Park Authority

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-8700 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Jai Cole
Executive Director

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Dogs of Fairfax County

Dog

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!

Fetch your dog's fun guide!

Doggone Good Time at Dog Daze 2025

Prepare for a doggone good time at the annual Dog Daze event at The Water Mine. This season-ending event welcomes people to bring their canine friends for dogs-only swimming: 

  • Saturday, Sept. 6 
  • 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Experience the joy of watching dogs swim and have an all-around good time. The popular event once again features a canine resource fair so you can visit pet-related vendors and learn more about fun opportunities for dogs around the county. The event is presented by Fairfax County Park Authority in partnership with Fairfax County Park Foundation.  

For the safety of the dogs and owners, please observe the following rules:  

  • All dogs must be current on vaccinations.  
  • All dog handlers must be 18 years or older and supervise dogs at all times.  
  • No female dogs in heat or puppies younger than three months old.  
  • Aggressive or unruly dogs are not permitted.  
  • Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs.  
  • Dogs swim at owners’ risk.  
  • Humans are not permitted in the pool.  

Come out to enjoy the canine resource fair and family fun!  

Tickets cost $15 per dog. All proceeds go to benefit parks through the Fairfax County Park Foundation. 


Dog Parks

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. 

Off-Leash Dog Parks

Trail Buddy

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.

Learn More

Dog Events and Programs

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. 

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