Top Parks To Walk Your Dog In Denver
(credit: CBS)
Summer is here and you've been trapped inside all winter long. If you are getting a little bit of cabin fever, just imagine how your pooch feels. It's time to head out to enjoy the sunshine and bring your pup along for a day of running and playing at one of Denver's many amazing local dog parks. A lot of them have off-leash areas, water fountains, lakes, agility courses and more, so there are lots of different ways to enjoy your time at the dog park. Here are a few dog parks in the area that you both are going to want to check out.
Chatfield State Dog Park
11500 N. Roxborough Park Road
Littleton, CO 80125
(303) 791-7275
www.parks.state.co.us
Price: $8 park entrance fee and $2 dog park fee
At nearly 80 acres, this huge dog park is a favorite of dog owners around town. There are several ponds for Fido to take a swim and lots of great paths to wander and explore together. There is even a large off-leash area where you can let your best friend run around and meet the other pooches that love to visit this great park. Just as with any off-leash dog park, it is important that your pup is well socialized and not aggressive towards other pets and their owners. Of course, you'll want to bring plenty of water for both of you, and make sure to bring along some pet waste bags so you can clean up after your pup and leave the park just as beautiful as when you got there.
Cherry Creek State Dog Park
4201 S. Parker Road
Aurora, CO 80014
(303) 690-1166
www.parks.state.co.us
Price: $9 park entrance fee and $2 dog park fee
The Cherry Creek State Dog Park is even larger than Chatfield at a massive 125 acres for roaming, running and playtime. The entrance to the dog park area is near the southeast corner of Cherry Creek State Park near Parker Road. Once you are there, you'll find lots of places to play, hike and even some water areas for your pooch to cool off in the hot summer sun. Your pal is sure to have a blast with you as you both play in the water and explore all of the different paths. The one down-side is that this park doesn't offer a lot of shade, so make sure to bring along some sunscreen and plenty of water for both you and your pup.
Related: Top Off Leash Dog Areas in Denver
Glendale Farms Dog Park
12300 S. Havana St.
Castle Rock, CO 80109
(303) 660-7495
www.douglas.co.us
Price: Free
This is a much smaller dog park, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in activities. The 17 acres of Glendale Farms Dog Park is basically one large loop, perfect for a one-mile walk with your pooch. There is also a little agility course that can be a lot of fun for your pup to play in, plus lots of water and benches to relax. For those who want a little more room to explore, you can take your leashed dog through the rest of the trails in the area, or just stick to the 17-acre off-leash dog park section. No matter which you choose, your dog is sure to have a wonderful time.
Stapleton Dog Park
2002 N. Spruce St.
Denver, CO 80238
www.stapletondenver.com
Price: Free
This dog park in the heart of Stapleton is always busy and filled with loving pups all eager to make new friends and explore all of the different areas to play. It is a well-maintained park with fountains and water dishes for your pup. It is important to note that this park is mainly sand, which can create a bit of a hassle for cleanup, but that is a small price to pay when your best friend gets to play and frolic in the sun for hours. It's the perfect way to tire him out after a long week stuck indoors. As usual, you can never be totally sure the water fountains are running, so be sure to bring a back-up bottle of water.
Barnum Park
Hooker and W. 5th
Denver, CO 80219
(303) 373-8700
www.denvergov.org
Price: Free
Barnum Park has a very large area for dogs to play. It's a nice grassy area with a large body of water and some lovely views of the city. There is a large off-leash area, however it is important to mention that this area is not fenced in, so if your dog is prone to running, you may want to consider a different park. If your dog is good when off leash, then you just may fall in love with Barnum Park. With lots of shade trees and well-kept grassy areas, this may become your new favorite place to bring your best friend on a warm weekend afternoon. Bring some water for the both of you and don't forget that sunscreen.
Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
