Indoor Dog Parks to Take the Winter Chill Off

Posted by Billy Francis

Outdoor dog parks are an excellent way for urban pups to make new friends and stretch their legs. Unfortunately, many of them are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Fido’s freshly cleaned coat won’t last two seconds in the mud if the weather doesn’t cooperate. The solution is to take the “pawty” inside. These indoor dog parks are protected from the elements and promise a mud-free romp with fellow furry friends. Don’t forget you’ll need up-to-date vaccination records to gain entry.

Wag 'N Paddle

Naperville, IL
“My coat is Dog-che and Grrrbana.” Photo by Facebook.com/wagnpaddle

Let Fido loose on a variety of fun obstacles at the 9,000-square-foot Wag ‘N Paddle. As featured in the latest edition of our book, Ruff Guide to the United States, this indoor canine nirvana is the perfect solution to Fido's wintertime blues. Dog owners needn’t worry about “ruff housing” here. All new members are evaluated by staff to make sure they’re the right fit for the pack. Wag ‘N Paddle is also home to a pool, where you can sign your furry friend up for a 30-minute, one-on-one swim lesson with a trained coach. Visitors can book a single swim session for $45 or a one-hour park pass for $20.

Let your pooped pooch sleep it off at Homewood Suites by Hilton Aurora Naperville.

Dogwood Play Park

Seattle, WA
“We’re having a ball!” Photo by Facebook.com/DogwoodPlayPark

Dogwood Play Park offers a welcome respite from the rain in North Seattle. The indoor space is divided into separate areas for active and gentle play, covering an expansive 8,000 square feet in total. While your pup leaps and bounds, grab a brew from the bar serving coffee, beer and snacks. As an added “bone-us”, the Seattle Barkery operates a "Treat Bar" inside the park. Good boys and girls are rewarded with gourmet snacks created for canine palettes. Single entry is $15.

No dog would pass up the chance for a repeat visit to Dogwood! Extend your stay with a room at the pet-friendly Hotel Nexus, BW Signature Collection, where four-legged guests receive a treat upon arrival.

Paws 4 Fun

Lincoln, NE
“One giant leap for dog-kind!” Photo by Facebook.com/paws4funlincoln

Paws 4 Fun is Nebraska’s first indoor dog park. The 12,000-square-foot recreation area is divided into two large and two small areas, so your pup doesn’t have to hang out with her nemesis. Every park is decked out with drainage systems, turf designed specifically for canines, playground equipment, toys and tunnels. The complex also houses a pool. Owners can grab a complimentary coffee and work remotely on the free Wi-Fi in the lounge. Daily passes are available for $10.

After a day at the park, relax at this cozy bungalow in the Historical Springfield District with a beautiful front porch and fenced garden.

Kanine Social

Jacksonville, FL
“I’m pretty fly for a canine.” Photo by Facebook.com/KanineSocial

Kanine Social is Jacksonville’s only indoor/outdoor dog park. The 5,000-square-foot interior section includes separate areas for small and large dogs, fit for every personality. Humans can sample a craft beer or coffee from the bar, sit back and watch the mutts mingle. When it comes time to drag your pooch home, wash her off in one of three self-wash bathing stations. Visitors can become Kanine Social members, enjoy monthly or annual discounted membership, or spend the day for $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekends.

After a day at the park, relax and enjoy views of St. Johns River from your pet-friendly room at Jacksonville River City Downtown Hotel.

Bow Chika Wow Town

Warwick, RI
“Home? This is my home now.” Photo by Facebook.com/BowChikaWowTown

Bow Chika Wow Town is Rhode Island’s first and only indoor dog park. Updated regularly, the 13,000-square-foot space is the biggest on our list. Leave your mutt’s toys at home and let him enjoy the in-house play structures and tennis balls provided instead. He can hop through hoops, climb over agility equipment and frolic all day. The canine town also has separate areas for large and small dogs. After Fido's had his fill, clean him up at one of the self-wash stations. Daily passes are $12.

One visit to Bow Chika Wow Town probably won't be enough for your four-legged friend. Reserve a room at the nearby Hampton Inn & Suites Providence Warwick Airport, and come back for another day of fun.

Doggos Dog Park & Pub

Greensboro, NC
Doggos on deck! Photo by Facebook.com/doggosparkandpub

Pay a visit to Doggos Dog Park & Pub, the Piedmont Triad’s first indoor dog park and pub. The air-conditioned interior keeps pups active for longer, whatever the temperature. Fido can bound freely in the main section or hang with his shorties in the small dog area. There’s also a “Private Pawty Space” to rent for his next special day. While the tail-waggers are busy, humans can indulge in a local North Carolina cider or beer from the bar. Day passes are $10. Monthly and annual membership passes are also available.

Stay close to the action at the park and pub with a pet-friendly room at Hyatt Place Greensboro, located just a few minutes away.

Wet Noses Dry Paws

Tacoma, WA
"Throw it again!" Photo by Facebook.com/wetnosesdrypaws

Avoid the Washington winter at Wet Noses Dry Paws. Your pal can romp among the tires and agility equipment throughout this 6,000-square-foot space. While she socializes with fellow “pawtrons,” enjoy a beer from the attached bar. The turfed potty area is also a nice alternative for pampered pooches who hate peeing outside in the rain. Single entry is $15.

