Best Off-Leash Dog Areas In Baltimore

For many families, a dog is more than just a pet. A dog is part of the family. When looking for places to go with the family, it can be difficult when dogs are not allowed. Not being able to bring along the family dog not only limits the amount of time you can spend out, but also feels like a beloved member of the family is missing out on the fun. Dog lovers can rest easy knowing that there are several locations in the Baltimore area where canines are more than welcome to join their families free of leashes.

Downs Park

8311 John Downs Loop
Pasadena, Md. 21122
(410) 222-6230
www.aacounty.org

Downs Park is situated on the Chesapeake Bay and offers beautiful water views and plenty to do for the whole family. Playgrounds, walking trails, nature trails, pavilions and picnic areas offer the perfect place to spend a summer day. Also at Downs Park is a dog beach where dogs are free to roam off leash. Throughout the summer, the park hosts a concert series on weekend evenings.

Seadog Cruises

561 Light St.
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(888) 845-7245
www.seadogcruises.com

Sightseeing is not just for humans anymore. Seadog Cruises now offers a one-hour sightseeing tour that is dog friendly. Explore the harbor by boat and learn about Baltimore's fascinating history. Check the cruise calendar for available dates and book your tour. While other cruises are offered, the one-hour sightseeing tour is the only one that allows dogs.

Canton Dog Park

3221 Toone St.
Baltimore, Md. 21224
www.cantoncommunity.org

Canton Dog Park was the first off-leash dog park in the city of Baltimore. It was established in 2002 and is run by a group of dedicated volunteers. Fenced areas offer a safe place for your dog to run, play and socialize while you get the opportunity to meet with other local dog lovers. Dog park meetings are held regularly and are open to the public if you are interested in learning more about the park. Check the Facebook page to get more info and to learn about events, updates and activities.

Related:  Best Places To Adopt A Dog In Baltimore

Terrapin Nature Park

191 Log Canoe Circle
Stevensville, Md. 21666
(410) 758-0835
www.baygateways.net

The Eastern Shore is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Maryland. Located right over the bridge in Stevensville, is this treasure of a park. Terrapin Nature Park offers 276 acres of bay area to explore, including 73 acres of wetlands. Plenty of walking trails are available to roam and see wildlife in its natural habitat. The beach area is dog friendly. While this destination is a bit of a drive, the scenery alone makes the trip worthwhile.

Bell Branch Athletic Complex

2400 Davidsonville Road
Gambrills, Md. 21054
(410) 222-7317
www.aacounty.org

Bell Branch is a conveniently located park right off of 424, easily accessible from Route 3. The park has several playgrounds as well as a baseball field, soccer field and volleyball courts. Toward the back of the park is a large fenced-in area where dogs are allowed to run off leash. The fenced areas are separated into space for large dogs and small dogs to help ensure safe play.

Related: Dog Friendly Workplaces In Baltimore

Jillian Amodio is an author, writer, and public speaker.There is nothing she enjoys more than being a stay at home mom. In addition to having recently published her first novel, Jillian also writes for her local Pasadena newspaper and on Examiner.com.