Boston is a magnificent and emblematic city, one with a rich and storied history that dates back to colonial times and earlier.
And while Boston certainly has a wealth of things to do and see for out-of-town travelers and tourists, it never forgets those who truly make the city great: the citizens that call Boston home.
As such, Bostonians can take advantage of countless amenities and recreational opportunities throughout the city, including libraries, community centers and parks.
Boston even takes great care of its four-legged citizens, the pets that make so many families throughout the area complete.
It does this by offering dozens of dog parks, not just in Boston proper, but also the larger metropolitan region.
These parks collectively offer a clean, often-gated and very safe space for dogs—a space where they can run and play, learn new tricks and obedience skills and, best of all, socialize with other dogs that are similarly enjoying all the fun these parks have to offer.
Below we will take a look at some of the best dog parks in Boston and the surrounding area, and highlight the various features that make each of them so popular with the hometown crowd.
Boston Common
Those looking to combine a little sightseeing with their doggie exercise can make their way to the beautiful Boston Common, one of the most popular parks/gardens in the United States.
The staff at the ultra-beautiful Boston Common allow on-leash dogs whenever the park is open.
Moreover, if your dog is the well-behaved sort, he can also stretch his legs off-leash at certain times of the day, specifically from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM, and again from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Of course, 9AM to 4PM are prime visiting hours for the park, so all dogs must be on their leash during this time block.
Boston Common is located at 131 Tremont Street in the Back Bay quarter of Boston.
You can’t miss it.
Peters Park Dog Run
Considered one of the best dog parks in the city of Boston, Peters Park Dog Run is the ideal spot for some much-needed exercise and all the socializing your dog can handle.
Situated at 1277 Washington Street, in Boston’s South End neighborhood, the park is super clean and the grass and plants are both well maintained and beautiful.
Peters Park Dog Run is completely gated and includes some tunnels and other obstacles for your pet to explore.
With ample room to run, it is a great place for a game of fetch or frisbee, or if you prefer to relax while your dog socializes, there is an ample number of benches and tables, all nestled beneath large shade trees that keep the park nice and cool.
Peters Park also offers plenty of human amenities as well, including tennis, handball and lighted basketball courts, as well as a couple of baseball diamonds where softball leagues are known to play their games.
Randolph Dog Park
Located in the Boston enclave of Randolph, Massachusetts, at 169 West Street, the Randolph Dog Park is an ideal park for canines and their handlers alike.
This gated play paradise is divided into two equally spacious areas, one for smaller dogs, 35 pounds and under, and the other for larger dogs.
This separation allows both smaller breed dogs and their larger counterparts to socialize with each other separately, and reduces incidences of aggression and rough play.
The perfect place to go on a hot or muggy summer day, the Randolph Dog Park features a much-needed water spout that allows dogs to splash around and cool off, and plenty of shade under which their owners and handlers can watch all the doggie fun.
Biodegradable poop bags and receptacles are available throughout the park; and there is lots of open space that is ideal for burning off that excess energy before taking your pooch home.
Richmond Street Dog Park
One of the prides of Boston’s north end is the Richmond Street Dog Park, a jewel of a park that is fun for dogs of all sizes and breeds.
Situated on the middle of Richmond Street in Boston, the park consists of a massive green space that is entirely fenced in, making it the perfect spot for an off-leash pooch play space.
Richmond Street Dog Park includes many amenities, including separate off-leash areas for small and large dogs, and a garden space with lots of vibrant flowering plants.
Unlike other dog parks in Boston—parks that are owned and maintained primarily by the city—the Richmond Street Dog Park is 100 percent maintained by a local community group that takes great pride in keeping the park clean and inviting.
Richmond Street Dog Park was recently renovated in a project that included new sod, paving, gravel and plants, as well as benches and tables where dog owners can watch their pets frolic and play.
Poop bag receptacles and accessible trash barrels are scattered throughout the park, and owners are required to clean up after their dogs before departing the park.
Carleton Court Dog Park
Last but not least, we introduce you to the Carleton Court Dog Park, located at the corner of Carleton and Holyoke Streets in the larger Southwest Corridor Park.
This Back Bay dog park is the smallest of the parks on our list, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in character.
Instead of grass, the entire play area is covered with a cushy “tennis-court-like” material that is very low impact and much easier on your dog’s joints.
There is lots of available water and poop bags for waste. It consists of plenty of shade and benches for pet owners and is used mostly by local residents.