Dog-Friendly Activities in Columbus, OH

The Scioto Mile is a dog-friendly pathway stretching along the riverfront, from the vibrant Arena District on the north end to the natural beauty of the Whittier Peninsula on the south, in downtown Columbus, OH. Comprised of more than 175 acres of lush parkland, fountains, scenic overlooks and a riverfront promenade, leashed dogs are welcome to join you, except for around the Scioto Mile Fountain.

Fido can play off-leash at the popular Godown Park, a dog park co-owned between the cities of Worthington and Columbus, OH. This fenced dog park features a separate space for small pups, mature trees, walking paths, benches, canine and human water fountains, waste stations and even dog wash stations. Please note that maintenance occurs at the dog park beginning each Wednesday at 6:00 AM until projects are completed.

Leashed dogs are welcome at the pet-friendly Antrim Park in Columbus, OH. The park spans nearly 120 acres and is nestled alongside a picturesque quarried lake and the Olentangy Greenway Trail, making it an ideal destination for running, walking, biking or skating. A favorite spot for fishing, visitors can cast their lines from the shoreline or the large accessible dock. Each year, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources stocks the lake with Rainbow Trout. However, boats and swimming aren't permitted.

Leashed dogs are welcome inside and out at Pins Mechanical Co. in Columbus, OH. This dog-friendly bar has fun games like bowling and pinball. No food is served but they sometimes have food trucks, and you're welcome to bring your own food or snacks. They also have beer, wine, cocktails and soft drinks available for purchase. No outside beverages are allowed.

Goodale Park is a dog-friendly public park in Columbus, OH, where leashed dogs are welcome to enjoy a walk or an afternoon picnic with you. Nestled in the heart of Victorian Village, this wooded park features a gazebo, an open air shelter, a 0.8-mile paved path, picnic tables, a playground and a pond.

Bexley Natural Dog Park is along the trail between Livingston and Main, with lots of natural logs to play on and ample space to run in Columbus, OH. There are two separate sections for small and large dogs to play. A dog washing station is also on site.

The dog park at Scioto Audubon Metro Park features separate fenced areas for both large and small dogs in Columbus, OH. Half of this 1.5-acre dog park is surfaced with artificial turf, and there are a number of obstacles and play structures for Fido to enjoy. Additional amenities include benches and drinking water.

Lowe's Home Improvement is pet-friendly. Bring your dog along to this Columbus store and sniff out the best deals on DIY, garden supplies and other household items. Leashed canines are welcome inside the store, as long as they are well-behaved and cleaned up after. They are open Monday through Saturday from 6am to 9pm and Sunday from 8am to 8pm.

The dog park at Three Creeks Metro Park in Columbus, OH is a four-acre fenced park in the Sycamore Fields Area. This park features a separate section for small dogs, drinking water, and waste bags. There are also pet-friendly trails outside of the fenced area where leashed dogs are welcome.

Located along the west bank of the Scioto River in Columbus, OH, Quarry Trails Metro Park is a 220-acre area described as an “urban Hocking Hills experience.” Your pup can join you in exploring the park’s off-leash dog park and pet-friendly trails, view the beautiful waterfall from an overlook, and ramble around the former quarry. Dogs must be leashed when not in the dog park area.

Flint Station is a dog-friendly market in Columbus, OH where your leashed dog is welcome to join you on the outdoor patio. On the patio you will find a bar that often times has live music and features food from Jack Ruby’s BBQ truck. You can also go shopping in the store for goodies like baked goods, drinkware, and canned and jarred goods.

Elm & Iron Warehouse in Columbus, OH is pet friendly. This eclectic shop offers a selection of home decorations and furniture. Every time you walk through the door at Elm & Iron, you can begin to reimagine your space. They offer an eclectic collection of home furnishings, accessories and décor. Leashed dogs are welcome.

Bring Fido to Bumble's Backyard in Columbus, OH, for a fun-filled day of play and socializing. This unique dog park, bar and coffee shop welcomes both two- and four-legged guests to enjoy its spacious outdoor area. The fenced property features high-quality turf, providing a safe spot for dogs to run and play off leash, with access available through day, monthly or annual memberships. While pups enjoy the freedom, owners can relax in the gravel courtyard with local craft brews, espressos or milkshakes. Don't forget to treat Fido to a free pup cup to wrap up the perfect outing!

Wheeler Memorial Dog Park is an off-leash park featuring paths, benches, grass, hills and trees. This 1.5-acre fenced area is a great destination for Fido to enjoy some exercise with other canines. The park features tables, benches and a water pump.

Battelle Riverfront Park is a dog-friendly community space along the Scioto Greenway in downtown Columbus, OH. Follow the 0.5-mile path through the park with Fido and explore the different monuments in the park, which include one for firefighters and another for war veterans. Dogs must be leashed while visiting this park.

Scioto Audubon Metro Park is a unique, pet-friendly park in Columbus, OH. Situated along the Scioto River, this 120-acre recreation area features trails, an obstacle course and three picnic shelters. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you for a walk or an afternoon picnic, and there's also a fenced dog park for some off-leash exercise.

Parsons North Brewing Company offers pet-friendly outdoor seating in Columbus, OH. Bring Fido along while you enjoy craft brews in a variety of styles at one of the picnic tables in the beer garden, which is heated and enclosed during the winter. If you're hungry, food trucks are on site throughout the week.

The Book Loft, located in the center of Columbus, OH, is dog friendly. Well-behaved pups can join you inside while you shop for books in their 32 different rooms. Your pup may even be offered treats and lots of pets during your visit. An outdoor area is also available to sit and read your new purchase.

The Columbus Park of Roses in Columbus, OH, is a pet-friendly, 13-acre garden featuring over 7,500 rose specimens and five distinct horticultural themes. With more than a mile of paved walkways, benches and year-round beauty, it's a peaceful spot for a stroll with your leashed dog. As one of the largest public rose gardens in the U.S., it's a must-visit for nature lovers.

Leashed dogs are welcome at pet-friendly Whetstone Park in Columbus, OH. Park amenities include a gazebo, playground, pond, greenway trail access, and a parking lot. Enjoy a walk on the trails with Fido or a scenic picnic at this popular city park.