The 5 Best Dog Parks in Raleigh

Sometimes the dog deserves to pick the day’s destination. Raleigh’s park system offers multiple places for off-leash exercise, with amenities ranging from separate small-dog areas to shade, water and agility equipment.

1. Dog Park at Dix Park

Dorothea Dix Park is already one of Raleigh’s great outdoor gathering places, and its dog park gives four-legged residents a reason to get excited about it, too. Pair playtime with a walk around the larger park and you've got an easy Raleigh outing.

2. Oakwood Dog Park

Convenient to Historic Oakwood, this neighborhood dog park offers fenced areas for both large and small dogs and is free to use year-round. The location makes it particularly appealing for downtown and east Raleigh dog owners.

3. Millbrook Dog Park

Raleigh’s oldest dog park is still one of its most useful. Millbrook includes separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, drinking fountains, shade, benches, agility equipment and lighting for evening visits.

4. Buffaloe Road Dog Park

Buffaloe Road checks many of the practical boxes dog owners care about: shade, benches, drinking water for dogs and humans and separate areas for large and small dogs. The wood-chip surface is another useful touch.

5. Baileywick Park Dog Park

For north Raleigh dog owners, Baileywick is an easy neighborhood option. Natural shade, benches and separate spaces for large and small dogs make it particularly useful for everyday exercise rather than an elaborate excursion.