Dog Parks -- Off Leash
Many dog parks in Connecticut are set up for off-leash play
Dogs are never happier than when they are romping with their human and dog pals. Below is a listing of parks in Connecticut where dogs may play off-leash. Most are managed by municipalities and some are run by volunteer groups. Another useful tip: many hotels, resorts, and other lodgings in CT welcome your dog!
Here is a round-up of rules that apply at most parks: Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated; Prohibitions usually include: puppies under 6 months old; females in heat; and vicious dogs; choke, spiked and electronic collars; dog treats and toys; bikes, strollers, baby carriages, skateboards, skates, rollerblades; food for dogs or people, glass containers; young children without an adult. Responsibilities include picking up after their dogs' business, repairing any holes, and controlling barking and rough play.
Some parks may provide water and hygiene bags but it is smart to bring water and bags for your dog.
27 places to visit
Greenwich, CT
Grass Island Dog Park
Park is three-quarters of an acre and fenced for off-leash play. Park has running water, benches, trash barrels, and cleanup station for dog waste. Managed by the City of Greenwich.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Dog Rules: All dogs must wear a valid license tag and a rabies tag. Owners must pick up and dispose of their dog’s waste. Limit two dogs per person. Owners must remain in the fenced area with their dog while the dog is off leash. Owners must carry a leash at all times.
Prohibited: Aggressive dogs, puppies under 4 months old, female dogs in heat. Smoking, beverages, and food (human and animal).
People rules: Children age 10 and younger are not permitted inside the fenced area. All children over 10 years and under 16 years old must be closely supervised.Off of Shore Road.(Belle Haven area) 203-622-7814Fairfield, CT
Jennings Dog Beach
This is the only beach in Fairfield that allows off-leash use; do not go on the boardwalks, pavilions and playgrounds. Managed by City of Fairfield
Hours: Dogs allowed on the beach off-leash from October 1- March 31880 South Benson Road 203-255-7381Groton, CT
Central Bark Dog Park (at Copp Family Park)
This fenced park is designated a dog park. Portable restroom available.
Hours: Open daylight hours
Dog Rules: All dogs over four months old must have proof of vaccination and licensing. No animals except dogs are permitted inside Central Bark. All dogs under 25 pounds must use the area designated for small dogs. All dogs over 25 pounds must use the area designated for large dogs.
Prohibited: Pets other than dogs. Smoking, beverages, and food (human and animal).
People rules:Clean up after your dog. Unaccompanied children are not allowed in Central Bark.
Managed by Town of Groton821 Gold Star Highway (Hwy 184)Moodus, CT
East Haddam Dog Park
This is a fenced dog park for off-leash play.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Dog Rules: Dogs should be neutered or spayed. Dogs must be attended and under voice control of the owner at all times.
Prohibited: Aggressive dogs, puppies under 6 months old, female dogs in heat, sick dogs. Dog treats, bones, and chew toys. Choke, pronged, spiked, and electronic collars. Pets other than dogs. Smoking and food (human and animal).
People rules: Owners must immediately clean up after their dogs. Owners are responsible for providing drinking water for their dogs. Children under 16 years of age shall be supervised by an adult. Managed by East Haddam Parks and RecreationAt old ball field at the Town Beach, 291 East Haddam-Colchester Tpk. 860-873-5058
Norwich, CT
Estelle Cohn Memorial Dog Park
This is a one-acre fenced park with two acres of on-leash trails. Portable restroom available.
Dog Rules: All dogs must have a valid license and rabies vaccinations. Limit three dogs per adult per visit.
Prohibited: Aggressive dogs, unaltered males, puppies under 4 months old, dogs in heat, sick dogs. Pets other than dogs. Smoking and food (human and animal).
People rules: Owners must remain in the dog park as long as their dogs are in the park; must maintain voice control over their dogs; and must keep their dogs in sight at all times. Clean up after your dog immediately and dispose of waste properly. Children under 48 inches tall are not allowed in the dog park. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Smoking, alcoholic beverages and food are prohibited in the dog park. Managed by City of Norwich.261 Asylum Street 860-367-2660Broad Brook, CT
East Windsor Dog Park
Fenced park ; dogs may play off-leash.
Hours: year-round, sunrise to sunset.
Rules: Dogs must have a license and up-to-date vaccinations. Dogs must be leashed when entering and leaving the park. Dog must be within owner's view and under voice control. Owner must pick up after their dog. Limit two dogs per adult per visit.
Prohibited: Aggressive dogs, puppies under 4 months old, dogs in heat, sick dogs. Dog treats, bones, and chew toys. Smoking, glass containers, and all food. Bicycles or strollers and children’s toys.
People rules: Children under the age of eight are not allowed in the park. Children over eight must be accompanied by an adult with a dog. No food or drink is permitted in the park.27 Reservoir RoadColchester, CT
Colchester Dog Park
Park is two acres, fenced; dogs may play off-leash. This dog park has a separate small dog area and mulch ground cover.
