Dog-Friendly Activities in Connecticut

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.

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.

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.

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.

Giuffrida Park is a dog-friendly outdoor recreation area in Meriden, CT. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you one of the six trails that range from easy to difficult. Stroll along the reservoir, picturesque meadows, and take in the beauty of your surroundings from the top of Lamentation Mountain and Chauncey Peak.

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.

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.

Dogs are welcome at Salmon River State Forest in Colchester, CT. This pet-friendly preservation area is home to a historic covered bridge that crosses over the shallow waters of the Salmon River below. As well as being a popular hiking and picnic spot, the area is very popular among anglers due to the easy water access.

Bring Fido to Bailey's Dog Park in Clinton, CT, which is open to all sizes of dogs that are up-to-date on vaccinations. Parking is readily available at Ethel Peters Recreation Complex. The fully-fenced dog park features running water, waste bags and shaded areas.

East Windsor Dog Park is a recreational area in Broad Brook, CT. Providing a fun, safe, and friendly environment for dogs in the East Windsor area, East Windsor Dog Park offers a one-acre grass park with separate areas for small and large dogs. It is suggested that dog owners bring water with them as there is no water onsite. The park closes mid-winter and reopens in the spring.

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.

Leashed dogs can join you on a visit to Books & Company, a pet-friendly bookstore in North Haven, CT. They offer "new to you" used books, greeting cards, unusual gifts, locally-made crafts and more. While the new space isn’t large enough for a coffee bar, you’re welcome to bring your own coffee and treats—along with your pup.

Leashed dogs are welcome at Yankee Cider Company in East Haddam. As Connecticut's first farm cidery taproom, they feature a beautiful vintage barn and outdoor area, and specialize in crafting New England style hard ciders from locally-grown apples. With a rotation of ciders available, you can enjoy unique options including spiced fig, tart cherry and even a Caramel Cider Donut Hard Cider. Apple wines are also available.

Lock City Brewing is a pet-friendly brewery in Stamford, CT. Fido is welcome both inside the taproom or in the outdoor area while you enjoy a flight or pint of their craft beer.

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!

Fido is welcome to join you for a beer at dog-friendly Kinsmen Brewing Company, located in Southington, CT. Dogs can accompany you beside an umbrella-shaded picnic table on the spacious outside patio. Overlooking the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, patrons can sit, relax and sample artisan craft beer such as Homeward Bound IPA or Yup/Nope Double IPA. Menu options include a wide variety of house-made pizza which can be prepared with a gluten-free crust, signature sandwiches, salads, and shareable appetizers.

Dogs are welcome to join their owners at Tribus Brewing Co in Milford, CT. The first brewery and taproom to come to the town, Tribus offers up a wide selection of flavorsome beers brewed on the premises. Their beer list includes sour IPA, IPA, porters, stouts, and more. Your pooch can join you outside in the biergarten.

Dog-friendly Bigelow Hollow State Park & Nipmuck State Forest in Union, CT, offers boating, fishing and hiking to locals and visitors. Stretching over 9,000 acres, the park has scenic hiking trails and access points to Mashapaug Lake & Bigelow Pond. Please keep Fido leashed during your visit.