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Top 10 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Fairfax, VA (2024 Update): Places to Run Free

Jordyn Alger

By Jordyn Alger

dog and woman playing together

Walking your dog on a leash can be fun, but sometimes you just want to let it run free and stretch its legs. Every city has leash laws, but several dog parks permit owners and their pups to enjoy nature unhindered. If you plan on staying in the Fairfax, Virginia, area with your dog, here are some amazing off-leash dog parks nearby that you can check out.

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The 10 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Fairfax, VA

1. Glencarlyn Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 📍301 S Harrison St, Arlington, VA 22204
🕐 Open Times: 7:00 am – 8:30 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes, but only in designated areas

  • A stream inside offers a spot for your dog to cool down
  • The park is not fenced-in
  • Walking trails give you and your dog a place to explore
  • Picnic tables and a playground are available
  • Beautiful woodlands surround the area


2. Leesylvania State Park

🗺️ Address: 📍2001 Daniel K Ludwig Dr, Woodbridge, VA, US, 22191
🕐 Open Times: Dawn to dusk every day
💲 Cost: $10 for entry
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes, but only in designated areas

  • Off-leash in designated areas throughout this state park
  • Hiking trails are available for you and your dog to explore on-leash
  • Access to a beach along the riverside
  • Full of natural beauty, so prepare to encounter some wildlife
  • Picnic areas are available


3. Chandon Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 📍900 Palmer Dr, Herndon, VA 20170
🕐 Open Times: 7:00 am­–7:00 pm every day
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes

  • This park is fully fenced
  • Trees in the area offer plenty of shade, and there are benches for resting
  • Waste bags and a water pump are provided
  • Separate areas for large and small dogs
  • An agility ramp is available for active dogs


4. Merrifield Garden Center Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 📍Historic District, 6895 Wellington Rd, Manassas, VA 20109
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 am–6:00 pm every day
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes, but only in designated areas

  • Next to Merrifield Garden Center, a dog-friendly garden center
  • The park is somewhat small
  • Waste bags, dog bowls, and tennis balls are provided
  • Area is fenced in to provide safety for your dog


5. Founders Park Off-Leash Dog Area

🗺️ Address: 📍339 N Union St, Alexandria, VA, US, 22314
🕐 Open Times: 5:00 am­–10:00 pm
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes, but only in designated areas

  • The park is not fenced-in
  • Includes beautiful scenery
  • There is plenty of room for your dog to stretch his legs
  • A body of water is available for swimming


6. Simpson Stadium Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 📍426 E Monroe Ave, Alexandria, VA, US, 22301
🕐 Open Times: 6:00 am–10:00 pm on weekdays, 8:00 am–10:00 pm on weekends
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes

  • Fenced-in to ensure your dog’s safety
  • Plenty of space for your dog to roam
  • It is known to be a well-maintained park
  • Water hoses and bowls are available
  • Balls and pools are on-site to entertain your dog


7. Bear Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 📍1565 Pleasant Grove Blvd, Roseville, CA 95747
🕐 Open Times: Sunrise to 1 hour after sunset
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes

  • Includes a multi-use turf field for family fun
  • Trails are nearby for you and your dog to enjoy
  • Separate areas for small and large dogs
  • An agility play area is on-site for more active dogs
  • Plenty of benches for dog owners


8. Shirlington Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 📍2710 S Oakland St, Arlington, VA, US, 22206
🕐 Open Times: 7:30 am–5:00 pm from Friday to Wednesday, 7:30 am–10:00 am on Saturday and Sunday, and 12:00 pm–5:00 pm on Thursdays
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes, but only in designated areas

  • Spacious park with plenty of places to roam
  • Fenced-in and includes separate areas for large and small dogs
  • You will need to pay to park
  • Large creek available for your dog to splash in


9. Vienna Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 📍700 Courthouse Rd SW, Vienna, VA 22180
🕐 Open Times: 8:00 am–8:00 pm every day
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes

  • Water fountains for dogs and for humans on-site
  • Fenced-in to guarantee your dog’s safety
  • Ramps, hoops, and hurdles are available
  • Benches offer plenty of seating options
  • Area is well-shaded


10. Fort Barnard Dog Park

https://www.instagram.com/p/BygBccmhXzP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

🗺️ Address: 📍2101 S Pollard St, Arlington, VA, US, 22204
🕐 Open Times: 6:00 am–8:00 pm every day
💲 Cost: Free
🐕 Off-leash allowed?: Yes

  • Park is safely fenced-in
  • Lighting is included for nighttime use
  • Picnic tables available
  • Water fountains and waste bags are available

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Conclusion

It isn’t always easy for your dog to burn off energy when it is tethered to a leash, and that is where these amazing off-leash dog parks come in handy. Before planning a trip to any of these dog parks, be sure to review their posted rules and amenities for any updates so that you arrive fully prepared. We hope you have found this list helpful and enjoy your visit to the dog park of your choice!


Featured Image Credit: RODNAE Productions, Pexels

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