Looking for a place in Connecticut to let your friendly canine run out in the open air and meet other dogs?
The good news is there are tons of great dog parks in Connecticut, no matter what part of the state you’re in. Whether you’re seeking a quiet park with scenic views to visit on the weekend, a spacious area for your high-energy dog, or a fenced-in spot for a safe play session, Connecticut offers a wide range of dog-friendly parks for every pup.
In the guide below, we’ll offer an in-depth look at Connecticut’s best dog parks, and also go over some important dog park etiquette guidelines you should know about.
Top Dog Parks in Connecticut
Alice A Sullivan Dog Park
Stenger Farm Park, Clark Lane and Norman Street, Waterford, CT
This fun off-leash dog park includes separate areas for large and small dogs. Be sure to bring water, and be aware that shade is limited.
Colchester Dog Park
89 Old Amston Rd., Colchester, CT
Contact: 860-537-7200
The park is open from Sunrise to 1/2 hour before Sunset. Park is two acres, fenced; dogs may play off-leash. This dog park has a separate small dog area and mulch ground cover. The Colchester Dog Park Committee is a subcommittee of the Parks & Recreation Commission. The mission of the committee is to improve and maintain the dog park. The committee is open to the public. To contact the Dog Park, please contact Chairperson, Linda Labickas at llabickas@yahoo.com or (860) 228-8139.
Cromwell Dog Park
Coles Road near the intersection with Evergreen Road
Cromwell has added a dog park! We are having our grand opening May 3rd and there is a separate area for small and large dogs.
East Windsor Dog Park
The park is located on Reservoir Avenue across from the East Windsor Park, and is open from sunrise to sundown.
Essex Dog Park
50 Hillside Drive, Essex , CT
Year-round; daily; 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Managed by the City of Essex. The park is one acre, fenced; dogs may play off-leash. There’s a portable bathroom near the entrance. Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated.
Jennings Dog Beach
880 South Benson Road, Fairfield, CT
Phone: 203-255-7381
October 1 through April 1
This is the only beach in Fairfield that allows off-leash use. Managed by City of Fairfield.
Lake Mohegan Open Space Off Leash Dog Area
960 Morehouse Hwy, Fairfield , CT
This off leash park has trails, creeks, and benches and starts 100 ft from the parking lot. The official beach area is on-leash only. Managed by Town of Fairfield
Glastonbury Dog Park
Riverfront Park, 200 Welles Street, Glastonbury, CT
The dog park is a fenced-in area where dogs can run and socialize off-leash legally and safely. 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!
Granby Salmon Brook Dog Park
15C North Granby Road, Granby, CT
Tel: 860-844-5356 or 860-653-017
We hope you and your dogs enjoy your visits to Granby’s public off-leash canine park.
Groton Central Bark Dog Park
821 Gold Star Highway (Hwy 184), Groton, CT
This dog park has a separate small dog area, chairs, tables, and trees for shade. Dogs must be on leash when walking on trails outside of the dog park. It is fenced and there is a portable restroom available
Greenwich Dog Park
Shore Rd and Grass Island, Greenwich, CT
Bring your pet to play off-leash at this fenced Greenwich dog park, which includes a separate area for small dogs.
Hamden Dog Park
Waite Street, Hamden, CT
Fenced-in dog park with brick path and patio and separate small dog area with separate entrance. Wheelchair accessible. Picnic tables, water bowls, and poop bags are available. Dogs must have a valid license and be current on their shots.
New Milford Candlewoof Dog Park
44 Pickett District Road, New Milford, CT 06776
The New Milford Candlewoof Dog Park is a lovely fenced-in park, nestled in the southwest corner of Pettibone’s Elementary school field. The park area has two separate fenced-in parks, one park for small dogs, and the other for the larger breeds. But that’s not all, both parks are equipped with free “Poopy Bags”, conveniently stationed throughout the park areas. The park is maintained by New Milford Dog Park volunteers.
Estelle Cohn Memorial Dog Park
261 Asylum Street, Norwich, CT
Contact: 860-367-2660
Email: pawsitivepark@gmail.com
This is a one-acre fenced park with two acres of on-leash trails. Portable restroom available. 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. All dogs must have a valid license and rabies vaccinations must be up to date. Licenses and rabies tag must be displayed on the dog’s collar/harness.
