The great outdoors is where dogs come alive with excitement and energy. There is so much to experience from sniffs and smells, grass and dirt to roll around in, water play, other animals to chase and interact with (squirrel!) – the possibilities are endless. And for us humans, seeing their joy as they run and play is priceless. Don’t leave your furry family members at home, take them with you and go on adventures together. If you are looking for a great place to take your dog for some outdoor fun, check out this list of popular parks for dogs in Hampton Roads.
VIRGINIA BEACH
First Landing State Park
2500 Shore Drive
Virginia Beach VA 23451
757-412-2320
http://www.first-landing-state-park.org/
https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/10053
First Landing State Park is not just for the dogs, but it is a dog-friendly park. If your pup loves the beach, it’s worth a visit. The rule is that dogs must be leashed, but most folks let their dogs run free on the beach and it makes sense, especially for those dogs who love to swim in the ocean. There are also miles of hiking trails to explore and overnight accommodations at the campground or the cabins in the park.
Bayville Farms Park
4132 First Court Road
Virginia Beach, VA 23455
757-460-7569
https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/13170
Red Wing Metro Park (1-Acre)
398 General Booth Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
757-437-2038
https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/3325
At the Bayville Farms and Red Wing Metro Dog Parks in Virginia Beach, you and your pup will find plenty of space to run, shade, and water. The Bayville Farms location also has separate park areas for small and large dogs. Visit the Virginia Beach website to get details on do’s and don’ts, as well as hours, and information on other parks for dogs in Virginia Beach.
City of Virginia Beach Dog Park Information:
https://www.vbgov.com/government/departments/parks-recreation/parks-trails/pages/dog-parks.aspx
CHESAPEAKE
Chesapeake City Dog Park (1.5 Acres)
900 City Park Drive
Chesapeake VA 23320
757-382-6411
http://www.cityofchesapeake.net/government/City-Departments/Departments/parks-recreation-tourism/parks/citypark.htm
Deep Creek Dog Park (1.5 Acres)
437 George Washington Highway South
Chesapeake VA 23323
757-382-6411
http://www.cityofchesapeake.net/government/City-Departments/Departments/parks-recreation-tourism/parks/deep-creek-park.htm
Both of these dog parks in Chesapeake are off-leash and fenced in. You’ll find benches to relax on while your pups play, shady areas, water fountains for both dogs and humans, poop-scoop bags, and covered trash cans. At the Chesapeake City Park location, you’ll also find two separate doggie play areas for small and large dogs. Check this link for more details on hours, membership as well as additional parks for dogs in Chesapeake.
City of Chesapeake Dog Park Information:
http://www.cityofchesapeake.net/government/City-Departments/Departments/parks-recreation-tourism/parks/dogpark.htm
NORFOLK
Bea Arthur Dog Park (1 Acre)
501 Front St.
Norfolk VA 23510
757-962-8302
http://features.peta.org/PETADogPark/
https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/9652
The Bea Arthur Dog Park is managed by PETA and includes shady areas, a swimming ramp, a large lawn for running, and benches. Be sure to call before visiting to check the open hours. Their normal schedule has them open Wednesday through Sunday. There is also a smaller dog park there as well, called the Ben White Dog Park which is open Monday and Tuesday each week.
Ghent Dog Park (.61 Acre)
Stockley & Maury Avenues. 1300 Block of Stockley Gardens
Norfolk VA 23510
757-609-0437
http://ghentdogpark.org/
https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/3557
Ghent Dog Park is another popular space in the Norfolk community for humans and their furry family members to play. This is a fully fenced park with shade, water sources for dogs, and a raised play/run area which enables the park to stay open after heavy rains.
City of Norfolk Dog Park Information:
http://www.nfkresilientcity.org/index.aspx?NID=834
SUFFOLK/SMITHFIELD
Lake Meade Dog Park, Suffolk
201 Holly Lawn Parkway
Suffolk VA 23434
757-514-7250
http://www.suffolkva.us/parks/parks/dog-park/
The Lake Meade Dog Park in Suffolk is a beautiful facility with areas for small dogs and larger dogs to run and play freely. You’ll find plenty of soft grass, shade, doggie waste stations, and state of the art agility equipment. There is an annual membership fee of $10 per year and all dogs will be required to be registered.
PDF Brochure:
http://www.suffolkva.us/files/3114/9029/2593/Lake_Meade_Dog_Park_Brochure.pdf
Windsor Castle Dog Park, Smithfield
301 Jericho Road
Smithfield VA 23430
757-365-4200
http://www.windsorcastlepark.com/dog-park.html
The Windsor Castle Dog Park in Smithfield offers off-leash fun in two separate doggie play areas for small and large dogs as well as benches, water sources, and dog cleaning stations.
HAMPTON
Sandy Bottom Bark Park (.75 Acre)
1255 Big Bethel Rd
Hampton VA 23669
757-727-8311
http://www.hampton.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/14
https://www.virginia.org/listings/OutdoorsAndSports/SandyBottomBarkPark/
No Leashes. Just wide-open fun! That’s the motto at this ¾ acre dog park in Hampton. You’ll find benches, shade, and water, as well as an obstacle course for your pup’s enjoyment.
Ridgeway Dog Bark Park (1 Acre +)
85 E. Mercury Blvd.
Hampton VA 23669
757-825-4657
http://va-hampton.civicplus.com/Facilities/Facility/Details/15
https://www.facebook.com/ridgwaybarkpark/
Newly renovated Ridgeway Park offers over an acre of secured space for dogs and their humans to play. There are covered and open seating, water fountains as well as a small dog enclosure all surrounded by natural waterways and wildlife areas.
City of Hampton Dog Park Information:
http://www.hampton.gov/1204/Dog-Parks
NEWPORT NEWS
Fido Field Dog Park
105 City Farm Rd
Newport News VA 23602
757-866-7912
> https://www.nnva.gov/898/Fido-Field-Dog-Park
http://www.newport-news.org/visitors/things-to-do/outdoors-and-recreation/33/fido-field-dog-park/
Fido Field Dog Park in Newport News offers over an acre of play space for large and small dogs along with covered benches, water fountains, doggy bag stations, and this park is also wheelchair accessible.
City of Newport News Pet Friendly Places:
http://www.newport-news.org/visitors/about-our-city/pet-friendly-places/
Before you head out for park adventures, be sure to check on the rules and regulations for the city and park you wish to visit. Typical expectations are that you’ll have to register and pay a membership fee, that your dog be up-to-date on all vaccinations (you’ll have to show proof), must be licensed, must be leashed entering and leaving, must not be in heat, and sometimes there is a limit to the number of dogs you can bring in at one time. Also remember those basic courtesies – supervise and stay with your dog while he is enjoying the space, be sure to intervene if your dog is acting aggressively towards other dogs or humans, and always cleanup after. If you have a small dog, you may want to find a park that has a separate space for dogs based on size. Once you’ve done your homework, get out there with your pup and make some happy memories!
