Where is the off-leash area at Woodland Park?

It sits in the lower section, Lower Woodland. That fenced run is the only spot on the grounds where dogs can legally be off leash; everywhere else on the park requires a leash.

Can dogs go into the zoo?

No. Dogs are not permitted inside Woodland Park Zoo. The off-leash area and the surrounding park grounds are the dog-friendly parts.

Is the dog area fenced?

Yes, the designated off-leash area is fenced. The wider park is open grounds with lawns, courts, and wooded paths where dogs stay leashed.

When is parking easiest?

Weekday mornings. Lots fill fast during Wild Lanterns and other zoo events, so those are the hardest windows for getting in and out.

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Woodland Park

Sprawling urban park grounds with a tucked-away off-leash corner

4.6 · 2918 reviews

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Fenced Off-leash Parking

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About this park

Woodland Park is a large Green Lake-adjacent city park wrapped around Woodland Park Zoo, with picnic lawns, courts and fields, and a fenced off-leash area in the lower section. Most visitors come for the broader park grounds (events, festivals, and long wooded walking paths through mature trees), with the dog run serving as a neighborhood amenity rather than the main draw.

Amenities

Fenced Off-leash Parking Restrooms Benches Trash cans

Best for

Social dogs Large dogs

Before you go

Only the designated off-leash area inside Lower Woodland is legal for off-leash play; dogs must stay leashed elsewhere on the grounds and are not permitted inside the zoo. Parking fills fast during Wild Lanterns and other zoo events, so weekday mornings are the easiest window to get in and out.

Frequently asked

Where is the off-leash area at Woodland Park?: It sits in the lower section, Lower Woodland. That fenced run is the only spot on the grounds where dogs can legally be off leash; everywhere else on the park requires a leash.
Can dogs go into the zoo?: No. Dogs are not permitted inside Woodland Park Zoo. The off-leash area and the surrounding park grounds are the dog-friendly parts.
Is the dog area fenced?: Yes, the designated off-leash area is fenced. The wider park is open grounds with lawns, courts, and wooded paths where dogs stay leashed.
When is parking easiest?: Weekday mornings. Lots fill fast during Wild Lanterns and other zoo events, so those are the hardest windows for getting in and out.

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