Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Breweries
This information is courtesy of visitdenver.com. Many Denver restaurants like Bigsby’s Folly Craft Winery, which was named after a beloved dog, and craft breweries and beer gardens like Black Shirt Brewing Co. , Bruz Off Fax, Holidaily Brewing Company Tech Center, Joyride Brewing Company and Lowry Beer Garden are more than happy to welcome four-legged friends. The city requires each dog-friendly establishment to have a patio with an exterior exit so that the animals are not walking through the interior to get to the patio. It’s then up to each business to decide whether to allow non-service dogs on their patios. It’s best to search for establishments with patios and call ahead to find out about their policies.
Best Downtown Denver Dog Parks
Railyard Dog Park
A group of downtown residents with dogs helped make Railyard Dog Park, an in-the-city, one-acre dog park a reality in 2010. Located in LoDo (Lower Downtown Denver), this fenced-in, off-leash park has a soft, sandy base, shaded areas, a water fountain and benches. Separate areas for low-energy and high-area dogs keep canines and owners in sync. Note: The park has temporarily closed in the past for cleanup efforts. Please check with the city for the current status.
Fuller Park Dog Park
Located in between Five Points and City Park West neighborhoods, the one-acre, fenced-in Fuller Dog Park has a suburban/urban feel due to its location in the residential area behind Manual High School. Expect sand for ground cover and a surrounding park area outside the fence. Water jugs are available but make sure to bring your own water just in case they are empty.
Berkeley Lake Dog Park
Situated on two acres near Lakeside Amusement Park just off Interstate 70 and Sheridan, Berkeley Lake Dog Park is a fenced-in area for pooches and their pals just west of the lake. There is a parking lot just off West 46th Avenue, and then head northwest from there along the path. Bring water as there is no access to the lake from inside the dog park, and pet owners will be happy to know there is a separate fenced-in area specifically designed for dogs under 25 pounds. The park can be a bit noisy due to its location but amusement park lights and roller-coaster sounds add to the atmosphere on fair-weather nights.
Cherry Creek State Park
Cherry Creek State Park is the largest regional park and recreation area in southeast Denver, and it was also the first park in the Colorado State Park system. The Dog Off-Leash Area (DOLA) is a spacious 107-acre fenced area in the southeast corner of the park and offers water access to Cherry Creek for canine enjoyment. Use of the dog park requires a DOLA pass and a park pass for all vehicles entering the park. DOLA passes are available at the entrance stations and park office. When staff is unavailable to assist, daily passes can be purchased at the self-serve stations. Make sure to know the rules so everyone enjoys DOLA, such as keep dogs within visual distance and under voice control when off-leash, carry a leash and waste bag for each dog, clean up after your dog, and respect the limit of three dogs per handler. Miles of trails meander through the Cherry Creek State Park, so dogs and owners have superb exploration and exercise opportunities. All dogs must remain on leash when visiting the park and not in the fenced area.
Large Parks and Open Spaces
Make sure to keep dogs on leashes in these beautiful Denver Parks. If you prefer leash-free play, head to the dog parks mentioned above and the many others in the Denver metropolitan area.
Confluence Park
The name Confluence Park hints at two waterways joining, which is exactly the case with Cherry Creek and the South Platte River meeting up at Denver’s scenic Confluence Park. It’s a favorite area to enjoy views of downtown, get out for a walk with Fluffy or Fido, observe kayakers braving the rapids and sunbathe on the sandy banks. The park is surrounded by residential lofts, shops and office buildings and is located near REI’s flagship store and Downtown Aquarium . Catch some tunes on summer Thursday evenings at the free concert series.
City Park
Located in east-central Denver, City Park covers 314 landscaped acres and is home to family-friendly attractions and a public golf course, all surrounded by a neighborhood. Playgrounds, picnic sites, lakes and more make this expansive park Denver’s version of Central Park in New York City. It’s a great place to spend a day as a family or with human and furry friends.
Cheesman Park
Located in central Denver, southeast of downtown at Franklin Street and Eighth Avenue, Cheesman Park has a long and storied history. A crushed granite path winds its way around the park, and there is plenty of space for flying kites and throwing Frisbees, enjoying a large children’s playground, and taking in beautiful vistas from the historic Cheesman Memorial Pavilion, constructed from marble to honor Denver pioneer Walter Cheesman. Don’t miss this urban oasis for pups and people.
Washington Park
Encompassing 155 acres of pleasant grounds, including two lakes and a flower garden that is a replica of George Washington’s gardens at Mount Vernon, Washington Park is a favorite outdoor recreation paradise. One of the park’s most distinct features is the Washington Park Boathouse, completed in 1913 and most recently renovated in 2012. Among the many other amenities that canines and their owners will observe and enjoy is a bicycle/pedestrian pathway, crushed granite jogging path, fitness course, horseshoe pit, lawn bowling/croquet area, soccer field, tennis courts and recreation center. Boat rentals are available and also watch for free outdoor concerts.
Sloan’s Lake Park
The 177-acre Sloan’s Lake Park, the second largest of Denver’s parks, is located in the Highlands neighborhood. Voted one of the best places to run, Sloan’s Lake is bordered by a 2.6-mile trail for walking, jogging and biking. Fishing, boating and water skiing are allowed on the lake and the annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival brings visitors and locals to Sloan’s Lake Park to celebrate Asian-American culture and tradition. Grill out, play basketball or tennis, or just relax with a favorite canine family member in tow. Afterward, have a beer at Joyride Brewing Company in Edgewater, a dog-friendly bar just outside of Denver city limits.
Wag + Wanderlust 