Time Off-Leash: Chesapeake Country Dog Parks
Every dog needs some time to be a dog, free of human expectation, including leashes. Dog parks offer large fenced areas for both big and small dogs to run free while getting the much-needed socialization and exercise that keeps them healthy and happy. Two area dog parks also have dog beaches.
To enjoy their freedom in dog parks, dogs (and human companions) enter into a social contract of friendliness — aggression isn’t allowed.
For on-leash exploration, most public parks in Bay country welcome leashed dogs.
Anne Arundel County
Bell Branch Park, 2400 Davidsonville Rd., Gambrills; 410-222-7317. Dog park open daily dawn to dusk.
Broadneck Park, 618 Broadneck Rd., Arnold; 410-222-7317. Dog park open daily dawn to dusk.
Downs Regional Park, 8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena; 410-222-6230. Dog park and beach open daily except Tues., 7am-dusk: $6 entrance fee.
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 except Tues., 7am-dusk: $6 entrance fee.
Calvert County
Dunkirk District Park, 10750 Southern Maryland Blvd., Dunkirk; 410-535-1600; www.co.cal.md.us/Facilities/Facility/Details/2. Open daily 8:30am-11pm.
Grays Road Dog Park, 2695 Grays Rd., Prince Frederick; 410-535-1600. Separate areas for small dogs and larger dogs; open from dawn to dusk.
St. Mary’s County
John G. Lancaster Dog Park, 21550 Willows Rd., Lexington Park; 301-475-4200. One large dog run and one small run. Open daily dawn to dusk.
Prince George’s County
Bowie Dog Park, 3600 Northview Dr., Bowie; 301-809-3056. One-acre park includes two fenced-in dog areas; open daily 8am-dusk.