Top 6 Boston Dog Parks

1. Boston Common

A popular gathering spot for dog owners and dog watchers alike, this corner of the Common is a great place to exercise your dog while making conversation. There's no fenced area and the roads by the Common can get busy, so be sure to keep an eye on your dog if you let it off the leash. Off-leash hours are 6:30-8:30 a.m. and 5-7 p.m.

Charles Street and Boylston Street, Boston

2. Charlesgate Dog Run

A small fenced-in area at the edge of the Back Bay along the Esplanade. What it lacks in space it makes up for in convenience for Back Bay dog owners. Advisory: One Boston.About.com reader wrote in to say that the dog run is currently in disrepair.

Massachusetts Avenue and Beacon Street, Boston

3. Peters Park

Peters Park is a 16,500-square-foot piece of land in the South End where dogs can run leash-free. Advocates have proposed a $250,000 renovation to turn the area into the city's first sanctioned dog park. The Parks and Recreation Commission is expected to vote on the proposal in February 2007.

East Berkeley Street and Washington Street, Boston

4. Brookline Avenue Playground

A four-acre fenced-in area near the Riverway that’ll give your playful puppy plenty of room to run.

575 Brookline Avenue, Brookline

5. Fresh Pond Reservation

Dogs can wander leash-free on the path surrounding Fresh Pond Reservoir as long as they’re well behaved. Litter bags and trash barrels are available and there are two sources of water. This area is for Cambridge residents only; those planning to park need to display a resident parking permit.

250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge

6. Danehy Park

This sprawling 50-acre park has a leash-free zone but no fenced area, so remember to keep an eye on your pet.

99 Sherman Street, Cambridge