Off-Leash Playtime
When your four-legged buddy needs to run off some energy, head to a dog park near you where you can make friends and stay active. Most of the public parks in Chesapeake Country, including concerts in the park, allow dogs but require that you keep them on a leash.
For off-leash play, dog parks offer large fenced areas for both big and small dogs to run free while getting the socialization and exercise that keeps them healthy and happy. Keep your furry friends on their best behavior; aggressive dogs are banned from dog parks.
Bell Branch Park, 1150 Barbara Swann Way, Gambrills: 410-222-7317. Dog park open daily dawn to dusk.
Bowie Dog Park, 3600 Northview Dr., Bowie: 301-809-3056. One-acre park includes two fenced-in dog areas; open daily 8am-dusk.
Broadneck Park, 613 College Parkway, Arnold: 410-222-7317. Dog park open dawn to dusk.
Downs Regional Park, 8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena: 410-222-6230. Dog park and beach open daily 7am-dusk: $6 fee.
Dunkirk District Park, 10750 Southern Maryland Blvd. Dunkirk: 410-535-1600; http://www.co.cal.md.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/2. Dog park features a large grassy area, chairs and a few water pumps with hoses. Open daily from 8:30am-11pm.
Grays Road Dog Park, 2695 Grays Rd., Prince Frederick: 410-535-1600. Separate areas for small dog and larger dogs; open from dawn to dusk.
John G. Lancaster Dog Park, 21550 Willows Rd., Lexington Park: 301-475-4200. Open daily dawn to dusk with one large dog run and one small run.
Loch Haven Park, 3399 Glebe Heights Dr., Edgewater: 410-222-7317.
Maryland City Park, 565 Brock Bridge Rd., Laurel: 410-222-7317. Dog park open daily dawn to dusk.
Quiet Waters Park, 600 Quiet Waters Park Rd., Annapolis: 410-222-1777. Dog park and beach open daily 7am-dusk: $6 parking.
Towsers Branch Park, 1405 Jackson Rd., Odenton: 410-222-7317. Dog park open dawn to dusk.
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Just looking for some fun in the water with your pooch? Check out these dedicated
dog-friendly beaches on the Chesapeake Bay:
Downs Memorial Park, 8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena, $6 vehicle fee, open daily 7am-dusk
Matapeake Park, 1112 Romancoke Rd, Stevensville, Kent Island, 8am-dusk
Quiet Waters Park, 600 Quiet Waters Park Rd., Annapolis, $6 vehicle fee, open daily 7am-dusk