if you’re just passing through or if you call this beautiful state your home – Rhode Island offers a plethora of welcoming dog parks for you and your furry friend to enjoy. Pamper your pup by taking him to a place where he can stretch his legs, socialize with other dogs, and enjoy some time quality bonding time with you.
Ready for some fun? Here are ten great dog parks in RI that you won’t want to miss.
Top 10 Rhode Island Dog Parks
- Barrington Dog Park
You’ll find this popular 2-acre dog run right behind the Haines Park baseball diamond where there’s plenty of room for Rover to run. Locals love the area (it’s a user-funded community park, after all) so there’s always someone there to talk to and swap stories with. And while you may have to bring your own water, there are free waste bags and receptacles available for cleaning up messes.
One thing to note: While the park is fenced there are no separated areas for small and large dogs. Be sure to keep a close eye on your pooch!
- Bell Street Dog Park
Built on rich historical land, the Bell Street Dog Park is a treat for dogs and history buffs alike! Your pup will love exploring the different landscapes the park offers while you enjoy the view of the historic Bell Street Chapel, the last remaining structure left over from the opulent Eddy Estate. Be sure to keep one eye on Fido, though, as the park overlooks the busy Route 6.
- Charlestown Dog Park
Open year-round from 8 am to sunset, Charlestown Dog Park is an easy-to-find gem with everything you could want in a dog park. The park boasts a one-acre area for larger dogs and a half-acre space for smaller dogs, with trees, grass, rocks, and even a fire hydrant to enjoy!
Nearby Ninigret Park offers plenty of recreational facilities and dog-owners will enjoy the available dog waste bag stations, benches, picnic tables, and abundance of parking. For the runners, joggers, and walkers, five laps around the large dog area are one mile. The best part? You won’t have to fight the crowds to enjoy this space, as it’s usually not too busy.
- Dexter Dog Park
It’s not just your pup that will have fun in this Providence-based dog park. The fenced dog run offers splashes of shade in the summer, separated areas for small and large dogs, a nearby playground for the kiddos to enjoy, and lots of parking for easy access. Food and ice cream trucks often frequent the area so don’t worry if you’re feeling peckish! And if you keep your eyes peeled you may even stumble on a nearby farmer’s market during the summer months.
- Gano Street Dog Park
You’ll find this popular space not too far from India Point Park in an incredible location right alongside the Seekonk River, where you and your furry friend can enjoy the majestic views and spend some time cooling off after your workout. The park includes two fenced-in areas for large and small dogs so that your puppy is comfortable socializing with similar-sized friends.
As your pup plays, you can watch the bikers and water traffic and keep an eye out for the natural flora and fauna that live in the area. Though previously closed for construction and renovation, this park promises to be a fun stop for both of you!
- Pawtucket Dog Park
Come visit this park year-round, anytime from dawn to dusk, and you’re sure to find something to love. With separate sections for dogs of different sizes, Pawtucket Dog Park offers fresh water, tons of parking, covered benches, and night lighting in the spring and fall. All-in-all, a beautiful location where your puppy can enjoy some exercise while you meet other dog lovers!
Be aware that only supervised older children (ages 9 and up) are allowed inside the gates and you’ll need to leave toys, treats, and training tools at home!
- South Kingstown Dog Park
One of the largest dog parks in Rhode Island, South Kingstown Dog Park is both rural and accessible with a relaxed atmosphere that the locals love. Two fenced-in areas offer separation for large and small dogs; no matter their size, though, your pup will enjoy romping through the grass, rolling in the dirt, and resting in the shade. Waste bags and receptacles are available so don’t forget to clean up after your pet!
- Warwick City Dog Park
At the end of Warwick’s Asylum Road, nestled between the athletic fields, you’ll find one of Rhode Island’s favorite dog parks. This park also offers great water views as well as biking and walking trails along with two separate fenced-in areas (one for small dogs, one for larger). You might want to bring a brush with you as the park is mostly dirt and sand – though you can also find patches of grass as well as shady trees. Sit back in one of the chairs or benches while your furry friend enjoys his exercise.
- Waterman Street Dog Park
Your pup will love Waterman Park’s provided play equipment where they can test their skills and get their energy out. For less-structured exercise, head over to the fenced-in dog run or go for a stroll down the trails surrounding the park.
There are plenty of waste receptacle areas and water bowls scattered around, as well as a double-gated entrance and chain link fence to ensure no great escapes occur. Volunteers help keep the space neat so be sure to do your part and pick up after your dog! And don’t forget to keep up with the park’s website where you can find the occasional dog-themed event (want to learn how to make fun dog toys anyone?).
- Bow Chika Wow Town
Need a change of pace? Take a trip to Rhode Island’s first and only indoor dog park, Bow Chika Wow Town! Your pup will love running, socializing, and exploring this indoor area, and while no outside treats or toys are allowed, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do! There are plenty of tennis balls and play structures available to ensure that your pooch is never bored.
The area is maintained by trained staff who help keep an eye on things (though you’ll still need to be there to supervise) and they also make sure that all dogs who enter the area are healthy and safe. With affordable prices and friendly puppies, is there anything that can make this place better? Of course – there’s always good weather!
Make the most out of your visit: Our tips for a great time at the dog park
Whether it’s your first visit to a dog park or you’ve been through the double gates a time or two, here are a few tips to help ensure that you and your pooch will enjoy your time outside.
- Keep your dog close… No, you don’t need to follow on their heels, but make sure you’ve got eyes on your pup at all times to prevent escapes, judge their comfort level, and be prepared in case a fight breaks out.
- …and your leash even closer. Keep a leash within reach so you can get a handle on your dog if things start going south and you need to make a quick exit.
- Don’t forget the H2O. Some parks offer running water, but it never hurts to have a backup for you and your dog, especially in the summer. You’ll both enjoy your outing more with proper hydration, so keep some extra bottles stashed in your trunk just in case.
- Pick up after your pup. We get it, no one likes collection duty, but it’s just common courtesy to clean up after your dog. And what’s worse than a mess in the dog part? A mess in your car and home. Most parks will provide doggie poop bags and trash receptacles so that you can do your part to keep the dog park clean and safe. No bags? Ask around and you’ll likely find another dog-owner who’s willing to part with one.
- Do some reconnaissance. Make your first visit to the dog park alone and check out how the dogs interact with each other and their owners. Do they seem to get along nicely? Are the owners attentive to their dogs? Scope out the place – if it’s checking all the boxes, bring Fido along for your next visit.
- Walks are still important. A visit to the dog park should augment your pup’s daily exercise – in fact, there’s no reason you can’t do both together! Taking your dog on a short walk before visiting a dog park will allow him to get all that excess energy out so he’s easier to handle inside the fence.
- Pass on the crowds. Weekends and holidays are likely to find some dog parks overly crowded – so it might be best to pick another place to go, especially if you have a shy dog. Not only is it more difficult to look after your pup the more dogs there are, but large crowds also have a tendency to get a little “ruff”.
A Home for You (and Rover)
Whether you’re a dog-lover or not, there is a ton to see and do here in the Ocean State. From theatre shows and museums to dog parks and nature trails, you’re guaranteed to find something to fall in love with in our beautiful state. Thinking about making Rhode Island your new home? Get in touch today so we can help you find the place of your dreams.
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