The Ma & Pa Dog Park

The Ma & Pa Dog Park is a public, off-leash dog park located near the Harford County Equestrian Center in Bel Air, Maryland. It opened in November of 2003 and has since become one of the most popular dog parks in the area. Needless to say, the park can get a bit crowded, especially on the weekends. Make sure to visit it outside of the peak hours if you want a more peaceful experience, otherwise, it is a great place to socialize your dog and make canine as well as human friends.

Since the dog park is located right by the Ma and Pa Heritage Trail, it is also a perfect place to spend the day with your canine companion. Start with an “on-leash” hike along the trail to tire your dog out, releasing any pent-up energy and end the trip in the fenced dog park where he can run off-leash and socialize with the other dogs. 

There are three separate areas that can be used to accommodate large, medium, and small dogs. The small dog (under 40 pounds) area can also be used by senior dogs. Alternatively, on the quieter days, they can all be kept open to create a larger section for the hounds to enjoy. The dog park is grassy and can get muddy, so make sure to bring a towel and some water to rinse your pooch’s paws after playtime.

The dog park has plenty of sitting areas including picnic benches and even a gazebo for some shade. There is a water fountain right outside the fenced area, though it is turned off during the winter time, and plenty of bowls around to share as well as a waste bag dispenser. Although entrance is free, all dogs must be licensed in order to take advantage of the park.

Even though the park can be tricky to find at first, it is worth the search as almost everyone who visits becomes a regular. Your furball will love playing with the other dogs at this friendly, fenced dog park.