Kalorama Park - Washington,
Kalorama Park is a centrally located dog-friendly park situated in the heart of Washington, District of Columbia. Known for its well-maintained grounds and community atmosphere, it’s a popular green space for residents and their pets. While Kalorama Park does not have a distinct fenced dog park area, dogs are welcome on-leash throughout the park, making it a great spot for strolls or relaxing picnics with your furry companion.
The park features a variety of amenities, including basketball courts, renovated playgrounds for children, grassy picnic areas, and benches (some in the sun and some under shade). Dog owners will appreciate the open spaces, the availability of public restrooms, and the accessibility for strollers and wheelchairs. There’s also a vibrant community garden and a renowned Butterfly Garden (Jardin de las Mariposas) created by local volunteers. The pet-friendly atmosphere and scenic beauty make Kalorama Park a true local gem for dog owners in Washington, DC.
Kalorama Park FAQ
- Are dogs allowed at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed at Kalorama Park, but must remain on-leash.
- Is there a fenced area for dogs? No, there is not a separate fenced dog park area.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, public restrooms are available at the park.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? Yes, Kalorama Park has a wheelchair accessible entrance.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, there are playgrounds and a basketball court for children and families to enjoy.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, there are benches and picnic tables throughout the park, although not all are shaded.
- Are picnics allowed at the park? Yes, picnics are welcome, with several tables and open grassy areas available.
- Are there pet-friendly cafes or stores close to the park? Yes, several nearby shops offer food, sandwiches, wraps, and fresh fruit, perfect for picnicking.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, the park is described as well-maintained and clean.
- Is there shade at the park? Yes, there is some shade, especially around certain picnic tables and under trees.
- Is parking available? Parking is available but can be limited and competitive at busy times.
Reviews
Great place. Nice location. Safe. Parking not great, but not terrible either and alot of nice playground equipment and friendly people.
I live 2 blocks from this park. I have spent countless evenings relaxing after work on the grass, or I bring a beach chair. It has basketball courts, 2 areas for children (one for toddlers, one for a bit older children), grassy area, benches (the benches are almost always under the sun instead of under a shade, which is too bad) and 2 picnic tables that are usually occupied. (One of the picnic tables is of wood, it’s comfortable, and it’s under the shade of a tree; the other one is of cement, very uncomfortable, and it sits under the scorching sun). My friends in the neighborhood have organized birthday parties for their children; they go early to reserve the good picnic table and we all have a blast. There is a private area for the neighborhood that is kept under lock; inside are a few plots for gardening that are assigned by lottery every year; and there is also a composting center. I participate in the composting and it’s a great resource to have close to home. Group activities (apart from birthday parties) are controlled. A friend went with her capoeira group to do a class in the open park and they were told they needed a permit for groups of more than 10 persons. However, my other friends who celebrated their children’s birthday parties had more than 10 persons and nobody approached them to say anything, so who knows what the rules are. There is a community center in the Park that I have never seen open or doing any activities. Some volunteers have been making a special garden East of the basketball court, to avoid erosion, and they planted beautiful flowers and named it the Jardin de las Mariposas (Butterfly Garden). Gorgeous. Some people go in swimming suits to get tanned lying on the grass and it doesn’t seem to be a problem. Nearby you have Street Market where you can buy food (I like fresh cut fruit) to eat in the park; and some other shops that sell sandwiches and wraps or whatever, so it’s easy to do a picnic here. The park is absolutely amazing, I love living close to it.
It’s a beautiful, well maintained park in a central location. Two different enclosed smaller parks for children although no distinct dog park. It’s a lovely place for a picnic or a quick break from the daily grind.
Beautiful park! Great place to picnic and dog/kid friendly. Amazing location in DC.
Favorite park to go to relax and watch the sunset. Recently remodeled the playground for kids to play. Open space for picnics and enjoying the scenery. Well kept and clean. Late at night, there are occasionally shady people, but if you leave them alone they don’t bother. Definitely recommend this park to relax and have fun!