Welcome to the Fairfax County Park Authority’s dog webpage, where we celebrate the joy of dogs and their paw-some adventures in our parks. Get all the information you need to explore and enjoy our pet friendly places below. Grab a leash (and a waste bag or two), put on a smile, and embark on memorable outdoor fun with your furry friend!
Dog Daze
Fairfax County Park Authority will be hosting its annual Dog Daze event on Saturday, Sept. 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. During this end of the season event that benefits parks through the Fairfax County Park Foundation, dogs of all shapes and sizes will have the opportunity to swim and frolic throughout The Water Mine at Lake Fairfax Park (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston). Stay tuned here to purchase tickets.
Have a Paw-sitively Good Time at Ides of Bark
Bring your best canine friend out to Ides of Bark at Grist Mill Park (4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Alexandria) on Sunday, March 24.
Enjoy a day filled with games, prizes, food, vendors and family fun! Pet Tech instructors will give pet First Aid/CPR demonstrations and offer pet health assessments. Register your dog with Fairfax County during the event for a $10 fee (cash or check, with proof of current rabies shot).
This free event is supported by Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck and sponsored by the Fairfax County Park Foundation.
Looking for ways to run your furry friend and socialize with others? Fairfax County Park Authority offers 11 dog parks where canine companions can run, play and socialize off-leash in a safe and enclosed space. These parks provide a fantastic opportunity for dogs to exercise, make new friends and enjoy quality time with their owners.
Go for a hike with your best friend and enjoy the scenery. Fairfax County Park Authority has more than 334 miles of amazing trails. Want to find a trail near you? Our Trail Buddy can help! Just type in an address and the map will display all the closest trails. Use the icons on the top of the map to explore trail features.
Discover a tail-wagging calendar of exciting dog events in Fairfax County! From dog-friendly festivals and parks to agility classes and obedience courses, these paw-some gatherings celebrate the canine community and provide endless fun for dogs and owners alike.
Annual Dog Events
The Park Authority hosts events to share special experiences with their dogs such as:
Ides of Bark — during March, bring your pup out to explore pet vendors showcasing products and services, watch canine demonstrations, and take part in dog-friendly games and activities.
Dog Daze — at the end of the outdoor pool season, dogs of all shapes and sizes swim and frolic throughout The Water Mine at Lake Fairfax Park.
Stay tuned here for more details about these two events that benefit parks through the Fairfax County Park Foundation.
Dog Programs
Join our community of dog lovers in Fairfax County Parks, where our expert instructors provide top-notch training and bonding opportunities for you and your four-legged friends.