Fun for furry friends: Five off-leash dog parks where your dog can roam free

Fernando Cervantes Jr., The Patriot Ledger
·2 min read

The South Shore has plenty of green spaces like state parks and trails for humans to hike and walk, but what about dogs? Big and small dogs alike need to run to burn energy, but some owners don't have enough space.

The Patriot Ledger compiled a list of five off-leash dog parks on the South Shore that are perfect for a stroll, playing fetch with your dog or just to get their energy out after a long day. (Stretching your human legs after a long day at a desk, perhaps, isn't such a bad idea, either.)

They can meet new furry friends. And maybe you can, too. All while getting some fresh air.

Stodder’s Neck Dog Park, Hingham

Brianna Mahoney, of Braintree, throws a Frisbee into the water for her dog, Tika, to fetch at Stodder's Neck Park on Thursday, July 28, 2022.
Brianna Mahoney, of Braintree, throws a Frisbee into the water for her dog, Tika, to fetch at Stodder's Neck Park on Thursday, July 28, 2022.

Stodder’s Neck Dog Park at 457 Lincoln St. in Hingham is described by a reviewer on BringFido as “The BEST place to bring my pup, he can be off leash, he swims, and gets to play and meet with so many other dogs.” The spacious park has 23 acres of woods and access to beaches on three sides. It's popular with humans and dogs. It's open from dawn to dusk, with free parking on-site. Dogs are allowed to be off leash, but only in designated sections of the park.

Quincy Dog Park, Quincy

Faith Fitzpatrick plays with Sally at the Quincy Dog Park on Tuesday, July 21, 2020.
Faith Fitzpatrick plays with Sally at the Quincy Dog Park on Tuesday, July 21, 2020.

“There are a lot of regulars for your dog to make friends with. It can get windy up there so bring a jacket just in case,” one reviewer on BringFido said. The park is also the first city dog park established in Quincy. It's divided into three off-leash sections, one each for dogs of all sizes, small dogs and senior dogs. The park also offers shelter pavilions, benches and watering stations. It's on Quarry Street next to the Avalon Development and is open seven days a week from dawn to dusk.

South Field Dog Park, Weymouth

South Field Dog Park, at 25 Memorial Grove Ave. in Weymouth, was described by a BringFido reviewer as “the perfect stop-off for a quick energy release.” The park has two fenced-in areas, one for medium-sized dogs and another for larger dogs. It has wooden ramps and climbing structures. The park is on the grounds of Union Point, the site of the former South Weymouth Naval Air Station, which closed in 1997. The South Field Playground and Shea Memorial Grove are nearby.

Scituate Dog Park, Scituate

Sofia Eastwood, of Norwell, plays with her new puppy, Finn, at the Scituate Dog Park on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.
Sofia Eastwood, of Norwell, plays with her new puppy, Finn, at the Scituate Dog Park on Wednesday, March 10, 2021.

Located at 167 Driftway in Scituate, this 1-acre dog park is for dogs at least 6 months old with up-to-date vaccinations. Dogs must be leashed when entering and leaving the park. Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Amenities in the park include a water fountain for dogs and two dispensers for waste bags. Parking is free.

Marshfield Dog Park, Marshfield

The Marshfield Dog Park is now open off Proprietors Drive. The long-awaited park features running water and separate areas for large and small dogs. Monday, July 31, 2023.
The Marshfield Dog Park is now open off Proprietors Drive. The long-awaited park features running water and separate areas for large and small dogs. Monday, July 31, 2023.

The volunteer-owned and -maintained park at 35 Proprietors Drive in Marshfield has a section for small dogs and another for large dogs.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Five South Shore off-leash dog parks fit for fun-loving dogs