A dog’s life can be pretty “ruff” (sorry, I couldn’t help myself) — especially when the humans in their pack are away at school and work for long stretches at a time. And while you can make it up to your furry fam with treats and the occasional doggie spa date, there’s nothing quite like romping around with some fellow canines in the bright South Florida sunshine to turn around a an acute case of doggie cabin fever.
Luckily, Miami has plenty of dog parks to fill up your pup’s free time. Looking for some soothing salt air and cool ocean waves for your furry partner-in-crime to romp around in? Or a place that’s fully outfitted with ramps, bars, and obstacles for your “American Ninja Warrior”-ready pooch? Either way, you’re bound to find a park around town that fits the bill.
So pack up the leash and bring a few treats — because when it comes to extracurricular canine time, these five Miami bark parks are top dog.
Blanche Park
Address: 3045 Shipping Ave., Miami, FL 33133
Hours: Open daily, 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Phone: 305-859-2705
Tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood in the lush Coconut Grove area, this park has something to offer both kids and pups, as the grounds are split into play places for each. The fenced-in bark park was recently renovated by the city and it shows. Astroturf prevents mud and unsavory little critters from coating your pup’s fur, while a mulch path lined with benches provides a comfy spot for dog owners to convene and watch all of the fur-filled shenanigans. Sculptures and fountains round out the offerings at this off-leash oasis with a solid reputation for playing host to some of the friendliest pups in town.
Tropical Park Bark Park
Address: 7900 SW 40 St., Miami, FL 33155
Hours: Open daily, 7 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Phone: 305-226-8315
Located in the 275-acre Tropical Park, the dog park here is split into two sections: one for pups under 35 pounds, and one for bigger breeds. Both are built with the nimble (or just plain gutsy) dog in mind: an agility course with ramps, tire jumps and window jumps winds through the bark park, along with some very-necessary water spray areas. Your canine companions are also welcome to frolic in Tropical Park’s resident lake. Just be sure to keep them leashed when they’ve gone outside of the dog park’s fences.
Perrine Wayside Park
Address: 16425 S. Dixie Highway, Palmetto Bay, FL 33157
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Phone: 305-259-1234
Sure, this park is situated a ways down south — but the drive is well worth it… for both you and your pup! Completely dedicated to the city’s four-legged citizens, the 30acre Perrine Wayside Park is a natural doggie wonderland. Lush and shady, there’s a perimeter walk path, dirt digging stations, and a large lake for your pooch to take a cool, refreshing dip. Spacious gazebos, picnic tables, and benches give the humans in the family a chance to kick their feet up and take in the action. And before you get too worried about the messy cleanup that is sure to ensue, there are water hoses around the park that let owners rinse off their pups before heading back home.
Haulover Park
Address: 10800 Collins Ave., Miami Beach, FL 33154
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Phone: 305-947-3525
In Miami, there are only two spots where your pooch can go off-leash and get frisky in the sand — Haulover Park is one of those places. Your furry companion can romp through sandy dunes and ocean waves from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday in a designated beach area between lifeguard tower #2 and #3. When you’re done watching your pup frolic in the sea, head over to the fenced-in dog park, where you’ll find water fountains for your pooch and long stretches of green grass that are perfect for letting your pet run around and dry off in the warm South Florida sun.
Amelia Earhart Park
Address: 401 E. 65th St., Miami, FL 33013
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset
Phone: 786-685-8389
A 91-acre lake with a wakeboarding complex, pony rinks, soccer fields and a petting zoo — is there anything Amelia Earhart Park can’t do? Apparently not, because they also have a bark park for your family’s furriest member. You can definitely plan on making a day of it here. Tunnels, ramps, doggie drinking fountains, and picnic tables situated under shady trees fill up the two fenced-in areas here: one for smaller breeds and the other for bigger dogs in the pack. Parking is free during the week, but prepare to pay a small fee when looking for a spot on Saturday and Sundays.