Hours: Sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset. Managed by City of Colchester and maintained by a volunteer dog park committee.89 Old Amston Road 860-537-7200Glastonbury, CT
Glastonbury Dog Park (at Riverfront Park)
Park is two acres, fenced; dogs may play off-leash. A separate area for small dogs is also included. Some of the park amenities include benches, waste receptacles, dog litter bags, water stations and more (be sure to bring water for your dog).
Hours: One half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.
Dog Rules: All dogs must have valid rabies vaccinations and wear tag on collar. Dogs must be on a leash when entering and exiting the off-leash area. Dogs must be attended, within sight and under voice control of their owners at all times. Limit of two dogs per person. Owners must immediately clean up and remove dog feces left by their dog.
Prohibited: Dog treats, bones, and chew toys. Pets other than dogs. Smoking and food (human and animal). Bikes, strollers, baby carriages, skateboards, skates, rollerblades and motorized vehicles. Managed by Town of Glastonbury200 Welles Street 860-652-7679Essex, CT
Paw Dog Park (at Viney Hill) in Essex
Park is one acre, fenced; dogs may play off-leash. Portable bathroom near the entrance. Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated.
Hours: Year-round; daily; 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Managed by City of Essex50 Hillside DriveMilford, CT
Eisenhower Dog Park
This is a fenced dog run of 0.75 acre where dogs may play off-leash. Leashes required in all other parts of Eisenhower Park. This dog park has grass, dirt, a tree, and chairs (no separate small dog area). Be sure to bring water for your dog. Clean up after your dog. Managed by City of Milford975 West River Street (via the rear of the park off West River Street)New Canaan, CT
Spencer's Run Dog Park (at Waveny Park)
Park is 1.5 acre, fenced; dogs may play off-leash. This dog park has drinking water and benches.
Hours: Year-round, daily; dawn to dusk
Dog Rules: All dogs must be licensed and wearing a current license tag.
Prohibited: Unneutered male dogs older than 6 months and female dogs in heat.
People rules: Maintain voice control of your dog at all times. Clean up after your dog. A maximum of three dogs per person is allowed. Children under age 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under age 5 are prohibited.in Waveny Park, 677 South Avenue
New Haven, CT
Edgewood Dog Park
Park has a fenced-in area for dog owners to let their animals play off-leash. Dogs must be on leash in all areas outside the dog run. This dog park has benches, grass, and shade trees. Bring water for your dog.
Hours: Sunrise to sunset. Managed by City of New HavenEdgewood Park - Whalley Avenue at Fitch Street 203-946-6086Ridgefield, CT
Bark Park of Ridgefield
Park is about 1.5 acres partly fenced and partly unfenced, for off-leash play. Water available. Managed by City of Ridgefield Parks and RecreationProspect Ridge Road and Governor Street 203-431-2755New Fairfield, CT
New Fairfield Dog Park
The fenced in area consists of two sections, one dedicated to smaller dogs, and the other to dogs of all sizes. Each area is accessed through self closing double gated entryways with several dog clean-up bag stations strategically situated throughout the park. There are also several benches located throughout the park as well as several water bowl holders. (Water is not provided).
The park is essentially self-policing relying on the users to follow the posted rules and encourage other users to display good citizenship and common sense during their time at the park. Managed by New Fairfield Dog Owners Group54 Gillotti RoadMiddlefield, CT
Middlefield Dog Park
Park is fenced and wooded and has a separate small dog area. bring water for your dog.
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Dog Rules: Dogs must display a valid license and have proof of up-to-date rabies vaccinations.
Prohibited: Absolutely no food, bones, treats, alcoholic beverages, glass containers, strollers, bicycles, skateboards, roller blades or children’s toys are allowed inside the dog park. No smoking is allowed inside the dog park.
People rules: Dog owners must immediately clean up after their dogs and remove the waste off-site. Dog waste bag dispensers are provided. Children under 14 years of age are not permitted in the dog park unless accompanied by an adult willing to assume responsibility for their actions. Children must be closely supervised.South end of Mattabeseck RoadNew Haven, CT
Yale Divinity School Dog Park
Park is fenced, with little grass and a couple of benches for people. It is in a residential neighborhood, and barking should be strictly controlled. Managed by Yale Divinity SchoolSt. Ronan StreetNorwalk, CT
Taylor Farm Dog Park
This park is not enclosed by fencing, but there is a fence along the road. Park has a pond, benches, and trees. Prepare to take home a muddy dog. Dogs are not allowed at nearby Calf Pasture Beach.Calf Pasture Beach RoadNorwalk, CT
The Dog Orchard (at Cranbury Park)
This is a public park with many uses that graciously welcomes well-behaved dogs. Not fenced. Managed by City of Norwalk.
Dog Rules: Dogs are allowed on the park’s trails and in the orchard, but never on the Great Lawn or near the mansion, playground or pavilion. Maintain supervision of your dog at all times. Dogs must wear collars with current contact, rabies, and license info.
People rules: Clean up after your dog. Keep a leash immediately at hand, even in off-leash areas.300 Grumman AvenueRocky Hill, CT
Rocky Hill Dog Park (at Elm Ridge Park)
This is a 1.5-acre fenced park with a separate area for small dogs, drinking water, trees, and benches.