Your tuckered out terrier can relax at Casa Van Gogh, a pet-friendly Airbnb with a “Starry Night” themed living room and a fenced backyard.

Work & Woof

Austin, TX
Work hard, play harder. Photo by Facebook.com/WorkandWoofATX

Austin is one of the best pet-friendly cities for remote workers in the U.S., which is partly due to facilities like Work & Woof. This fresh concept combines the fun of indoor dog parks with the convenience of a coworking space. At Work & Woof, a trained professional watches over the dogs while you get on with your work day. The 4,000-square-foot interior space is equipped with beds, toys, balls and equipment to keep your furry colleague entertained from 9 to 5. Day passes start at $30 for the workspace and day care, and $8 for the park only. Monthly passes are also available.

After a long day of play, unwind for the night at nearby Red Roof PLUS+ Austin South.

Gearhart Indoor Dog Park

Gearhart, OR
“Ready. Set. Go!” Photo by Facebook.com/GearhartIndoorDogPark

Your hound can stretch her legs and tackle numerous obstacles at Gearhart Indoor Dog Park, which is equipped with a seesaw, tunnels, hurdles and more. Dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome, with separate sections for small and large canines. Monitors are on hand to make sure play is safe and fun for all “paw-ticipants,” and you can reward your good girl with a treat from the supply store before you leave. Day passes are $7.

Gearhart is conveniently located near Seaside, OR. Stay at the Inn at Seaside and explore everything this West Coast resort city has to offer.

JB's Indoor Dog Park

Norwell, MA
“Strutting my ruff!” Photo by Facebook.com/jbsindoordogpark

JB’s Indoor Dog Park is the perfect antidote to New England’s winter weather. Bring your social pooch to this 3,000-square-foot haven, rain or shine. The climate-controlled play area is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Single entry is $15.

Fido can sit and stay at the Residence Inn by Marriott Boston Braintree, a comfy, pet-friendly hotel in nearby Braintree.

“This table is reserved.” Photo by That Dane Bar

Rogue the Great Dane and his business partner, Lisa, opened the doors of That Dane Bar in 2018. Pups can play in the ball pit and on the agility equipment at this 3,500-square-foot park, while humans enjoy a frosty glass of beer. Single entry is $10.

From the pool tables, head for the palm trees! Fido can enjoy tropical surroundings during his visit to Lake Havasu City in his own island paradise.

Cold? Windy? Rainy? Not in here! Photo by Facebook.com/barxparx

Barx Parx is one of Sin City's favorite canine hangouts. With 12,000 square feet of space to explore, Fido will be entertained for hours sniffing out the hidden gems of this indoor park. Barx Parx is separated into one area for active and large dogs, and another for gentler and smaller pups, both stocked full of toys and agility equipment. The park also serves snacks, craft beer and other drinks for owners to enjoy. Single entry is $18.95.

Relax and recuperate away from Vegas' bright lights at the Best Western PLUS Las Vegas South Henderson.

The Pack Indoor Dog Park

Comstock Park, MI
“Where’s my mask?” Photo by Facebook.com/thepackindoordogpark

Located in Comstock Park, The Pack Indoor Dog Park offers the local canine community respite from the Great Lake State’s chilly winters with a year-round, climate controlled recreation space. Fido can even stay and play all day with the facility’s daycare option. While he’s distracted by the other pups, grab a bite to eat from the kitchen and dine indoors or outside on the patio. The facility also features a fenced outdoor space for dogs who like fresh air. Start off with a 5-visit punch card for $34.

This pretty and pet-friendly cottage in nearby Coopersville is the perfect place to end your day. Fido will love the valley views and fenced backyard.

PG&Js Dog Park Bar

Louisville, KY
"There’s enough room for the whole pack!” Photo by Julie Christine

PG&Js Dog Park Bar is Louisville’s first dog park bar. You are invited to sit, sip and stay while your pup runs freely in the 8,000-square-foot open space. Remote workers can get out of the house, log onto the complimentary Wi-Fi and enjoy a coffee or something stronger while pups play. Day passes are $10, and a 5-day park pass is available for $25.

Spend the night in a Victorian gem with a fenced yard. Located in the heart of Kentucky’s largest city, you’ll find plenty of pet-friendly activities and restaurants right on your doorstep.

"I'm having a ball!" Photo by Facebook.com/chowbellasaratogasprings

If you’ve ever been to cloudy Saratoga Springs, then you’ll know it’s been crying out for an indoor dog park for a while. Fortunately, Chow Bella has come to town to warm Fido’s paws on chilly winter nights. Join the neighborhood canine social club that features a retail store with pet food and treats, self washing and grooming, cafe and a climate controlled indoor dog park. As well as playing in the warm dog park, old dogs can learn new tricks by signing up to one of the training programs and grab a variety of swag from the “paw-some” store. Day passes start at $10.

Spend the night at the much-loved and welcoming Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs. The pup-loving staff will make your stay as memorable as your visit to Chow Bella.

Ready for a Road Trip?

Photo by Linda Segerfeldt


The editors at BringFido have dedicated themselves to digging up the best pet-friendly activities across the country in our new book - Ruff Guide to the United States.

Now in its second edition, the book features over 365 of the best places to stay and play with your dog in all 50 states. Save 50% off the retail price when you use the discount code INDOOR.

What's your favorite indoor dog park? Leave a comment or tweet us @BringFido!

Banner photo by Wet Noses Dry Paws.