Dogs need daily exercise and socialization, which is why a dog park is one of the best places to take your pup for an enjoyable time. They each offer a different experience and knowing the ones in the area is helpful in finding the best one for you. Before visiting any dog park, you should be sure that your pooch is well trained and able to play with others safely. Making sure your pup is fully vaccinated is also important in keeping yours and other dogs safe. To make an enjoyable experience for those that come, you can often find a set of rules posted outside of the dog park which should be followed by all. Let’s take a look at 6 of the best dog parks in Kansas City, and what each one has to offer. If you are passing through the area, or are a resident of Kansas City, these dog parks are sure to give you a fun day that you and your dog will love.
1. Gillham Dog Park
Located in the neighborhood of Broadway Gilham, Gilham dog park is a simple off-leash area for your pooch to run free. This dog park is not the largest but is fully fenced off to give dogs a safe area to play. It has grass, dirt, and woodchip surfacing, and is rectangular shaped. Gilham dog park is one medium-sized area, with no separate area for smaller dogs. Agility equipment is spread around the park, with multiple things for dogs to try. Ramps, tunnels, and loops are the agility equipment found in this dog park. There is plenty of space for them to run off-leash. The area is perfect for active dogs who would love to test their agility.
2. St. John’s Dog Park
St. John’s dog park is a small off-leash area, found on the outskirts of Kansas City. While this dog park is not very big, it has two areas to keep large and small breeds separate. This off-leash area is a grassy field, fully fenced in to give dogs a safe area to run around. When at this dog park, you get a beautiful view of the Kansas City skyline, and the giant city. Poop bags and trash cans are located in the park so you can easily clean up after your pups’ mess. It is filled with the local residents that visit, but outsiders also stop by this dog park when passing through. Water is not provided at this dog park, so you should bring your own in a bottle for when your pup gets thirsty. A small dog park, this grassy field gives your dog a safe space to run around. It is in a peaceful area and has ample space for dogs to get out all their energy. This dog park is located in one of the smallest parks in Kansas City, and is loved for its view of the city skyline.
3. Bar K
A bar, restaurant, and dog park, Bar K has something fun for everyone that visits. This dog park is unique when compared with other off-leash areas in Kansas City, as it serves colder beer and fresh food. Humans cost no charge to get in, but if you plan on bringing your dog they require a membership and must be fully vaccinated. The price of membership varies based on how many dogs you plan on bringing, and the length of time it is for. Daily passes for 1 dog start at $10, and monthly is around $35. Bar K offers alcoholic beverages like beer or wine, and food if you are hungry. It also has a dog section on its menu, where you can purchase things like dog treats, dog beer, and even a meal for your pup. You may forget this bar/restaurant is actually a dog park since they make it comfy for visitors, but all the dogs running around are sure to remind you. The area is secured and fully fenced off. It has plenty of space for your dog to play and is sure to give your dog some fun.
4. Swope Dog Park
Going to Swope dog park lets you get some fresh air, and is a safe space for your pooch to play off-leash. This dog park first opened in 2012 and is around 5 acres. It is split into two areas, keeping large and small dogs separate. The small dog area is only 1 acre, while the big one is 4 acres of space. A wide-open field, this dog park is fully fenced in to give your dog a safe area to play. While the space is large, there are also agility tunnels, and other structures in the park for them to use. If your dog gets thirsty there are water fountains for them to drink from. To help keep the park clean you should bring poop bags, and pick up after the mess your pup makes. Swopes dog park is a great place for off-leash time for your dog, but there is also a trail nearby if you wish to enjoy a scenic walk.
5. Waggin’ Trail Dog Park
The Waggin Trail dog park is located in northern Kansas City, and is a great dog park to take your pooch for exercising and socializing. There is both a large and small dog section, both fully fenced off. The big dog section is 2.68 acres of grassy field, while the small dog area is only .98 acres large. This dog park is very open with little shade due to the lack of trees. Since the ground is natural grass, it gets muddy easily in the rain, and with some dogs digging holes there may be a few mud pits. The park is still very clean, and well maintained. Free poop bags let you pick up after your pup, and there are also water fountains for humans and hounds to use. Not only does this dog park give ample space for the dogs who love to run their heart out, agility equipment is also placed around the dog park. Tunnels and ramps in the dog park help stimulate your dog’s mind, and body. A paved path loops around both of the dog areas so you comfortably walk around the park.
6. Penn Valley Park Dog Park
Penn Valley dog park is one of the first off-leash areas to open in Kansas City, opening its gates back in 2004. Fully fenced off, there are two separate sections at this dog park, both secured with a double-gated entrance. The main section of this dog park is around 2.7 acres and is for all breeds to play in. A small section of around 1.8 acres is also available at this park, made for the smaller and older dogs to use. This dog park is considered one of the best in the city because of the size it provides, and the cleanliness of the area. Water is provided for both people and pooches, with ample shade and seating spread around the park. Grass and dirt is the surface of this dog park, meaning it may get slightly muddy after it rains. This park has rules to help give those that visit an enjoyable experience. They are very similar to other dog parks and should be followed by all visitors. Dog park rules include:
Owners must pick up after their dog.4 dogs per person. No aggressive dogs or behavior in the park.Children under 8 are not allowed in the dog park.When not in the off-leash area dogs must be on a leash.Prong, choke, and spike collars are prohibited.
Penn Valley dog park is a great place to take your dog for socialization, and exercising your pup. It is one of the most popular dog parks in Kansas City, with the local pooches and residents going to the park often.
