5-Paw Dog Parks: The Best Dog Parks in the Nation's Biggest Cities

Dog parks are an incredible resource for dog owners and animal lovers. For city dwellers, dog parks provide a rare space where dogs can run free. Even suburban and country dogs love dog parks for the ever-so-important socialization opportunities that they provide. New dog owners, long-time dog owners, and dog owners' associations find dog parks to be an oasis in which to commune. Many even hold events at these parks, adding to their fun.

By sniffing out specifications and reviews, we've compiled a list of the top dog parks in the five largest U.S. cities.

New York, N.Y.
1. Carl Shurz Park Dog Run, on the Upper East Side, is a picturesque park with a small-dog run.
2. Fort Tryon Park Sir William's Run, in Washington Heights, sports grass areas (a rarity in most city dog runs).
3. St. Nick's Dog Run, in Harlem, features the largest run in NYC and an active community.

Los Angeles, Calif.
1. Runyon Canyon Park, in Los Angeles proper, is great for hiking too.
2. Sepulveda Basin Off-Leash Dog Park, in Encino, boasts five acres of fun.
3. Dog Beach Zone, in Long Beach, is a very popular destination that even hosts interfaith blessings of animals.

Chicago, Ill.
1. Montrose Dog Beach, in Uptown, is an large dog beach off of Lake Michigan.
2. Grant Bark Park, in Chicago's South Loop, is modern and clean.
3. Wiggly Field, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, is a permit-only dog run in Reed-Keppler Park.

Philadelphia, Pa.
1. Seger Park Dog Run, in Washington Square West, is a well-lit family park.
2. Schuylkill River Dog Run, near Rittenhouse Square, is very a busy and popular park.
3. Chester Avenue Dog Park, near Cedar Park, is beautiful, but exclusive: members only.

Houston, Texas
1. Millie Bush Bark Park, in West Houston, has thirteen gorgeous acres and is even decorated with fire hydrants.
2. Danny Jackson Bark Park, in the Innerloop neighborhood, is great for dogs that like to run.
3. Congressman Bill Archer Bark Park, also in West Houston, is the largest at twenty acres.
Information on all three Houston parks can be found here.

Whether you live in one of these cities or will be visiting soon, take your pooch to one of these fantastic dog parks for a memorable experience. However, a great dog-park experience is related to health and safety, so do your research, especially if this is your first dog-park venture.

This list covers only a fraction of the five-star dog parks found throughout the country. What about dog parks in your neighborhood? Dog lovers throughout the country would love to hear about your hidden treasure.

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