City life can be tough on energetic dogs who need space to run around and play with other canines. Fortunately, Durham, NC is a fairly dog-friendly place; several bars like The Pinhook even allow patrons to bring their canine companions along. Of course, your dog would probably prefer a grassy field over a bar, so below are a few Durham dog parks where your pooch can run free and make new friends.
Before you visit any of the dog parks owned by the city, owners are expected to register their dog with the Durham Parks and Recreation Department. You will need to present your pet’s vaccination record and pay a small annual fee. That money goes toward maintaining the parks, so it’s well worth it.
400 W Lavender Ave.
Durham, NC 27704
Northgate has two enclosed areas, one for small dogs and another for large dogs, so pets are sure to find playmates their size. In addition to free poop bags and a water fountain for dogs, the city sometimes puts out plastic kiddie pools during the summer for pets to play in. The best time to visit if you want to meet new friends is after work hours on weekdays or anytime during the weekend. The area is well lit at night, so you can even play when it’s dark outside. A walking trail runs beside the park, and you’re likely to have families with children stopping by wanting to pet your pooch. Lots of regulars frequent Northgate, but seating for humans is pretty limited, so you might want to bring a lawn chair.
2. Downtown Durham Dog Park</>
101 City Hall Plz.
Durham, NC 27701
What was once a vacant lot has been repurposed as a place for urban dogs and dog owners to mingle. The Downtown Dog Park is maintained by the local neighborhood and is free to visit for anyone, although donations are encouraged. Donations go toward planned park enhancement, which include water fountains, benches, obstacle courses and a community message board. Although smaller than the other parks in Durham, there is still plenty of room to play fetch. The park is within walking distance of Fullsteam, a local brewery and tavern that welcomes dogs, so you can cool down with beer after playtime.
3. Piney Wood Park
5999 Woodlake Dr.
Durham, NC 27713
In addition to a pen for small dogs and one for large dogs, Piney Wood Park has a training area where pets and owners can play fetch and practice obedience. The city even offers dog training classes at this park occasionally. It has all the essentials including a water spigot, poop bags and benches, and nearby trees provide much needed shade during the summer. There is also a covered picnic area, a baseball field and a playground, so bring the whole family! The ground gets a little muddy when it’s wet (not that your dog or your kids will mind), so bring a towel just in case.
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4. Â Eno River State Park
6101 Cole Mill Rd.
Durham, NC 27705
Not technically a dog park, Eno River State Park consists mostly of undeveloped forest surrounding a beautiful lake, which makes it a popular spot for overnight camping. There are also several well marked trails for daytime excursions including Buckquarter Creek Trail, a flat 1.5 mile loop that most small dogs and kids should be able to handle. You may see a few waterfalls as you pass by the lake, and there’s a swimming hole where kids and canines splash around together during the summer months. Technically, dogs are supposed to be  on a leash no more than 6 feet long; however, that doesn’t stop owners from letting their dogs enjoy the shallow water.
501 Foster St.
Durham, NC 27701
Durham Central Park encompasses five acres containing three gardens, a pavilion, a skate park, an open-air performance area and lots of grass. Central Park hosts the Durham Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning in addition to outdoor movies, food truck rodeos and concerts. During special events, you’ll see dozens of dogs alongside their families. The three gardens are in a wooded area where you can look at sculptures made by local artists while your dog enjoys sniffing the many exotic flowers from around the world. If your pooch is a people lover, he’ll get plenty of attention from the neighborhood children at Durham Central Park. Just be sure to bring a leash and poop bags.
Other Places In Durham Your Dog Will Love
In addition to parks, a few neat places for pets in Durham deserve special recognition. For example, The Other End of the Leash is an upscale pet boutique and bakery that primarily caters to dogs. Treats are baked fresh daily, and all items are fairly traded and locally sourced when possible. Lap It Up is training facility where, in addition to obedience training, professional handlers can teach your dog how to swim and play dog sports like flyball. Your pooch can even learn skills to get certified as therapy dog. Lap It Up focuses on building relationships between pets and their owners rather than social opportunities with other animals, which is why they have an indoor off-leash track where you can exercise with your four-legged friend.
A few times a year, the Durham Bulls baseball team invites owners to bring their dogs into the stadium. These events, called Park in the Park, are sponsored by the local VCA Animal Hospital, and all proceeds go to  Second Chance Pet Adoptions. You’re also likely to score some neat gear like doggy bandanas at the game. With so many dog-friendly places in Durham, you’ll rarely have to leave your best friend home alone.
2 Point Highlight
“With so many dog-friendly places in Durham, you’ll rarely have to leave your best friend home alone.”
“If your pooch is a people lover, he’ll get plenty of attention from the neighborhood children at Durham Central Park.”
