Best Dog Parks In South Florida

Many Florida dog owners consider their pets to be a member of the family. They treat them to play dates, spa visits and dress them in cute outfits. But when it comes to giving their pets enough exercise, Floridians search out dog parks where their pets can run off some energy. Not all parks in South Florida are off-leash parks, but they are still worth a visit.

Tropical Park's Bark Park
7900 S. W. 40th Street
Miami, FL 33155
(305) 226-8316
www.miamidade.govTropical Park's Bark Park is a two-acre portion of Tropical Park in Miami. The park is divided into two areas, one for large dogs, 35 pounds and up, and one for smaller dogs that weigh 34 pounds or less. The park has exercise equipment designed with your four-legged friends in mind. You'll find window jumps, tires, ramps and doggie comfort stations complete with water sprayers to cool down with and drinking fountains for your pets to quench their thirst. The fenced-in areas will allow your dogs to run off-leash or simply relax in the grass.

Dog Chow Dog Park
2400 S Bayshore Drive
Coconut Grove, FL 33133
(954) 570-9507
www.dogfriendly.comThis beautiful dog park is located inside Kennedy Park. The off-leash area has benches, shade trees, water and restrooms. Off-leash areas are fenced and are spacious enough to play Frisbee or catch with your four-legged friend. There is a separate area so small dogs can run free without having to worry about larger dogs. All dogs brought to the park must be sociable, licensed and current on their vaccinations. There are also areas in the park for dogs to enjoy while on a leash that is controlled by their owners.

West Kendall District Park
11255 S.W. 157th Ave.
Miami, FL 33196
(305) 386-0227
www.miamidade.govWest Kendall District Park is a 164-acre park that contains a 6.5-acre dog park. The dogs visiting this park can enjoy play zones, drinking fountains, water spray areas and doggie play equipment. One play zone is designed for large dogs and contains equipment suited for larger dogs weighing over 35 pounds. There is also a similar area for small dogs under 35 pounds that contains doggie play equipment suited for the smaller dog breeds. The little extras, like pooper scoopers and fabric shade canopies, is what makes West Kendall District Park so special. This park, however, is only open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Related: Best South Florida Dog Parks

(Source: cityofhomestead.com)

James Archer Smith Park
300 N.W. 12th St.
Homestead, FL 33030
(305) 224-4570
www.cityofhomestead.comThis lovely park is designed with larger dogs in mind. It is suggested that dogs under 35 pounds only come to this park when there are no large dogs around. There are doggie play areas, walking/jogging trails, splash pads, pavilions and more available at this park. The park hours are from sunrise to dusk. Unfortunately, there are no barbecue pits available at this park and park guests are not allowed to bring barbeque grills with them to the park.

Amelia Earhart Bark Park
401 East 65 St.
Hialeah, FL 33177
(305) 685-8389
www.miamidade.govThis lovely park-five acre dog park has two very large fenced-in dog runs. There is a small dog run for small dogs weighing less than 35 pounds, and a huge dog run for dogs over 35 pounds. There are paved walking paths outside the dog runs for doggie and owner to both enjoy the beautiful scenery in the area. The dog runs have such amenities as water fountains appropriately sized for the dogs, tunnels, tires to jump through and lots of shade trees. The nicest thing is that this park even provides bright red fire hydrants for the comfortable elimination needs of your beloved pet.

Related: Top Off-Leash Dog Areas In South Florida