Pet-Friendly Activities in Rhode Island

Bring Fido along to any one of these fun destinations (dog parks, campgrounds, yappy hours and more) for a howlin’ good time.

March 2, 2023

Kaitlyn Murray,

Newport International Polo Grounds. Captured by Cocoa & Co

Get Out of the (Dog) House

Just because they have four legs doesn’t mean your best friend has to miss out on your fun spring or summer plans.

Catch a Match

Horses aren’t the only four-legged friends allowed on the Newport International Polo Grounds at Glen Farm — in fact, the organizers encourage you to picnic with your pup while you peep the polo. Just make sure to keep them leashed and out of the pavilion area and to pick up after them when they do their business. 250 Linden Ln., Portsmouth, 846-0200, nptpolo.com

Courtesy of Garden City

Yappy Hour

Rhode Island may not allow happy hours in the traditional sense, but it makes a happy “exception” for Yappy Hours, aka events where both booze and pooches are welcome in equal measure. Aloft Downtown Providence hosts its own iteration in the summer to support the Providence Animal Rescue League, with plenty of treats for both humans and dogs alike. Garden City Center also holds pup-friendly events in the spring and fall. Keep an eye on both locations’ websites and social media for details. aloftprovidencedowntown.com; gardencitycenter.com

Go for a Drive

Attention owners of small dogs who love hanging their heads out the car window: Take a trip aboard Rail Explorers, a pedal-powered tour along Aquidneck Island’s waterfront. Just keep in mind that your pooch must be able to sit calmly on the floor of the railbike while leashed, or ride in a carrier to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. 1 Alexander Rd., Portsmouth, 877-833-8588, railexplorers.net

Ruffin’ It

Bring Fido along to any one of these fun outdoor activities for a howlin’ good time.

Camp Out

If you and your pet aren’t
afraid of “ruffing” it for the night, head on over to
either Burlingame State Campground in Charlestown, Fishermen’s Memorial State Park and Campground in Narragansett or George Washington State Campground in Chepachet. For a small fee of $14, up to two well-socialized, leashed and vaccinated pups can join you for your stay. Cats are also welcome. Call ahead for additional requirements or restrictions. 1 Burlingame State Park Rd., Charlestown, 322-8910; 1011 Point Judith Rd., Narragansett, 789-8374; 2185 Putnam Pike, Chepachet, 568-6700, riparks.com

Beach It Up

Does your pup miss frolicking in the waves during the summer months? Well, they don’t have to. As long as Fido is leashed, he’s more than welcome to accompany you onto the remote sandy shores of Compass Rose Beach in North Kingstown any time of year. 1542-1598 Roger Williams Way, North Kingstown, 295-0044, visitrhodeisland.com

Hit the Trails

Rhode Island has no shortage of dog-friendly trails to traverse. Some of our favorite strolling spots include the Cliff Walk in Newport, Lincoln Woods State Park, Rocky Point State Park in Warwick, the John H. Chafee Nature Preserve in North Kingstown and the Mohegan Bluffs on Block Island. Come prepared with a leash. riparks.com

A Bark in the Park

These local dog parks are ideal for puppy play dates.

Barrington Dog Park at Haines Park

Two acres for dogs to roam. Waste bags and water available on site. Community funded. 3 Haines Park Rd., Barrington, 301-3906, barringtondogpark.com

Bruce Ladd Memorial Dog Park

Provided by Stand Up for Animals. All dogs must be vaccinated and licensed to enter. 35 Larry Hirsch Ln., Westerly, 348-9595, facebook.com/standupforanimalsdogpark

Pawtucket Dog Park in Slater Memorial Park

Open dawn to dusk year-round. Separate areas for small and large dogs. Water available. 835 Armistice Blvd., Pawtucket, pawtucketdogpark.com

Portsmouth Dog Park

Separate areas for small and large dogs. Water available. 50 Smith Rd., Portsmouth, 741-1417, portsmouthdogparkri.com

Raymond F. Jones Memorial Dog Park

Open daily sunrise to sunset. Dogs must be spayed/neutered and up to date on their rabies vaccine to enter. Community funded. 34 Roosevelt Ave., Tiverton, tivertondogpark.com

Smithfield Dog Park

Open sunrise to sunset year-round. Memberships ($25 per year) required. Separate areas for small and large dogs. Waste bags available. Dogs must be properly licensed and vaccinated to enter. 353 Farnum Pike, Smithfield, facebook.com/smithfieldridogpark