Dog lovers abound in Aurora, and to give their dogs places to romp, the city boasts a few dog parks. Whether you want a spot for a large dog to play unhindered or a small dog to play safely, you can find it in Aurora. There are also off-leash trails and other options for dogs. Take a look at the top five Aurora dog parks:
1. Cherry Creek State Park Dog Area
If you want a scenic dog park surrounded by acres of natural land, check out the Cherry Creek State Dog Area. Because it’s located inside Cherry Creek State Park, Â this dog area requires a small admission fee. Â You can pay a nominal daily fee per car, or you can enter the park for free if you buy a state park’s pass. Alternatively, you can hike or bicycle in for free.
The area is large, making it ideal for recall training or for dogs who love to run free. You can take the paths around the area with your dog on or off leash, or you can sit down and relax on a bench while your dog romps and plays in the fenced in off leash area. The park is known for attracting responsible owners with well behaved dogs.
When you’re done at the dog area, you can explore the rest of the state park which features a reservoir, a swimming beach, Â playground, miles of paths through natural beauty and views of the Rocky Mountains in the west. Although this is the only one of the Aurora dog parks that you have to pay to access, most visitors feel like it’s worth the cost, especially if you buy the yearly pass and come often.
4201 S Parker Rd
Aurora, CO 80014
2. Grandview Dog Park
Located on Quincy Avenue next to Quincy Reservoir, the Grandview Dog Park has five acres of space for dogs to enjoy. This local favorite of the Aurora dog parks attracts a diverse crowd on different days and during different times of the day, and regulars suggest trying a few different times until you find the dogs and owners who click with your social needs.
The park features two separate fenced-in, off-leash areas: one for large dogs and one for small dogs. This arrangement allows your big beast to run and play without worrying about accidentally trampling over a little dog, and it lets your little dog find appropriate sized mates as well. The area for large dogs is primarily dirt, but the area for small dogs is a mixture of dirt and grass.
The Grandview Dog Park also features an agility course with ramps, tunnels and jumps, perfect for maintaining strength and agility in older dogs and letting younger dogs get a workout. After a snow, this park is especially fun for dogs who like to play in the snow, and the dirt is perfect for dogs who like to dig a lot.
Water is available so that you can fill up your water bottle or doggy bowl, but remember to bring your own water during the cold months as availability is seasonal. There are also free doggy waste bags and ample numbers of garbage bins, as well as picnic tables, benches and shade for owners to relax while their dogs run.
17500 E Quincy Ave
Aurora, CO 80015
3. Off-Leash Area at Bicentennial Park
Unfortunately, there are only two dedicated Aurora dog parks, but the influx of many puppy parents to the area has inspired the city to create a third off-leash dog area. Located at Bicentennial Park, this area is ideal for dogs who love to run, and it’s perfect for owners who want to jog or walk down a trail with their dogs off-leash.
This off-leash area at Bicentennial Park measures an acre, making it spacious enough for games of fetch, recall training or just unabandoned sprinting, and it has a paved trail running through it. This open area is a relatively natural space full of plants shrubs and natural grasses with pockets of dirt, and as a result, you may want to check your dog for ticks after leaving the park and ensure you’ve protected your dog from mosquitoes. The off-leash area is  located near the pond and the former mini golf course at Bicentennial Park.
Off-Leash Area at Bicentennial Park
13600 E Bayaud Ave
Aurora, CO 80012
4. Lowry Dog Park
The Lowry Dog Park is located over the border of Aurora and in Denver, but it’s less than four miles from parts of Aurora. The Lowry Dog Park is relatively close to Town Center at Aurora, the suburb’s main indoor shopping mall, and it’s close to the Lowry and Wash Park neighborhoods in Denver, reputably considered to be two of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. If you like the artistic, techie, foodie, or hipster crowds, this is the place to meet them and their dogs.
This dog park has one fenced in area for energetic dogs and one for more relaxed, less hyper or mature dogs. If you have a little guy who loves to run with the big boys, this is the dog park for you as it’s not divided based on size.
It features gravel rather than dirt, like many Aurora dog parks. The gravel makes this park less prone to mud after rain and snow, and it’s thankfully less dusty than the mostly dirt dog parks.
Lowry Dog Park
Yosemite Way
Denver, CO 80230
5. The Stapleton Dog Park
Conveniently located near the intersection of I-225 and I-70, the Stapleton Dog Park is within easy driving distance of most Aurora residents. If you live in southern Aurora, you can access the Stapleton Dog Park easily via I-225, and you live in eastern Aurora, it’s a quick drive on I-70.
Located in the relatively newly developed Stapleton, this dog park features a sandy area, and that’s perfect for dogs who love digging. This dog park lacks amenities such as water fountains, but many of the regulars bring gallons of water to keep the communal dog bowls full so you don’t have to worry about your pooch getting too thirsty. If you want to work on tricks or help to keep an aging dog agile, you’re in luck as this park has an agility course.
The Stapleton Dog Park
2002 Spruce St, Denver
CO 80238
2 Point Highlight
The Grandview Dog Park also features an agility course with ramps, tunnels and jumps, perfect for maintaining strength and agility in older dogs and letting younger dogs get a workout.
The Lowry Dog Park is relatively close to Town Center at Aurora, the suburb’s main indoor shopping mall, and it’s close to the Lowry and Wash Park neighborhoods in Denver, reputably considered to be two of the coolest neighborhoods in the city.
