Traveling with Man’s Best Friend? Check Out These 9 Dog-Friendly Parks Near Orlando Theme Parks
Taking a vacation to Orlando and want to bring Man’s Best Friend? Why not consider taking your pup on their own vacation adventure while you’re in town? One of the most pet-friendly cities in the US, Orlando has fantastic and conveniently located dog parks. (And by “conveniently located,” we means they’re close to Disney and Universal Studios!) Here are some of the most popular – and well maintained – dog-friendly parks near Orlando.
1. Park of the Americas, Orlando
One of the newer dog parks in the Orlando area, Park of the Americas has both an off-the-leash area as well as some walking trails specifically for your dog. Two fenced sections are separated by size, with dogs over 35 pounds on one side and smaller pups on the other.
Both sections have concrete tunnels for the dogs to play in or around. It also has a hybrid fountain for water and cleaning up. The park even provides water bowls for your pup to keep cool and hydrated. The section for big dogs has a large, sandy hill for them to race along (or roll around on). Bag dispensers and wastebaskets are provided. It is not well shaded, so be prepared for that on hot summer days.
Location: 201 Andes Avenue, Orlando, FL 32807
2. Lake Baldwin Dog Park, Winter Park
This park is a dog’s dream! There’s plenty of open ground for running off-leash, squirrels to chase, trails to run, and a lake to splash in! It’s one of the only dog-friendly spots near Orlando that has a dog-friendly swimming hole. One of the best spots to take an active dog, it’s also incredibly popular, which means your dog will likely have plenty of other puppy playmates to keep them company.
As you might expect, there’s a lot of dirt and mud for your pups to roll around in (especially down by the lakeshore). Fortunately, Lake Baldwin Dog Park has two doggie showers on-site to help you clean up before you hit the road. Bag dispensers and wastebaskets are provided. The park also has picnic tables and bathroom facilities.
Location: 2000 S Lakemont Ave Winter Park, FL 32789
3. Dr. P Phillips Community Park, Orlando
Located just minutes from both SeaWorld and Disney properties, P Phillips Community Park is conveniently centered for Orlando vacationers. There’s a lot to love here, as the area is large and grassy with plenty of shade for owners.
At this park, you’ll find the dog play areas separate by size so you don’t have to worry about mishaps with larger and smaller dogs mixing. There are water fountains and a doggy wash, too. The dog park is only a portion of the larger park. Dr. Phillips Community Park also has a kid’s splash pad, playground, sports fields, and more. It’s a great place to spend a day with the whole family.
Location: 8249 Buenavista Woods Blvd Orlando, FL 32836
4. Barber Dog Park, Orlando
One of the best dog parks in Northern Orlando, Barber Dog Park has plenty of green space for your dog to run. The park has two separate fenced areas for off-leash dogs based on size. They also have separate agility equipment for the dogs! During the summer, the park occasionally puts out pools for the pups to splash about. While not a fully dog wash, the park does have a hose you can use for the same purpose year-round. Bag dispensers and wastebaskets are provided.
Location: 3701 Gatlin Ave Orlando, FL 32812
5. Downey Dog Park, Orlando
Downey Park is a large spacious dog park that is one of the longest in the area. Two fenced sections are separated by size, with dogs over 30 pounds on one side and smaller pups (under 30 lbs) on the other. Both areas have some shade, however, the area for bigger dogs seems to have slightly more seating and better amenities. You are welcome to bring your dog along for the rest of the park, provided they are walked on a leash. Bag dispensers and wastebaskets are provided.
Location: 201 Andes Ave Orlando, FL 32807
6. Loch Haven Park, Orlando Fl
A lesser-known dog park, Loch Haven Park is home to 45 acres of nature and cultural arts. The dog park section is smaller than many others on our list. However, dogs are allowed to be leashed throughout the other outdoor sections of the park. If you want to spend some time wandering through the scenery (and impressive art installations), you can take your pup on a long walk around the three lakes on site. There’s also a science museum, theater, and science center located on the property.
Location: 777 E Princeton Street, Orlando, FL 32803
7. Hound Ground, Winter Park
Off the beaten path, Hound Ground is a cute little spot northeast of Orlando that’s well known by locals as well-kept and regularly updated. It also has two fenced areas for dogs, separated by size (with the standard under 30 lbs and over 30lbs sections). The park is small but well maintained with plenty of grass.
The area has play equipment to entertain the dogs, including tunnels, hurdles, and other agility equipment. They also have a shower on-site where you can clean up before you head out for the day.
Location: 900 E State Rd 434, Winter Springs, FL 32708
8. Shingle Creek Regional Park, Kissimmee
This pet-friendly park in Kissimmee welcomes leashed dogs in all areas. There are plenty of hiking trails as well as a pavilion and some picnic tables. It also has two fenced areas for dogs, separated by size. The dog park area is small but usually not too crowded. (Many visitors report being one of the few people there at any given time.) It’s well shaded with water stations and a dog wash area.
Location: 925 S Bass Rd, Kissimmee, FL, US, 34746
9. Greenwood Urban Wetlands
This lovely green space in downtown Orlando, Greenwood Urban Wetlands, is right off SR-408. The park is an idyllic spot with a great view of the lake, woods, and a scenic cemetery. The dog park is a fenced-off area with agility equipment for your pet to explore and run out all that excess energy. Despite being in the middle of the city, the park feels like a quiet little break from it all.
Location: 1411 Greenwood Street, Orlando, FL 32801
Before you and Fido head out to one of these parks or other dog-friendly activities near Orlando, take a minute and familiarize yourself with the rules of each location. Make sure you know the policies regarding food, toys, and clean-up for your dog. Keep your dog leashed unless it’s in a designated area, makes sure you’re up to date with vaccinations, and that your pup is wearing a tag!
Do you bring your dog along on vacation with you? Let us know if you have a favorite Orlando dog park when you visit the area!
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