Visiting a dog park with your dog is such a lovely want to enjoy nature. Your dog can socialize with other pups, and you can socialize with other dog owners. If you're in Northeast Ohio, either permanently or to look at homes for sale, then you're in luck. This area has so many lovely dog parks you can visit. Here are a few top options.
6647 Hopkins Rd., Mentor OH, 44060
If you happen to be in Mentor, stop and play in this dog park for a while. Throughout the park, you'll find plenty of benches you can rest on. There's also a water fountain, especially for dogs.
City of Mentor Dog Park offers separate off-leash areas for small dogs and large dogs. Stick throwing and Frisbees are not permitted for safety reasons, and dogs must remain leashed, except for in the designated off-leash areas. With the open field and picnic tables, this could be a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch while your dog plays.
9038 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland OH, 44094
View this post on Instagram
This spacious, 9-acre dog park has separate small dog and large dog areas. It's open daily from sunrise until a half hour past sunrise, so you can visit on your own schedule. There's lots of wide-open space for dogs to run, play, and get rid of their excess energy.
Canine Meadows also offers a swimming area for pups, which is really nice during the heat of summer. All dogs ages 4 months and older are welcome as long as they're up-to-date on vaccinations. Portable restrooms are available on-site for human use.
1699 Valley Pkwy. Lakewood OH, 44107
This is another smaller dog park, but don't let the size fool you. The space is well-maintained and a great place for dogs to play. There is a separate area for small dogs, although small dogs are welcome in the larger dog area, too, if their owners prefer it.
Lakewood Dog Park does have a water faucet on-site. The footing is sand, so it does not get overly slippery when wet. Dogs must be at least 4 months old and up-to-date on vaccines, and children must be at least 7 years old to accompany their parents.
841 Page Rd., Aurora OH, 44204
View this post on Instagram
This laid-back little dog park is a great one to stop by for a mid-morning romp. There's a water pump near the entrance where your dog can get a drink, and there are also a few play features, such as a faux fire hydrant. Of course, the park has plenty of comfortable benches for human visitors, too. No pets other than dogs are allowed.
Open during daylight hours, Tails 'n Trails Dog Park has separate small and large dog areas. There's a double-gate setup so owners can safely unleash their dogs prior to entering the off-leash areas. This is a relatively new park, and it's beautifully maintained. Owners are asked to remain in visual sight of their dogs at all times.
1505 Merwin Ave., Cleveland OH, 44113
If you happen to be in downtown Cleveland, there's no reason to leave the city to find a dog park. This one is a great choice. It has more than 3,500 square feet of fenced-in play space for your dogs. There are even some fun climbing and play structures scattered throughout the space. Waste receptacles throughout the park encourage visitors to keep the space tidy.
Downtown Dog Park is open daily from 8 am - 9 pm. It's open to dogs of all sizes and isn't usually busy mid-day. While your dog plays, you can enjoy a lovely view of the Cuyahoga River, which runs right by the park.
View this post on Instagram
Located on the banks of Silver Springs Lake, this dog park offers more than 7.5 acres of space for dogs to run and play. They can even splash around in the water and cool off in the summer. The lake is regularly tested to ensure safety, and the City of Stowe keeps the area well mowed and maintained.
Bow Wow Beach offers on-site dog washing stations and a separate area for small dogs. The park is open from 8 am until sunset, but is closed on Thursday mornings for maintenance.
427 Maple St., Wooster OH, 44691
Schellin Dog Park, sometimes known as Wooster Dog Park, is one of the smaller parks on this list. However, it is still natural, beautiful, and well worth a visit. There's plenty of shade from the large trees within the park, along with a nice view of the nearby duck pond.
This dog park has one off-leash area for dogs of all sizes. You can also walk your dog, on a leash, in the larger surrounding area. The trail passes soccer fields and other play spaces.
1439 OH-305, Cortland OH, 44410
View this post on Instagram
This mid-sized dog park is a great one for dogs who want to run, as there is a lot of open space. There are lots of benches in the open fields, so you can sit and observe your dog's play.
Cooperation Station Dog Park has a pond where dogs can swim, but it is in a separate, gated area, so your dog won't get wet if you don't want them to. There's also a dog washing station, along with water fountains for both dogs and humans. The cleanup area is always well-stocked with poop bags.
Located within Portage Lakes State Park, this dog park includes an off-leash area that is partially fenced and bound on the other side by water. Dogs can run, play, and cool off in the water on a hot day. Many love jumping off the docks and into the water! Dogs of all sizes share this same space.
This park offers lovely views of boats out on the lake. There are plenty of shade trees, and breezes coming off the lakes also helps keep things cool. After playtime, you can do some more hiking around the state park.
Which one of these Northeast Ohio dog parks do you plan to visit with your canine companion?
We might still be social distancing from humans, but there's no reason we can't spend some quality time with our furry friends! National Dog Day is coming up soon, and we can't think of a better way to celebrate than to grab Fido's leash and head out to the dog park!
There are many great dog parks in the Columbus area. Some have amenities like picnic areas, agility courses, and more. Here are a few of our favorites.
3066 Spangler Rd., Columbus, OH 43207
View this post on Instagram
Three Creeks Dog park is managed by the City of Columbus Parks and Recreation Department. It offers 4 acres of space for your dog to romp and play. With separate fenced-in areas for small and large dogs and benches for their humans to relax, everyone will have a great time. The nearby picnic areas are also pet-friendly as long as your dog is on a leash. So plan to pack a lunch and make a day of it!
