Lakeland's four city dog parks with addresses and hours, where leashed dogs can go, where they cannot (Circle B, Hollis Garden) and the county leash rule.
Last checked Oct. 9, 2026. Sources: the City of Lakeland’s dog parks page, Polk County’s animal control ordinance, Bonnet Springs Park, Lakeside Village, Polk County’s Circle B Bar Reserve page and the City of Lakeland’s park pages. Pet rules can change; check before you go.
Lakeland has four city dog parks, including one downtown, and most of its parks and lake paths welcome leashed dogs. The exceptions matter: Circle B Bar Reserve, Hollis Garden, the Barnett Family Park splash pad and the city pools do not allow pets.
Who to call
- City parks division (dog parks): 863-834-2233, Parks@lakelandgov.net
- Lakeland Police non-emergency: 863-834-6900
- Emergencies: 911
City dog parks
| Dog park | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Leg Woods | 3326 Cleveland Heights Blvd. | Dawn to dusk |
| Douglas Cook Park Dog Park | 955 Wedgewood Estates Blvd. | Dawn to dusk; opens 9 a.m. Tuesdays for maintenance |
| Lake Crago Dog Park | 525 Lake Crago Drive | Dawn to dusk; opens 9 a.m. Wednesdays |
| On Dog Time, the downtown dog park | 145 N. Lake Ave. | Dawn to dusk |
All four are on the city’s dog parks page, and the parks division answers at 863-834-2233. Inside a dog park your dog may be off leash, but Polk County’s ordinance says the owner must be physically present and in direct control of the animal the whole time.
The leash rule
The City of Lakeland’s own code of ordinances has no general leash section; its Chapter 10, Animals covers roosters, livestock and wild birds. The rule most dog owners need is Polk County’s Animal Control and Animal Services Ordinance, Section 4-27:
- No dog may stray or run at large on any public street, sidewalk, park, other public property or someone else’s private property.
- The dog must be leashed, or under the direct control of the person in charge of it.
- In a designated dog exercise park, the owner must be present and in direct control at all times.
- Every dog kept outdoors must have access to a covered shelter from bad weather.
In Polk County’s own parks, pets must be on a leash no longer than six feet, under the county’s park rules.
Parks and trails with your dog
- Bonnet Springs Park, 400 Bonnet Springs Blvd.: dogs must stay on a leash and owners must clean up after them. Pets are not allowed in any building, playground, the Kiwanis Cares for Kids Treehouse or the Crenshaw Canopy Walkway. Only well-behaved lap dogs may ride the trams. The green water fountains along the Circulator path have pet bowls, the park says.
- Lake loops: the paths around Lake Hollingsworth, Lake Morton and Lake Mirror are public property, so the leash rule applies. Keep dogs away from the swans and ducks at Lake Morton. See our walking and biking trails guide.
- Lake Parker Park, 910 E. Granada St.: walking paths and picnic pavilions, open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (hours change seasonally).
Where dogs cannot go
| Place | Rule |
|---|---|
| Circle B Bar Reserve, 4399 Winter Lake Road | No pets, Polk County says |
| Hollis Garden, 614 E. Orange St. | No pets, by the city’s garden rules |
| Barnett Family Park splash pad | No pets on the splash pad |
| Gandy and Simpson Park pools | No pets on the pool deck; service animals on the deck only |
| Bonnet Springs Park buildings and playgrounds | No pets other than ADA service animals |
Shopping, patios and events
- Lakeside Village, 1479 Town Center Drive: pet policies vary by business, and some stores and restaurant patios welcome dogs, the center says. Its Makers Market and Sunset Makers Market are pet-friendly, and its Pooch-O-Ween Pet Parade is 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
- Bonnet Springs Park’s Howl-o-Ween Pet Parade is 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, with a pet costume contest. Both parades are on our Halloween page.
- Bark in the Park: in 2026 the Lakeland Flying Tigers let leashed dogs into two games, on April 23 and July 23, at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Visit Central Florida listed.
- Swan Brewing, 115 W. Pine St.: its covered patio on Lake Wire welcomes dogs and kids, the brewery says.
- Restaurants: a dog on a patio is up to each restaurant. Call ahead.
What this means for you
- Off-leash play: use one of the four city dog parks, and stay with your dog.
- Everywhere else, leash up; that includes sidewalks and park lawns.
- Leave dogs home for Circle B, Hollis Garden and the pools.
Related: parks and trails, walking and biking trails and free things to do.
Frequently asked questions
Where are the dog parks in Lakeland?
The city runs four: Dog Leg Woods, 3326 Cleveland Heights Blvd.; Douglas Cook Park Dog Park, 955 Wedgewood Estates Blvd.; Lake Crago Dog Park, 525 Lake Crago Drive; and On Dog Time, the downtown dog park at 145 N. Lake Ave. All are open dawn to dusk.
Do dogs have to be on a leash in Lakeland?
Yes, outside a dog park. Polk County’s animal control ordinance bars dogs from running at large on any street, sidewalk, park or other public property; a dog must be leashed or under its owner’s direct control.
Are dogs allowed at Bonnet Springs Park?
Yes, on a leash. Dogs are not allowed in the park’s buildings, playgrounds, the treehouse or the canopy walk, and only well-behaved lap dogs may ride the trams.
Can I take my dog to Circle B Bar Reserve?
No. Polk County lists no pets among Circle B Bar Reserve’s rules, along with no balloons, music or fishing.
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