Dog-Friendly Activities in Hershey, PA

Patriot Park in Hershey, PA, is a dog-friendly community park with paved ADA-accessible walking trails and shorter mulch-covered nature paths. Dogs can enjoy exploring the trails and open spaces while taking in views of nearby Hershey Park. Visitors should bring water, a bowl and waste bags, as these amenities are not provided. Free parking is available and restrooms are open year-round.

Leashed dogs are welcome at the pet-friendly Pennsylvania State Police Museum (run by the Historical, Educational, and Memorial Center) in Hershey, PA. Visitors are invited to explore the rich history and legacy of the PA State Police through interactive exhibits including vintage patrol vehicles, a 1962 Harley motorcycle, weaponry and artifacts from the Troopers’ daily lives.

Bring Fido to the dog-friendly Boathouse Park in Hershey, PA. Located along the Swatara River, the area is branded as a pet-friendly creek access. The park is unique to all of the other township parks in that it features a boat launch. It offers leashed pups and their owners fishing, boating and picnicking opportunities.

Tanger Outlets is a dog-friendly, open-air shopping mall with a location in Hershey, PA, offering a variety of brand-name and designer stores. Your leashed furry friend is welcome to join in outdoor areas. While the grounds are pet friendly, please note that not all stores welcome dogs, so guests are encouraged to check directly with businesses before entering with Fido.

Wildwood Park is a pet-friendly attraction in Harrisburg, PA. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on the seven walking trails of this lovely Harrisburg nature center. Be sure to keep an eye out for ducks, geese and squirrels.

Fido is invited to play at Canine Meadows, an off-leash facility located within John C. Rudy Park in York, PA. There are three enclosed areas for dogs of all sizes to run. Dogs are required to be state-licensed, vaccinated and wearing current ID tags.

Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area is a pet-friendly attraction in Harrisburg, PA. The park is 1,025 acres and is the habitat of large trees of numerous species to see firsthand with your furry friend. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trails as long as they are cleaned up after.

The Swatara Rail-Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Jonestown! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Swatara Rail-Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

Leashed and friendly pups are welcome at the dog-friendly Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Market in York, PA. It's a great spot to bring Fido while enjoying the farm's seasonal activities, like the corn maze, sunflower fields and pumpkin patch! Owners are asked to clean up after their dogs and note that Fido isn't permitted in the farm market, pick-your-own orchards, or wagon rides. Hours vary by season, so check their website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.

McNaughton Family Park in Hummelstown, PA, is a dog-friendly, 33-acre mixed-use recreation area featuring a large grass field bordered by woods and streams. Visitors can enjoy a paved walking path around the field, soccer goals and park benches. Dogs can access a shallow creek area with sandbars for play, along with a scenic walk from the dead-end parking lot as a bonus outing. ADA-accessible portable restrooms are available on site.

The Northwest Lancaster County River Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Marietta! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

The Stony Valley Railroad Grade is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Dauphin! The map below shows a trailhead where you can pick up the Stony Valley Railroad Grade. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

Prussian Street Arcade is a pet-friendly boutique shopping experience. Bring your leashed dog to this indoor neighborhood of shops supporting local curators, traders, and craftsmen. You will find everything from antiques to clothing and jewelry, candles, unique crafts and even dog treats and bandanas. Be sure to stop at the register for treats. Prussian Street Arcade is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm.

Bring Fido along with you to the pet-friendly, historic Armar Bordner Cabin by Aycrigg’s Falls in Swatara State Park, Jonestown, PA. You can explore the 3.1-mile out-and-back trail with flat stone paths, enjoy the waterfall, and let your pup cool off in the streams. Dogs are welcome inside the cabin and can join you at one of the picnic tables for a relaxing time in nature. Just be sure to keep them leashed and cleaned up after.

Bring Fido to the pet-friendly Memorial Lake State Park in Grantville, PA. Leashed furry friends are welcome at this 230-acre recreation area, which features walking paths and picnic areas, and is surrounded by Fort Indiantown Gap, the headquarters for the Pennsylvania Army and Air National Guard. Pets are permitted, but must be leashed and cleaned up after.

Explore the dog-friendly Duke St. Nature Trail in Hummelstown, PA, with Fido. The shaded recreation area features hiking trails and side paths leading to rocky beach areas along Swatara Creek. Visitors can access swimming spots, picnic areas, and a large grassy field, as well as free parking and a trash can near the trailhead.

Leashed dogs are welcome at the pet-friendly Shank Park in Hummelstown, PA. This 90-acre community recreation area features open green space, shaded trails, and scenic wooded areas. The park also offers sports fields, an 18-hole disc golf course, playgrounds, picnic pavilions, and an interpretive nature trail, with streams nearby for pups to cool off.

Leashed dogs are welcome on the Jonathan Eshenour Memorial Trail in Hummelstown, PA, a 13.5-mile paved, pet-friendly trail connecting Hershey and nearby communities. This mostly flat route offers parking access at multiple points and connects easily to the Bullfrog Valley Trail. Visitors can enjoy walking, biking, jogging and more.

Enjoy nature with Fido at the dog-friendly Detweiler Park in Dauphin, PA. This property features 7 miles of trails that wind through varied habitats like gardens, meadows and evergreens. There are several Adirondack chairs placed throughout the park where you and your pup can sit and enjoy the surroundings! Dogs must stay leashed and waste must be bagged and removed from the park.

Vortex Books and Comics is a pet-friendly bookstore with a focus on horror genre in Columbia, PA. Browse their extensive book and comic collections with your well-behaved, leashed pup in tow and pick out your next favorite read.