Dog parks are an important part of the Triangle as they provide a safe space for you and your furry friend to enjoy the outdoors. In fact, research shows that actively visiting dog parks is a great way to maintain your dog’s physical and mental well-being. DYK: Raleigh is ranked 15th in a list of most pet-friendly cities across the country.

If you’re looking for a way to safely explore the outdoors with your pup, our list of 10 dog parks in the Triangle provides plenty of options with pet-friendly amenities like water taps, climbing platforms, soft terrain, and fenced areas for all types of dogs.

This is not an exhaustive list, so let us know if we missed any local parks.

🐾 Buffaloe Road Dog Park | 5900 Buffaloe Rd, Raleigh

Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily
Cost: Free and open to the public
Amenities: Wood chip base, fenced area for large + small dogs, water tap for dogs, shade + benches
Leash Requirement: Off-leash

🐾 Carolina Pines Dog Park | 2305 Lake Wheeler Rd, Raleigh, NC

Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily
Cost: Free and open to the public
Amenities: Wood chips, water tap for dogs, dog climbing platform, fenced area for large, small + elderly dogs
Leash Requirement: Off-leash

🐾 North Hills Dog Park | 100 Saint Albans Drive, Raleigh

Hours: Open 24 hours, Daily
Cost: Free and open to the public
Amenities: 9,500 square-feet of fenced in area, benches
Leash Requirement: Off-leash

🐾 Oakwood Dog Park | 910 Brookside Drive, Raleigh

Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily
Cost: Free and open to the public
Amenities: Water tap for dogs, benches, wood chips, two fully-fenced areas for large, small + elderly dogs,
Leash Requirement: Off-leash

🐾 Millbrook Exchange Dog Park | 1905 Spring Forest Road, Raleigh

Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Daily
Cost: Free and open to the public
Amenities: Water tap for dogs, three fenced areas for all types of dogs, double gated picnic area, lighted for nighttime use
Leash Requirement: Off-leash

🐾 Jaycee Park Dog Run | 2405 Wade Ave Raleigh

Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily
Cost: Free and open to the public
Amenities: Fully fenced area, waste stations, natural shade, benches,
Leash Requirement: Dogs must remain on leash until entering the dog run

🐾 Dog Park at Dix Park | Temporarily located: 801 Biggs Drive, Raleigh

Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily (closed periodically for routine maintenance)
Cost: Free and open to the public
Amenities: 3+ acre dog park, separate areas for small and large dogs, grass
Leash Requirement: Dogs can roam free in the off-leash area only

🐾 Kiwanis Park Dog Run | 2525 Noble Road, Raleigh

Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily
Cost: Free and open to the public
Amenities: benches, wood chips, waste stations
Leash Requirement: Off-leash

🐾 Hawthorne Bark Park | 8224 Green Lantern St, Raleigh

Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily
Cost: Free
Amenities: small, fenced area catered for small gatherings
Leash Requirement: Off-leash

🐾 Cary Dog Park | 2050 NW Maynard Rd, Cary

Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., daily
Cost: Annual membership or day pass required
Amenities: fenced area with separate spaces for smaller dogs, wood chips, benches, waste stations, water taps
Leash Requirement: Off-leash

Contributions from Phoenix Berman