Dog-Friendly Activities in Connecticut

Lake Mohegan Open Space is a beautiful dog-friendly recreation area in Fairfield, CT. The scenic hiking trails take you around the lake, over a foot bridge, and through woodlands at this 170-acre property. Fido can enjoy some off-leash time on your hike after you reach the "100-foot" sign posted on the trail. Please make sure your pets are under voice control at all times and be sure to clean up after them.

Taking its name from the round holes that appear in the waterfalls, dog-friendly Devil's Hopyard State Park in East Haddam, CT is a perfect place to enjoy a day in nature. You and your pooch can hike, picnic, birdwatch and fish in the stream. Just keep Fido on a leash at all times, and note that pets are not permitted in the campground.

Mystic Seaport Museum is a dog-friendly attraction in Mystic, CT. Walk the grounds with your leashed pet and explore the museum's shipyard, nineteenth-century village re-creation, and nine gardens or enjoy a stroll along the river. Leashed pets are welcome on the museum grounds, although they aren't permitted in any buildings or museum vessels. Rent a rowboat or sailboat to spend an hour exploring the Mystic River in a traditional small craft. Choose one of more than a dozen boats that vary in capacity from 2 to 5 people (plus a dog). Boathouse staff will set you up with life jackets, oars, and other gear. Pricing for boat rentals vary.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Bluff Point State Park, a pet-friendly recreational area in Groton, CT. Situated on the shores of Poquonnock River, this park offers over 800 acres for you and Fido to explore. There are wooded hiking and biking trails, opportunities for fishing and boating, and spectacular wildlife viewing on Long Island Sound. Please note that dogs and horses aren't permitted on the beach from April 1st to September 1st.

Sleeping Giant State Park is a dog-friendly area in Hamden, CT. Despite the name, this park is popular among hikers and people looking for a picturesque place to have a picnic. The name actually comes from the mountaintops resembling the image of a giant having a nap. You can wander the uneven ridges on one of the many hiking trails with Fido as long as he is on a leash.

Fido is welcome to join you at Fort Trumbull State Park, a pet-friendly park in New London, CT. Enjoy the paved walking trail around the fort and along the waterfront.

Spacecat Brewing Company is a craft brewery and taproom in the heart of South Norwalk, CT. Fido can join you inside the spacious, modern taproom, or outside in the beer garden. As about the Spacecat dog treats! They brew a variety of beer styles, both flagship and limited release, including pilsners, blondes, wheat ales, IPAs, and goses. Food trucks are occasionally on site.

Bring Fido along to the Weir Farm National Historic Site, a dog-friendly National Park in Wilton, CT. This property is 68 acres that once belonged to Impressionist painter J. Alden Weir. You and your pup can enjoy woods, fields and waterways together. Leashed pets are permitted in the park, but are not allowed in the buildings. Leashes must be no longer than six feet.

Southbury Dog Park is a 14-acre, off-leash dog park in Southbury, CT, that welcomes friendly dogs. The park offers a separate small-dog area, a huge open field, a beautiful and accessible river, two wooded trails, tables, benches and plenty of waste bags. Owners can bring their dogs to enjoy the company of other canines, play a game of fetch or go for a dip in the stream. Please note that while the dog park is an off-leash area for dogs, it is not completely fenced.

Bring Fido for a stroll around dog-friendly Olde Mistick Village. Located in Mystic, CT, the village is an outdoor shopping and dining destination designed to resemble a New England-style village of yesteryear. Both two and four-legged guests are welcome to spend a day roaming around the duck pond and along the walkways. Pets must be leashed during their visit and aren't permitted inside every store, so owners will need to inquire within before bringing Fido inside.

Promenade Shops at Evergreen Walk in Windsor, CT, has many stores that welcome dogs to join you inside. The dog-friendly stores include Anthropologie, Appleseed’s, Brighton Collectibles, Brookstone, Destination Maternity, Eddie Bauer, Francesca’s Collections, Gap, J.Crew, J. Jill, Kirkland’s Home, Lady Foot Locker, Leaps & Bones, L’Occitane, New Balance, Papyrus, Pottery Barn, Shoe Explosion, Soft Surroundings, Talbots, Ann Taylor Loft, Banana Republic, Chico’s, Clarks, Coldwater Creek, Country Curtains, GapKids, Green Tangerine Spa & Salon, Sparkle and White House | Black Market.

Bring Fido out for an afternoon of fun and exploration on the trails at pet-friendly Tarrywile Park in Danbury, CT. Leashed pups are welcome at this scenic park featuring plenty of parking, hiking trails, benches, picnic tables and a pond.

Leashed dogs are welcome in picnic areas and on hiking trails at Kent Falls State Park, a pet-friendly recreation area in Kent, CT. You and Fido can explore the covered bridge and the quarter-mile hiking trail that leads to a stunning 250-foot waterfall. Please note that the parking lot may close for a few hours when the park reaches capacity. Arriving early is recommended.

Leashed dogs are welcome to tour Lavender Pond Farm with you in Killingworth, CT. Enjoy strolling through the lavender fields, shopping in the store and riding the LPF Express at this pet-friendly attraction. There is also corn hole, chess and plenty of spots to sit and relax. Please clean up after your pets on the farm!

Chimney Bluffs State Park in Wolcott, NY, offers some of the most dramatic views along Lake Ontario, with towering earthen spires and scenic hiking trails. Dogs are welcome on all well-marked trails, provided they're leashed (max 6 feet) and supervised. Enjoy nature trails, picnic areas, and restrooms at this stunning, pet-friendly day-use park. Please note that only two pets per group are allowed, and there's a parking fee.

Jennings Beach is a pet-friendly area covering 27 acres along the Long Island Sound in Fairfield, CT. Dogs and horses are welcome at this off-leash beach from October 1st to March 31st. Pets must be cleaned up after and aren't permitted on the boardwalks, pavilions or playgrounds.

Hoppers Birge Pond is a pet-friendly recreational area in Bristol, CT. Dogs are welcome on-leash at this facility. It includes a large, unfenced, open meadow crisscrossed with trails. In addition, you'll find over 2 miles of hiking trails through wooded areas.

Sherwood Island State Park in Westport, CT welcomes leashed dogs in the off-season from October 1st to April 14th. This public recreation area can be found on the shore of Long Island Sound and offers swimming, fishing and dog-friendly trails. Pets are not allowed in the park during the summer season from April 15th through September 30th.

Fido can exercise and socialize at Paw Meadow Dog Park in Simsbury, CT. This park allows Fido to run off the leash and features a separate small dog area for pups under 25 lbs. There are also many pet-friendly trails surrounding the park for a walk or hike.

Enjoy some exercise and a picnic with your pup at dog-friendly Burr Pond State Park in Torrington, CT. Explore the hiking trails with Fido in search of the bronze tablet marking Connecticut's role in the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution. Please note that pets are not permitted on the beach and must be leashed at all times during your visit.