RUFF North End Dog Park is the multi-level Prince Street dog recreation space inside DeFilippo Playground. The public, key-free park has K-9 turf, seasonal water play, agility features and two fenced sections: an upper level for dogs under 25 pounds and a lower level for larger dogs.
Temporary closure: RUFF currently lists its Night at the Park fundraiser for Friday, September 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. Both the upper and lower Prince Street dog parks will be closed during the event. Check the RUFF website for schedule changes before visiting that evening.
Plan your visit
- Address: DeFilippo Playground, 135 Prince St, Boston, MA 02113.
- Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
- Access: Open to the public; no membership or key is required.
- Play areas: Upper level for dogs under 25 pounds; lower level for larger dogs.
- Surface and play features: K-9 turf, ramps, tunnels and other agility elements across a sloped, multi-level layout.
- Water: Seasonal water play and drinking water are normally available. Bring backup water when fixtures may be off.
- Parking: There is no dedicated lot. Most nearby spaces are regulated North End street parking, including resident-only areas.
- Cost: No park admission fee is listed.
Find the RUFF North End entrance
Enter from Prince Street through DeFilippo Playground, or approach from the intersection of Snow Hill Street and Hull Street. The upper and lower dog sections sit on the hillside behind the playground and are connected by the park’s internal route.
Dogs headed to the lower large-dog section may need to pass the upper area while leashed. Keep your dog leashed outside the assigned enclosure, secure each gate behind you and follow the under-25-pound limit for the upper run.
What the park is like
This dog park makes good use of a compact urban hillside. Artificial turf covers the active play areas, while decking, ramps, tunnels and level changes give dogs more ways to explore than a flat run. Trees and surrounding buildings create useful shade, and built-in seating gives handlers places to watch the play.
The seasonal water-play area can include misting or spray features that are especially popular in warm weather. Water systems can be shut down for maintenance or cold weather, so a portable bowl and backup water are still useful.
What dog owners say
Visitors often praise the clean turf, separate size areas, creative obstacles, shade, water features and strong neighborhood community. The multi-level design gives dogs short running routes and climbing options, and many owners appreciate finding waste bags, trash cans and water in a dense part of Boston.
The most common cautions involve crowds, temporary water shutdowns and keeping small and large dogs in their assigned sections. Warm-weather use can be busy, and turf cleanliness depends on every handler picking up promptly. Watch the group before entering and stay close enough to intervene.
RUFF park rules
- Dogs must be licensed, vaccinated, healthy and free of contagious disease or parasites.
- Dogs in heat and puppies younger than four months are not allowed.
- Remove prong, choke and spike collars before entering.
- Handlers must be at least 18 years old; anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Keep every dog in view and under control, and retain possession of its leash.
- Remove a dog immediately at the first sign of aggression.
- Pick up and properly dispose of waste immediately.
- Do not allow digging or excessive barking.
- Smoking, drinking alcohol and drug use are prohibited.
Users enter at their own risk and remain responsible for injury or damage caused by dogs under their control. Report incidents or inappropriate conduct to RUFF at info@ruffboston.org or Boston Animal Care and Control at 617-635-5348.
Before you go
Review the current RUFF park rules and the operator’s Prince Street hours and event notices. Boston also lists DeFilippo Playground as an active designated dog recreation space in its dog and park guidance. Report a damaged gate, turf problem, water outage or overflowing waste station through Boston 311.
