Summer technically doesn’t begin until Tues., June 21, but let’s face it Raleigh… it’s hot. Dogs have a higher body temperature than humans so your furry friends overheat more easily than we do. Your pooch deserves a fun day in the sun while staying cool — so we compiled a list of ways to beat the heat with your companion in the City of Oaks.

Shaded off-leash dog parks 🐕

Carolina Pines Park, 2305 Lake Wheeler Rd. | Monday-Sunday, dawn to dusk | Free | This tucked away park provides lots of tree coverage, water faucets + buckets, and two separate play areas.
Dix Park Dog Park, 1800 Umstead Dr. | Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. | Free | This new fenced-in park has a water station, dog fountain, and three separate play areas (two for large dogs + one for small dogs).
Oakwood Dog Park, 910 Brookside Dr. | Monday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. | Free | Oakwood is a heavily-shaded park that offers large and small dog play areas with water buckets and benches for the humans.

Indoor dog-friendly spots 🥵

West Street Dog, 400 W. North St. | Monday-Sunday, times vary | $8 for a day pass | Let your dog run free (while you sip on something from the bar) at this air conditioned off-leash dog park.
Big Boss Brewing, 1249 Wicker Dr. | Monday-Sunday, times vary | Free | Bring your pooch to this large indoor taproom while you sip on local brews.

Shaded trails 🌳

Shelley Lake Park, 1400 W. Millbrook Rd. | Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m. | Free | This semi-shaded park has a two-mile wooded loop around a scenic lake.
Lake Lynn Park, 7921 Ray Rd. | Monday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. | Enjoy this 2.8-mile greenway loop along a man-made lake with generously shaded and sunny paths.

End of day treats 🍦

Woof Gang Bakery, multiple locations | Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. + Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. | Prices of purchase | Let your pup pick out a treat from this local pet supply shop.
FRESH. Local Ice Cream, 6033 Glenwood Ave. | Monday-Thursday and Sunday 12:30-10 p.m. + Friday-Saturday, 12:30-11 p.m. | $5 | Snag a “Puppy Dog Sundae” for the cherry on top of a perfect day.
Unleashed, multiple locations | Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. + Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Price of purchase | Grab a frozen treat from the fridge or fill up a doggie bag with a variety of goodies.