347 Maier Place, Columbus, OH 43215
Not only does Scioto Audubon Dog Park have separate areas for large and small dogs, but it also has an agility course! It features 2.5 acres of space and also has a nearby pet-friendly picnic area. Outside of the park, there are miles of trails you can walk or jog with your dog. Choose to either take a trail through the park or follow the trail that runs along the Scioto River.
708 Park Meadow Rd., Westerville, OH 43081
View this post on Instagram
With just short of 4 acres of space, this well-appointed dog park has two large-dog areas and one small dog area. It also offers visitors an agility course, a water hydrant, a waste bag dispenser, a portable restroom, a picnic table, and benches. The 20 onsite parking spots also make this one of the most convenient local parks to visit.
6099 Godown Rd., Columbus, OH 43235
The 10-acre Godwin Park has a one-acre small dog section and a 4-acre area for large dogs to play. It's a favorite among locals thanks to having plenty of trees that provide much-needed shade. There are also several benches, a dog water fountain, and walking trails that wind through the park.
228 E. Beck St., Columbus, OH 43206
View this post on Instagram
The perfect small dog park for those who want to sit and relax, the Frank Fetch Memorial Park was modeled after a 19th Century German "Bier Garten." It features extensive landscaping, decorative lights, brick walkways, and picnic tables where you can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee with a friend while your dogs play.
A wrought iron fence gives the park an "old world" look that you're sure to love. It's also well-appointed with plenty of doggie bags and water stations.
5000 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, OH 43227
Visitors to Big Walnut Dog Park will enjoy the open space and the separate play areas for large and small dogs. There's also ample parking, a portable restroom, and picnic tables. This park doesn't provide water for the dogs, so make sure you bring your own!
940 S. Hamilton Rd., Gahanna, OH 43230
View this post on Instagram
In addition to its other amenities, the 23-acre Pizzurro Park features a 4-acre, fenced-in, off-leash dog park. There's a separate area for dogs under 25 pounds and an agility course for dogs of all sizes. There's also a paved trail through the large-dog area, which makes it wheelchair friendly. There are restrooms on-site and trails where you can walk or jog with your dog on-leash.
725 Thurber Dr. W, Columbus, OH 43215
Locals love visiting the Wheeler Dog Park. It features separate large and small dog areas, a picnic table, and benches. There's no onsite parking here, but it's easy to park on the curb and walk. It's also extremely popular with residents who live within walking distance from the park.
7262 Hayden Run Rd., Hilliard, OH 43026
View this post on Instagram
Do you enjoy running with your dog? Then you'll love the 6.1-mile, dog-friendly Heritage Trail. This paved trail runs from downtown to Cemetary Pike. There's also a 4-acre off-leash dog park with separate fenced-in areas for small and large dogs to play.
3993 Hollenback Rd., Lewis Center, OH 43035
Like most dog parks in the area, this park offers separate play areas for large and small dogs. It's also light, so dogs and their owners can continue to safely play after the sun goes down. There are also three fenced water areas for those dogs who love to swim!
Want to help out? This park has a monthly meetup on the last Saturday of each month from 10 am until noon. This is a great way to meet like-minded people (and their dogs!) while also working on small improvement projects around the park.
Which area park do you think your furry friend will love the most?
Photo courtesy of Eat, Purr, Love Cat Café
In July 2018, after Eat, Purr, Love founder Chrissy Kuras moved out of state, Columbus Humane took ownership of the café. Since then, they've continued adopting out cats at an extremely high rate — 92 in just the months of August-December 2018. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution even named them as one of the 14 best cat cafés in the United States. While some things have changed after the acquisition (they now offer pour-over coffee!), many things remain the same, such as their mission to "Fight animal cruelty, help animals in need and advocate for their well-being." And, according to the café manager Emma Walsh, they "will still act as a space that brings together our love of adoptable cats, coffee and the community."Photo courtesy of Travis Stewart Photography via Eat, Purr, Love Cat Café
The café is a fantastic place to relax with a good book, play a board game or just sit and watch cats roam. They offer freshly-brewed, locally-roasted coffee, as well as other drink options like tea and hot cocoa. You can purchase prepackaged, 100% vegan bakery items provided by Pattycake Bakery or you're welcome to bring your own snacks with you. They even hold fun cat-themed events at the café throughout the month, including Yogatos, which is a unique yoga session with cats; Kids & Kitties, a fun cat-themed storytime for children and their parents; and Purrs and Palettes, where you paint a fun picture with a cat by your side.Photo courtesy of Eat, Purr, Love Cat Café
If you'd like to pay a visit to Eat, Purr, Love, they recommend that you make a reservation. While walk-ins are always welcome when space allows, making a reservation will ensure that you get some good quality kitty-time. You should also remember to get to the café at least 10 minutes early to review the "house rules", sign a waiver and order any refreshments that you'd like. You'll also be asked to pay a $10/hour cover charge and a $5/hour cover charge for children five and under. This charge goes to help the café provide a cozy environment and unique experience for cat lovers while also sustaining a comfortable home for homeless cats until they are adopted.Photo courtesy of Kathy Watson via Eat, Purr, Love Cat Café
Only 12 visitors are allowed in the cat lounge at a time, but you can make a private reservation for up to 15 people by emailing info@eatpurrlovecatcafe.com. They are open Wednesday-Sunday, giving the felines their much-needed catnaps on Monday and Tuesday. You can find their complete hours here. Wondering how you can help? Follow Eat, Purr, Love on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and if you'd like to volunteer with Columbus Humane, you can learn more here. "Every time you make a reservation, book a party, attend an event, or purchase coffee or some awesome retail item, you are supporting all of the animals in our community," said Walsh.