Rowayton Dog Park
Highland Ave and McKinley Street, Rowayton, CT
This friendly, large, off-leash dog park provides plenty of space for your pet to play.
Shelton Dog Park
The Shelton Dog Park is located on the corner of Route 108 and Nell’s Rock Road. It is a central location, convenient for all Shelton residents. 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.
Stamford Dog Park
E Main Street and Courtland Ave, Stamford, CT
Your pet will love to play off-leash at this new Stamford dog park, which is fully fenced with a separate area for small dogs, benches, and trees.
Paw Meadow Dog Park
Simsbury Meadows, 22 Iron Horse Blvd., Simsbury, CT
Off-leash recreation in the heart of Simsbury. Stop by, say hello and meet other local dog owners and their dogs who love Paw Meadow!
South Windsor Dog Park
Sand Hill Rd and Nevers Rd, South Windsor, CT
This fenced-in park features agility equipment and has separate large and small dog areas.
Southbury Dog Park
236 Roxbury Road, Southbury, CT
The property is located off of Roxbury Road (RT.67) across from the Red Horse Stables. The entrance is through the O & G Industries’ entrance, on the right a short distance in. Owners can bring their dog(s) to enjoy the company of other dogs, to play a game of fetch, or go for a dip in the stream. It is an off-leash area for dogs, but it’s not completely fenced in.
Southington Dog Park
Fenced in area on Mill Street
Hours: Daily, Dawn until 9:00 pm
This dog park is for Southington residents ONLY. No children under age 12 inside the fenced area. Dogs must be 4 months of age or older. Dogs must have a current Dog License and the license tag must be visible. Aggressive dogs, female dogs in season (heat), and sick or injured dogs PROHIBITED. The park is accessed through a double-gated entrance where you unleash your dog after the first gate is closed and before you open the second gate to enter.
Trumbull Dog Park
Main Street (Rt 111) north, take a right onto Whitney Avenue. Follow Whitney Ave until you see the sign for Indian Ledge Park on the right-hand side. Take a right into Indian Ledge Park. Go up the hill, past the children’s playground and water park area, until you reach a parking lot on your right-hand side. Take a right into the parking lot and go to the end; the dog park is on your right.
Wethersfield Dog Park
Mill Woods Park, 154 Prospect Street, Wethersfield, CT
The Wethersfield Dog Park is in a designated part of Mill Woods Park. It is open every day from sunrise to sunset. The Wethersfield Dog Park is a place where well-behaved dogs can run off-leash safely, under the watchful eyes of their owners. The dog park has a separate area for small or timid dogs. Wethersfield Dog Park has separate areas for large dogs and small or timid dogs. The park amenities include benches, picnic tables, poop bag stations, trash receptacles, watering stations, and message boards.
Dos and Don’ts for Visiting a Dog Park
Don’t Do This at a Dog Park
- Ever bring a dog that is under 4 months of age
- Take sensitive dogs to an enclosed dog park where there are more than 2 dogs per every 20 square yards of space
- Take your dog to a dog park if s/he is uncomfortable — take your dog to a place that s/he enjoys
- Bring or use treats and toys when other dogs are nearby
- Allow dogs to form loose packs
- Allow a dog to bully another
- Ever let your dog off-leash in an un-fenced dog park if he/she is not responsive to your verbal commands
- Worry if some dogs don’t play with other dogs in a dog park
- Bring intact males or females in estrus to a dog park
- Spend your time talking on a cell phone – you must supervise your dog at all times and be able to give your dog your full attention
Do This at a Dog Park
- Consult your veterinarian about your overall pet health before going to a dog park
- Make sure your dog is up-to-date on his/her vaccinations
- Observe the dogs in the dog park to see if there are any potential health or behavior problems
- Clean up after your dog
- Supervise dogs when they are playing and interrupt any rough play
- Be willing to leave a dog park if you feel that your dog is either being a
bully, the play is getting too rough or your dog is just not having fun - Check to be sure there aren’t a large number of intact males at the park
- Make sure your young dog is not being bullied or learning bad manners from the other dogs
- Be cautious about taking advice from other park patrons who are not dog professionals
- Check to see if there is a knowledgeable human on staff to supervise the park – most parks will not have this, but if there is someone, it is a bonus
