As you prepare for your move to Columbus, Ohio, you likely keep your faithful and loving pooch at forefront of your thoughts. In your current city, you and your fur friend have probably carved out your own special path in life together, visiting your favorite dog park and meeting with fond friends. Never fear, you can still unwind from a long day at work while your pup gets to burn off some pent up energy with his own group of four-legged friends at one of the many feature-rich parks.
If you worry about finding a new social spot for you and your dear dog in Ohio’s capital city, you have nothing to fear. Columbus features several dog-friendly parks where you and your pooch can spend some quality time together, getting fresh air and communing with like-minded Cbus residents in different neighborhoods throughout the city.
Godown Dog Park
Even though this dog park lies at the far Northwest region of the city in cozy, pooch-loving Worthington, you will find that it is easy to access this popular dog park from many locations around town. Sponsored and supported by an organization called “WOOF,” which stands for Worthington Organized Off-leash Friends, Godown Dog Park was specifically created as a haven for Columbus residents and their canine comrades. Featuring fenced areas that teem with rolling hills and terrain, along with beautiful landscaping and mature trees, you and your pooch will feel like you have found a special wonderland. Your pup can roam freely and safely, occasionally taking bounding breaks to sniff dog-friendly aromas from mulch and freshly mowed grass within the protected park before getting back to the business of burning excess energy.
Keep in mind some of the top-notch amenities available at this friendly park:
- Dog and human water fountains
- A large dog area that features 4.5 acres of rolling hills and full fencing for dogs 25-lbs and over
- A one-acre small dog area for dogs 25-lbs and under
- A dog-rinsing station
- Benches
- Port-O-Johns with handicap accessibility
- Dog waste bags
- Generous hours from dawn to dusk or 8:00Â am to 11:00Â pm
Easily accessible from all points in town via Route 315 during non-peak traffic times, you can reach the park from downtown Columbus at a maximum of 25 minutes. Once you start to make new friends and see how much your dog loves it, you will probably make it a point to return.
6099 Godown Road
Columbus, OH 43235
(614) 349-6630
Yelp: 4.5 out of 33 reviews
Wheeler Dog Park
The Wheeler Dog Park is the premier urban canine destination at 5:00 pm on any weekday. Located in Thurber Village, just blocks northwest of downtown Columbus, this dog spot is ideal for those who live in the highly popular neighborhoods that include the Short North, Italian Village, downtown residential and farther north to the University District.
Full of grassy rolling hills, your pup will have plenty of room to move while you meet fellow professionals in the neighborhood who want to shed the stress of the work day with their own beloved dog. While not as amenity-rich as some of the city’s dog parks, it thrives in its central location and passionate dog-loving community that doesn’t mind the fact that the park continues as a work-in-progress. The main point is that you and your dog are always welcome.T
The park temporarily closed its gates as of January 2016, and will reopen May 2016 to offer you and your pet several renovations. In the meantime, you can visit the nearby Goodale Park that also features a highly dog-friendly atmosphere and is only blocks away at 120 Goodale Street.
Some of the most popular amenities reported include:
- “The best grass cover of any park in Columbus,” as stated by one Yelp reviewer
- 4.02 acres of space, separated for large and small dogs, which includes off-leash areas
- A walking trail
725 Thurber Drive West
Columbus, OH 43215
(614) 645-3300
Yelp: 3 out of 13 reviews
Scioto Audubon Dog Park
Flanking downtown to the south, you will find a treasure at the Whittier Peninsula. Just a decade ago, this spot was a less-than-friendly industrial landscape and the site of a massive car impound lot. Things have certainly changed for the better. Tucked away near the south leg of the Scioto Greenway about one-half mile west of German Village, you will find so many ways to enjoy time with your prized pup at this sprawling park. Perhaps not as populated with humans, outside of peak hours, the natural surroundings, including a wetlands sanctuary offer you and your dog plenty of tech-free distractions that help wash away any work issues or other daily stressors. Your dog might become distracted by the amazing array of birds, turtles and other wonders of nature that roam freely in this city jewel, but it all seems to work out harmoniously for humans, pets and all the other creatures.
Besides human amenities like a climbing wall and walking trail, additional amenities include:
- 120-acres available for all sized pets and their humans
- A small dog area
- Digging pits
- Agility stations
- Drinking water
- Hours from 6:30Â am to 10Â pm from April to September and from 6:30Â am to 8 pm from October to March
Easy access from downtown, German Village, the Brewery District, Dodge Park, Merion Village, and all other points in the city, via nearby I-70 and Route 315 access, make this a treat for you, your pup and your family any day of the week, year-round.
395 W. Whittier Street
Columbus, OH 43206
(614) 202-5197
Yelp: 4.5 out of 40 reviews
Whetstone Park
While not officially listed as a “dog park,” you and your dog are certainly welcome at this massive city park that features a world-beloved rose garden called “The Park of Roses.” This 136-acre multi-use space, nestled in the rolling hills of the cozy and historic neighborhood of Clintonville, features easy access to the Olentangy Greenway, The city park has pretty much anything and everything that you and your pooch could want in a convenient location. A quick and straight shot north on N. High Street from downtown rarely takes more than 15 minutes to reach this destination. Take your fishing rod to spend time at the casting pond while spending quality time with your best furry friend, or prepare to do a lot of trotting and jogging to keep up while your carefree canine roams the grounds on a leash.
Some additional amenities include:
- Woods and wildlife areas
- Walking trails
- Drinking water
- Shelters and picnic areas
3923 N. High Street
Columbus, OH 43214
(614) 645-3217
Yelp: 4.5 of 62 reviews
Big Walnut Dog Park
If you plan to live on the east side of Columbus, this park will work perfectly. Featuring a large dog area and a small dog space, you can feel comfortable taking your pet, no matter what the breed or size. Your dog can roam freely and safely in this fenced-in off-leash park and finish up a sweaty run with a dip in the welcoming and refreshing doggie pond. Although this park does not feature as strong a senses of community among neighbors and fellow professionals at any specific time, it still features plenty of highlights to soak up.
Additional amenities that you and your pup can enjoy include:
- A broad range of hours, from 7:00Â am to 11:00Â pm
- Plenty of green space and rolling hills and a pet exercise area
- Picnic and shelter areas
- A Port-O-John
- Good lighting
A trek from downtown, you and your pet can enjoy time together.
5000 E. Livingston Avenue
Columbus, OH 43227
(614) 645-3300
Yelp: 2.5 out of 3 reviews
Explore A Dog Park In Every Quadrant of the City
You and your dog will find ample space to roam, explore and make new friends in your new hometown of Columbus, Ohio
2 Point Highlight
“Never fear, you can still unwind from a long day at work while your pup gets to burn off some pent up energy with his own group of four-legged friends at one of the many feature-rich parks.”
“You and your dog will find ample space to roam, explore and make new friends in your new hometown of Columbus, Ohio.”
