Where can I let my dog off leash in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky?
Short answer
Yes. Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky have a number of designated dog parks where dogs can legally play off leash. Good places to start include Otto Armleder Dog Park and Washington Park in Cincinnati, Highland Hills Dog Park in Fort Thomas, Newport Dog Park, and England-Idlewild Dog Park in Boone County. Outside designated off-leash areas, keep your dog leashed and always check the current rules before you go.
Expanded answer
If your dog needs room to run, the Cincinnati region has several designated off-leash dog parks on both sides of the Ohio River. The important distinction is that a dog-friendly park or trail is not automatically an off-leash area.
Within Cincinnati Parks, dogs should remain leashed unless they are inside a designated off-leash dog park. Dogs must also be leashed while entering and exiting those areas. Other park systems and municipalities may have their own rules, so check posted signs and current park information before unclipping the leash.
Here are several local off-leash options worth knowing about:
Otto Armleder Dog Park — Cincinnati
Otto Armleder Memorial Park has a 10-acre off-leash dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs. Amenities include dog drinking fountains, a canine shower, shade trees, benches, parking, and restrooms. It is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Washington Park Dog Park — Over-the-Rhine
Washington Park has a 12,000-square-foot fenced dog park in the heart of Over-the-Rhine. The space includes canine-friendly turf and pea gravel, a small water creek, benches, and drinking water for dogs and people. Dogs may be off leash inside the dog park but must be leashed while entering and exiting.
Highland Hills Dog Park — Fort Thomas
Highland Hills Park is home to Fort Thomas's dog park, with separate areas for small and large dogs. The city lists water, waste-bag stations, and shade among the dog park amenities. The surrounding park also includes walking trails and other recreational facilities.
Newport Dog Park — Newport
Newport operates a designated dog park at 901 E. 6th Street, behind the library building, with an adjacent parking lot. Check current posted rules and conditions when you arrive.
England-Idlewild Dog Park — Boone County
The dog park at England-Idlewild Park in Burlington is a four-acre facility with separate areas for different-sized dogs. Boone County information describes two half-acre sections for small dogs and two one-acre sections for large dogs, along with a double-gate entry system, drinking water for dogs and people, and paved parking.