Dog walking in Poquoson

Riverview

In a little over 20 minutes, you and Spot can drive to the Fido Field Dog Park in Newport News, Virginia. The park is located on the western edge of town, and it sits on more than one acre of space that includes an area for dogs under 20 pounds and another for bigger dogs. There are water fountains available for both dogs and humans, as well as covered seating areas and a wheelchair-accessible area. Before you can visit this park with your pup, you must register your dog and provide proof of vaccinations and registration with the city. It costs $10 to register and only $5 more for each additional dog.

Ridgway Park

Just a 20-minute drive south of Poquoson is Hampton, Virginia, a city of more than 136,000 people. In central Hampton, there's a place known as the Ridgway Dog Bark Park, and it's sure to be a good time for you and your pooch! This park underwent a major renovation in 2013, and it now features a sturdy six-foot fence around the big dog section and a four-foot fence around the small dog enclosure. There is also a wading pool in the park, covered seating, drinking water, and waste disposal items. Like other Virginia dog parks, you will need to register your dog and pay the $10 fee before you visit the park.

Sandy Bottom

Hampton is home to another dog park, and this one is located in the northwestern quadrant of the city. It takes about 20 minutes to get there from Poquoson, and it's called the Sandy Bottom Bark Park. Sandy Bottom Nature Park is a 456-acre park with several recreational activities in addition to its dog park. You can canoe, picnic, explore several trails with your leashed dog, check out the visitor's center, and more at Sandy Bottom! The dog park sits on 3/4 of an acre, and it features seating, shade, a water fountain, and an obstacle course. Your dog will need to be registered to visit the off-leash area.

Colonial Place

Norfolk, Virginia is home to another dog park known as the Colonial Greenway Dog Park, which is located in the central Norfolk neighborhood called Colonial Place. This dog park is one large, fenced space that doesn't separate dogs by size, so mind your pup's temperament if you come here. There is a small pool for dogs to cool off in, as well as a selection of ropes, balls, and other toys. Improvements are regularly being made to this park to help make sure it's a fun and safe space for dogs and their owners to visit. There is seating, shade, and water fountains in the park, and no registration is required to visit.

Ocean View

Another dog park in Norfolk is located in the northern tip of the city, and it's called the Ocean View Bark Park on Maple Avenue. This large dog park is a space where dogs of all sizes can interact in the same space, and it has a double-gated entry system to prevent any canine escape artists from getting out. There is plenty of seating in the park, but some visitors note there isn't a lot of shade, so that's something to be aware of before you visit on a hot day. There is drinking water available for dogs, as well as a kiddie pool they can cool off in on hot days.