Kids gawk and look at dogs the way grown-ups gawk and look at cars at the Woodward Dream Cruise. Sometimes the best place to take kids to play is often the one with the most animals. Luckily there are many local dog parks in Oakland County, Michigan and the surrounding areas that are kid-friendly AND pet friendly.

Oakland County Dog Parks

Lake Orion - Orion Oaks Bark Park
On Joslyn Road south of Clarkston Road. 14 Fenced in acres, small dog area, restrooms, handicap access, water,  wooded walking trails. Portion of Lake Sixteen reserved for canine swimmers with dock access. Park pass required.

Lyon Twp-Lyon Oaks County Park Dog Park
Pontiac Trail between Wixom and Old Plank Roads. 13 fenced acres, benches, tables, water, poopbags. Parking pass required.

Pleasant Ridge-On Indiana, I-696 to Woodward south, first turnaround and north on Woodward to Sylvan. Right onto Sylvan, left on Indiana until deadend. Park is ½ mile long by 150 ft wide. Benches, water fountain. Park pass required-$25/year for residents, $60/year for non-residents.

Red Oaks Dog Park- Attached to Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Hts. This 3 acre dog park, like all other Oakland County Parks dog parks (Orion Oaks and Lyon Oaks), offer waste bags, pumped drinking water and shade areas. 

Royal Oak-At Mark Twain Park
Campbell Road south of 14 Mile. Yearly fees-$40 for residents, $60 for non-residents, plus a one time $10 charge for keyfob for computerized gates.

West Bloomfield-Karner Farm Off leash dog area
5911 Halstead Road. 3 fenced acres. West Bloomfield residents only. Pass required, $20/year

(Close to border) Northville-Community Park
Located on Beck Road between 5 and 6 mile.  4 acres. Park pass required-can only obtain after attending a mandatory education session.

Macomb County Dog Parks

Behnke Memorial Dog Park – Located in Clinton twp. on Groesbeck highway north of Cass Avenue. No passes required

Stony Creek Metropark – Located in Washington Twp. at the corner of 26 Mile and Shelby Rds. With 4,461 acres, miles of trails, and a 500 acre lake your dog will get plenty of exercise and you will enjoy the incredible fall colors. Pass required

Erica Slomka is a local mom and owner/senior instructor at Jumpin' JACS Dog Training in Shelby Twp. For more info on Erica and Jumpin' JACS, contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (586) 354-8939.