Schuylkill River Park Dog Run, on the east side of the river, is among the most beloved dog parks in the city. It has separate areas for small and large dogs, and has an AstroTurf-style surface to keep your pup’s paws safe and clean. Plus, there’s plenty of room to play fetch, and it has drinking water, some shade trees, and, for hot days, kiddie pools. It’s a popular park that can get crowded, and it’s next to train tracks, so make sure your pup is comfortable with lots of stimulation.

This off-leash gem sits tucked away in Northern Liberties and is a must-visit for Philly dog owners. You do have to jump through a few hoops first, such as filling out a registration form for your dog and a brief orientation, but it's is worth it. It has a spacious plot of wood-chip-covered, fenced-in land for pups to get out their zoomies, socialize, and relax. There is also plenty of shade, and it has human-focused amenities like benches and picnic tables, so you can take a load off, too.

While this Spruce Hill park isn't technically a dog park, it's something of an unofficial destination for pup parents in West Philly. An area of the park known as “the bowl” (or sometimes the “dog bowl”) is a popular play area for dogs and their owners. You may see dogs running around off leash there, but it should be noted that dogs need to be leashed in public spaces per Philly law — and the bowl area of the park, near a playground, isn't fenced in. So, if you go, be safe and respectful.

At about 1,800 acres, the Wissahickon is enormous, and just about all of it is a great place to explore with outdoorsy pups. (Dogs must be leashed at all times.) A favorite among dog owners is the Forbidden Drive Trail, which follows the Wissahickon Creek via a flat, gravel-covered path throughout the length of the park. But if you’re looking for something a little more challenging, you can head up into the park’s more wooded areas for more than 50 miles of trails.

Sports fans probably know FDR Park best for being a tailgating locale — but it also happens to be a great, low-impact on-leash hiking spot for South Philly dog owners and their pups. At about 348 acres, there’s plenty to explore, but good options include a nice, scenic stroll around the park’s main lake or a walk through the South Philly Meadow trails. Plus, it’s known as an Important Bird Area that’s home to lots of wildlife for you and your dog to check out.

If your dog loves a good swim, check out the Second Chance Pool at Philadelphia Animal Hospital. Filled with pet-friendly saline, it varies in depth from 3.5 feet to 6.5 feet and can be reserved for private recreational, therapeutic, or rehabilitative use. Sessions are a half hour each and run $35; if your pup isn’t already a patient, you’ll have to schedule a one-time exam for an extra fee and provide vaccination records. You can also swim with your dog in the pool, and it’s open year round.

This Delaware County park stands at 2,600 acres and has about 13 miles of hiking trails to help tire out your pup (and you, if you’re not careful). Dog must be leashed at all times, so your furry friend won’t be running wild, but don’t worry — there’s more than enough to keep their interest. The White to Yellow Trail Loop is a popular one among dog owners, and features tons of scenic forest views, lots of wildlife, and some spots where dogs can dip their paws into a creek across its 5-mile run.

This bucolic Chester County spot is pet-friendly, so long as you keep your dog on a leash, pick up after it, and stick to designated trails to help protect plants and wildlife (it is a nature preserve, after all). Enjoy breathtaking views on some nine miles of hiking trails across 571 rolling acres of woodlands, meadows, and wetlands. For a longer, slightly more challenging hike, check out the red loop trail (4.1 miles), or keep it short and easy on the purple (0.8 miles) or green loop trail.

If you’re all hiked and dog-parked out, the Elmwood Park Zoo offers something different with their Dog Days and Yappy Hours, the first dog-friendly zoo in the country. Take your dog to check out the animals on select days and hours, or have a drink in the Zoo Brew Beer Garden. You’ll need to apply online, and have a copy of your most recent vet visit and vaccination records. When approved, you’ll be able to buy a pass ($9.95-$10.95 per dog) for your furry friend for a unique day out.

Back in 2012, this park’s namesake pup, Beau (and his mom, Angela), won a Beneful Dream Dog Park contest, bringing some $500,000 in renovations to Buchanan Dog Park in Lancaster. With that, it became one of the coolest (and highest-rated) off-leash dog parks in the state, complete with splash pads, a tennis ball tree (with launcher), a dog tunnel, drinking fountains, and separate areas for small and large dogs. If all dogs go to heaven, it probably looks a lot like this.

This Jersey park has plenty of room to explore on leash with your pup — but the real draw is the nine fenced-in acres in the woods where dogs can run off leash to their heart’s content. That’s a huge amount of space, so keep an eye on your dog and make sure they respond to commands to stay nearby. As a bonus, there’s a small lake outside the dog park area that is commonly used for swimming during hot days, but technically your dog should be leashed while there.

This Medford park has received plenty of kudos over the years, including being named the No. 1 spot on Rover’s list of Jersey dog parks and getting a nod from USA Today as one of the top 10 dog parks in the country. The park has 26 acres of open fields to explore, creeks to swim in, and nature to take in. There are even two fenced-in off-leash areas for small and large dogs, each 30 yards by 100 yards, and each complete with agility equipment to train (and tire out) your pup.

Known as Longport Dog Beach, Malibu Beach, or simply Dog Beach, this is exactly what it sounds like — a (somewhat unofficial) beach just for dogs and their owners. Located at the Malibu Beach Wildlife Management Area, this is a no-frills spot — as in, no public bathrooms, no water fountains, and no provided poop bags. But the main draws — the sand and surf — are available and accessible for your pup. Be warned, though: Parking gets tough because it’s a popular spot.