When buying a home in a new city, there’s a long list of important decisions to make. Between researching the best schools, safest neighborhoods, and most comfortable homes in the city, you could be forgiven if you overlooked the most important priorities for your pets: like finding the most popular open-leash dog parks in the city. If you’re moving to Kansas City, though, have no fear: We’ve solved your pet’s gravest concerns by compiling a list of the best five dog parks in the area. With any luck, one of these fine locations can become your pet’s new favorite playground.
1. Shawnee Mission Park Dog Off-Leash Area (7900 Renner Rd, Shawnee, KS 66219)
What it lacks in a witty, pun-filled name, the Shawnee Mission Park Dog Off-Leash Area more than makes up for by being one of the premiere dog parks in all of Kansas City. This sprawling, 53-acre off-leash area has both wood-chipped and natural surface walking trails for both dog and owner, and the convenient, on-shite portable toilets will help ensure that your pet can spend as much time as it desires in this fun-filled dog mecca.
The greatest highlight for your dog at this Kansas City park will undoubtedly be the large dog swim area, where your pooches can hone their doggie-paddle skills or just cool off during the warm-weather. Either way, the dog beach will soon become your dog’s favorite aspect of Shawnee Mission’s off-leash area. Don’t just take our word, either: this top-shelf dog park has earned a 4.5 star rating on Yelp. A word to the wise: make sure to bring towels along, especially if there has been precipitation in the days before your visit.
The Shawnee Mission Park Dog Off-Leash Area is closed for routine maintenance on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 5Â a.m. to 9Â a.m., so make sure to check the date before stopping by for an early morning visit.
2. Wayside Waifs Bark Park (3901 Martha Truman Rd., Kansas City, MO 64137)
The only dog park on this list which requires a paid membership, the Wayside Waifs Bark Park nevertheless needs to be mentioned. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, this five-acre park is the most convenient dog park in the city, as well as a real treat for your pooch.
The tree-lined Wayside Waifs Bark Park offers plenty of shade, as well as benches and covered pavilions. Watering stations, “timeout kennels”, and educational training programs are all a part of the package. Annual memberships cost $120, monthly memberships are $20, and daily memberships are $3.
This park is also directly connected to the Wayside Waifs no-kill animal shelter, in case you ever become interested in adding another member to your pet family.
3. Leawoof Dog Park (10601 Lee Blvd, Leawood, KS 66206)
One of the newest dog parks in the greater metropolitan area, Leawoof Dog Park has become a popular draw for pets and their owners. Connected to a series of aesthetically pleasing walking trails, the Leawoof Dog Park is the perfect place to end an afternoon walk, for both pets and owners. This dog park is open from sunrise to sunset each day, although it should be noted that water fountains will remain turned off during winter months. Otherwise, the water fountains are one of the primary draws of the park: they are located inside the fenced-in area, and operated with a convenient foot pedal. The wide-open area contains an agility area for your dogs, as well as separate sections for big and small pooches.
Leawoof Dog Park requires that all dogs have vaccinations, are properly licensed in the city where their owner lives, and that they wear collars at all times. Aggressive dogs and pit bulls are not allowed in the park at any time. This park is closed for maintenance on Thursday mornings, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
4. Waggin’ Trail Dog Park (432 NE 32nd Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116)
For those relocating to North Kansas City, the Waggin’ Trail Dog Park should become a welcome sight for your pooch. This park is broken up into two sections; a roughly one-acre section for small dogs up to 30 pounds, and a larger, 2.68-acre section for bigger dogs.
The Waggin’ Trail Dog Park is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., and features two water fountains and three dog-themed tunnel runs for their amusement. This is also a great park for dog owners, as it’s criss-crossed with convenient walking trails with which to get some exercise while your pet gets tuckered out. Dog owners on Yelp – where Waggin’ Trail Dog Park has earned a four-star review – suggest stopping by after normal working hours for the greatest social interaction.
5. Penn Valley Park Off-Leash Area (29th and Wyandotte, Kansas City, MO 64121)
The biggest selling points for Penn Valley Park’s Off-Leash Area are location and social interaction. As one of the few dog parks located in the heart of the city, Penn Valley Park’s off-leash area is one of Kansas City’s most convenient. As a result, it is one of the metro’s best dog parks when it comes to social interaction, both for pets and their owners.
Opened in 2004, this was Kansas City’s first city-run off-leash dog park. It comes with 2.7-acre area portioned off for big dogs, along with separate 1.8-acre area for your smaller pooches. Water spigots are available on site, but it might be a good idea to bring something for your thirsty dog to drink from.
While it’s not among the biggest parks in the city, Penn Valley Park is perfect for the city-dwelling pet owner who is looking to get their dog more comfortable with other pooches.
2 Point Highlight
1. What it lacks in a witty, pun-filled name, the Shawnee Mission Park Dog Off-Leash Area more than makes up for by being one of the premiere dog parks in all of Kansas City.
2.Connected to a series of aesthetically pleasing walking trails, the Leawoof Dog Park is the perfect place to end an afternoon walk, for both pets and owners.