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Dog Rules: Dogs must display a valid license and up-to-date rabies vaccination tag and be leashed entering and leaving the dog park.
Prohibited: Aggressive dogs, puppies under 4 months, dogs in heat, sick dogs. Choke, pronged, spiked, and electronic collars. Pets other than dogs. Bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, strollers or motorized vehicles. Smoking, glass containers, and food.
People rules: Dog owners must carry a leash, and have dog within sight and under voice control. Owners must clean up after their dogs. No more than 2 dogs per person. No children under 12 unless with an adult. Children must be closely supervised. Immediately fill in any holes your dog digs.375 Elm Street 860-258-2772Shelton, CT
Shelton Dog Park
This fenced dog park has a separate small dog area and benches. There is parking next to the park and one of the many Shelton trails passes alongside the park, so you can take your dog for a walk in the woods after visiting the park. Park is managed by a very active friends group. Managed by City of Shelton.
Dog Rules: All dogs must be properly licensed and vaccinated. Dogs must be on a leash until they are in the fenced area of the park.
Prohibited: Aggressive dogs, puppies under 6 months old, dogs in heat, sick dogs.
People rules: Maximum of three dogs per owner. Owners must clean up after their dogs and repair any holes that are dug. Children must be supervised at all times. Please do not allow your dog to bark excessively.Shelton Avenue (Route 108) and Nells Rock RoadSouth Windsor, CT
South Windsor Bark Park (near Nevers Road Park)
This fenced has separate areas for small and large dogs, water and clean up stations and agility equipment. Set next to beautiful Nevers Road Park. This dog park is supported by Friends of South Windsor Bark Park. Managed by City of South Windsor.
Hours: Sunrise to sunsetChief Ryan Way aka Abbe Road ExtensionSouthington, CT
Southington Dog Park
The Southington Dog Park is for use ONLY by residents of Southington. It is a fenced in public area where dogs can legally run off-leash and play with other dogs under the supervision of their companions. The park is accessed through a double-gated entrance. A separate fenced area that may be used for small or timid dogs or a place for dogs to get acclimated to the park. Trash and recycling receptacles are provided. Managed by Town of Southington.
Hours: Dawn to 9 p.m.
Dog Rules: Dogs must be 4 months of age or older. Dogs must have a current Dog License and license tag must be visible.
Prohibited: Puppies under 4 months old, female dogs in heat, sick dogs.
People rules: No children under age 12 inside fenced area.Mill StreetStamford, CT
Stamford Dog Park (at Courtland Park)
This is a fenced park with separate small dog area, benches, and trees. Managed by Dog Friends of Stamford.
Dog Rules: All dogs must be properly vaccinated and wear a collar with current license and rabies tags. Dogs must be leashed while entering and exiting. Owners must remain in park with dogs and be in voice control of their pet.
Prohibited: Aggressive dogs, puppies under 4 months old, dogs in heat, sick dogs. Choke, pronged, spiked, and electronic collars. Smoking and food. Bicycles, human toys, sports activities, etc.
People rules: A maximum of 2 dogs per owner. Pick up after your dog and dispose of the waste properly. Children under 15 must be with an adult. Owners are responsible for any damages caused by their dogs; holes dug by their dogs must be filled in.39 Courtland Avenue 203-325-4688Hamden, CT
Hamden Dog Park
Park is completely fenced with a brick path and patio, a separate small dog area with separate entrance, benches and picnic tables (mostly for the dogs to play on or under), and a compressed gravel trail. It is wheelchair accessible. Dogs of all sizes are allowed, but owners/custodians must carry their leashes on them at all times.
Dog Rules: All dogs must have current license and shot tags on their collar/harness; be accompanied and in sight of their owners/custodians at all times, and under voice control.
Prohibited: Female dogs in heat, and aggressive dogs, dogs younger than 4 months old, smoking, bicycles.
People rules: Owners must clean up after pets immediately, dispose of their waste properly, and fill in any holes they may dig.On Waite Street at Ridge RoadWestport, CT
Compo Beach Off Leash Dog Area
Dogs are permitted off leash in the area of the beach south of the brick bathhouses delineated by a rail fence and signs and including the south beach area. Owners must accompany their dogs at all times within the off-leash area. Owners must have a leash or lead at all times within the off-leash area.
Hours: October 1-March 31; closed to dogs from April through September. Managed by City of Westport Parks and Recreation Dept.Compo Beach and Soundview DriveWestpor, CT
Winslow Park (at the North End) Off Leash Dog Area
The two-acre park is not fenced. Dogs are permitted off leash in the area at the North End of the park delineated by the fence. Owners must accompany their dogs at all times within the off-leash area. Owners must have a leash at all times within the off-leash area. Managed by City of WestportPost Road East and Compo Road NorthBranford, CT
Branford Dog Park
This fenced dog park is behind an adult day care center and has grass and drinking water. Managed by Town of Branford421 Shore Drive