Your pup is a member of your family, so it makes sense you want to spend as much time with them as possible. In Denver, there are many dog-friendly places you can bring your furry friend, from parks and hiking trails to bars and restaurants. When you want to have some quality time with your pooch, here are seven dog-friendly activities near Denver.
Cherry Creek State Park
Take your pup to Cherry Creek State Park for a full day of outdoor fun. This 880-acre park in southeast Denver has over 12 miles of multi-use hiking trails, and many of the trails allow dogs as long as you keep them on a 6-foot leash. Your dog can also burn off some energy in the park's off-leash dog area. Inside this 107-acre fenced area, your dog can run and play, and they can even cool off with a refreshing dip in Cherry Creek, which runs through the dog park.
Other amenities at Cherry Creek State Park include picnic areas, a swim beach, and campgrounds. The park allows dogs in the campgrounds and most areas of the park, except for the wetlands.
Location: 4201 South Parker Road, Aurora.
Hours: 24 hours a day for camping; 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. for all other activities.
Sloan's Lake Park
When you want to take your dog on a walk with a view, head to Sloan's Lake Park in the Highlands neighborhood. The second-largest park in Denver, Sloan's Lake Park provides a 2.8-mile paved walking path around the lake. You and your dog will enjoy waterfront views while getting some fresh air and exercise. The park also has plenty of grassy areas where you and your furry friend can relax or enjoy a sunset over the Rocky Mountains. When using the trail or other park areas, you must keep your dog on a leash at all times.
Location: 1700 N. Sheridan Boulevard, Denver.
Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
City Floral Garden Center
Let's be honest: Your yard is your dog's domain. So the next time you plan to do some yardwork, gardening, or landscaping, don't leave them out of the process. Instead, take your four-legged friend to City Floral Garden Center, an independently owned and operated nursery in the heart of Denver. City Floral allows well-behaved pets on leashes. Walk through the 40,000-square-foot garden center and allow your pup to sniff the wide variety of plants, trees, shrubs, annuals, and perennials. The greenhouse also has resident cats and chickens, so keep that in mind when bringing your pup there.
Location: 1440 Kearney St., Denver.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Railyard Dog Park
The Railyard Dog Park, one of 12 dog parks in the city, is the perfect place to bring your pooch for some play and socialization. This fully fenced park has separate areas for low-energy and high-energy dogs, so your pup can either chill in the shade or run to their heart's content. There's a water fountain so your dog can stay hydrated, though you may also want to bring water in case it's out of service. Railyard Dog Park also has lighting, so you can feel safe bringing your dog to the park in the early morning or after dusk.
The park supplies dog bag dispensers so you can clean up after your pup. The park requires you to keep your dog on a leash when outside the fenced area. Your dog must have their current rabies vaccination and a Denver dog license to use the park.
Location: 2005 19th St., Denver.
Hours: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily.
Bruz Beers
Grab a brew with your best friend at Bruz Beers in Midtown. While there are numerous dog-friendly breweries in Denver, Bruz Beers is one of the best. The brewery allows dogs in its taproom and outside on the spacious patio. While you sip on a Belgian-style ale or lager, your pup can enjoy a dog food bowl, prepared by the restaurant next door. You may even spot the official Buzz Brew dogs, Cooper and Mr. Bentley, on your visit to the brewery.
Location: 1675 W. 67th Ave., #100, Denver.
Hours: 1 to 9 p.m. daily.
Three Dog Bakery
When you want to reward your dog for being a very good boy or girl, bring them to Three Dog Bakery. Since 1989, the dog bakery has focused on creating tasty, handmade treats for furry family members. The bakery makes its dog treats from scratch using healthy ingredients. From pupcakes to pawlines to woofie pies, the bakery's selection features a wide variety of treats for your fur baby. You can even order a custom cake to celebrate your dog's birthday, gotcha day, or other special occasion.
Three Dog Bakery sells treats, toys, rawhides, chews, grooming gear, and accessories for your dog. The bakery also offers a dog wash unit you can use to give your pup a bath.
Location: 1503 Boulder St., Denver.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Lazy Dog
For a casual meal you can enjoy with your dog, make plans to visit Lazy Dog. This California-based regional chain has three locations in the Denver area, where you can dine with your dog outside. While you enjoy a made-from-scratch meal, your pup can chow down on a grilled hamburger patty bowl or a grilled chicken breast bowl, both served with brown rice and veggies. The restaurant also offers complimentary bowls of water for your pooch. When visiting the Lazy Dog with your furry friend, the restaurant urges you to avoid the "three Bs": begging, barking, and biting.
Locations: 24110 E. State Ave., Aurora; 43 Centennial Boulevard, Highlands Ranch; and 14618 Delaware St., Westminster.
Hours: 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday.
Now you know all about seven dog-friendly activities in Denver. Do you plan to visit one of these places with your pup? If you're a local, did we miss one of your favorite dog-friendly activities in the Denver area? Let us know so we can add it to our list.
At Sploot Veterinary Care, we understand your dog is more than a pet — they're family. We provide primary and urgent veterinary care across the Denver area. With 365-day availability and same-day appointments, we're always there for you and your dog. You can find one of our Denver-area locations or schedule an appointment on our website.
Lucy with her Stick by Suzie Tremmel is licensed with CC BY 2.0
