Family Friendly

Do your hobbies include running, barking, and scratching?

Dogs love to walk – ask ‘em. They’ll tell you. To them, being cooped up in a yard or house all day is just like you itching to get out of the office at the end of the day. Think about it, they literally ARE in the doghouse most of the time. Besides, you don’t want them doing nothing but watching tv all day. That rots anyone’s brain, human or canine.

So, where are you going to take Rover for a nice invigorating walk? Did someone in the back just say the Interstate? For your information, that’s a bad idea. If I need to explain why, you need to leave.

Philadelphia has a plethora of family and dog friendly parks just waiting to be sniffed out. Let’s take a look at some of them. I bet there’s one near you.

Fairmount Park (leashed)
(4231 N. Concourse Drive)
This is a crazy concept – Fairmount Park is within walking distance of every Philadelphia resident! True story. This 9,200 acre citywide park system has 63 neighborhood parks. Just try to not find one. Rollerblading, relaxing, historic mansions, concerts, or concerts. Keep your dog on a leash but otherwise take them with you and have a great time.

Manayunk Towpath and Canal (leashed)
(5442 Germantown Avenue)
Follow relaxing paths winding along the canal, shaded by the leafy overhang of trees. Grab Fido, put him on a leash, and take a hike! Friends of the Manayunk Canal are happy to announce a walking tour brochure. Relax, get some exercise, and learn about the ecology and rich history of the Manayunk Canal. You won’t be sorry you came.

Rittenhouse Square Park (leashed)
(Walnut Street and 18th Street)
Here’s another great adventure to take with your dog firmly leashed. Rittenhouse Square is a green, leafy oasis in the heart of Philadelphia. This space is among the best-used in the United States and visitors enjoy a real camaraderie that reminds us why it’s called the City of Brotherly Love. Shopping and historical buildings are a short stroll away but you can also lose yourself in the natural splendor.

Ben Franklin Parkway (leashed), Ben Franklin Pkwy and 19th St.
Deshler-Morris House National Park (leashed), 5442 Germantown Avenue
Pennypack Park (leashed), Algon Ave and Bustleton Ave
Washington Square Park (leashed), Walnut St and 6th St

Chester Avenue Dog Park (unleashed)
(Chester Avenue and 48th)
Here’s where you can let Fido run like the wind and you won’t have to be attached behind him. You will need to keep him leashed until you are actually inside the park but then you can let him loose for a grand old time. If you follow the link up there you’ll find that the Chester Avenue Dog Park is looking for people to write about the park for its front page. Help them out if you can!

Orianna Hill Dog Park (unleashed)
(North Orianna Street, between Poplar and Wildey)
Orianna Hill Dog Park is a privately owned community garden and dog run. The Friends of Orianna Hill is a non-profit corporation dedicated to maintaining the park. Dues are $30 per year and tax deductible. Ask Fifi Trixabelle if she wants you to join. Bet she says yes.

Schuylkill River Park Dog Run (unleashed)
(25th Street, between Pine and Locust)
By 1993, the Schuylkill River Park was so besieged by dogs running illegally off the leash that the normally green central area’s grass was worn down to the dirt. It was obvious something needed to change. In 1997 a petition was sent to the Mayor asking for a fenced dog run. Presto! Petition granted and the dog run park opened in 1998.

Eastern State Dog Pen (unleashed), Corinthian Ave & Brown St
Pretzel Park Dog Run (unleashed), Cresson St
Segar Dog Park (unleashed), 11th Street between Lombard and South St.

Remember, these dog parks are privileges for everyone. Abuse ‘em and they’ll go away, so don’t act like a jackass. Now get out there and bark at some trees!

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