Little Dog Run is the protected small, older and disabled-dog enclosure at Schuylkill River Park in Center City Philadelphia. It sits beside the larger all-dogs run and provides a fenced K-9 turf space for dogs that need a more suitable play group.
Plan your visit
- Location: Schuylkill River Park at 25th and Spruce Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
- Who may use it: Friends of Schuylkill River Park reserves this section for small dogs under 25 pounds, older dogs and dogs with disabilities.
- Surface: The enclosure has permeable K-9 Grass and paved standing areas.
- Water: A hose, bowls and seasonal pool may be available. Bring backup water because service is commonly shut off in winter.
- Parking: There is no dedicated dog-run lot. Street parking is limited, so walking, transit or a nearby garage may be easier.
Find the little-dog entrance
Enter Schuylkill River Park near 25th and Spruce Streets and follow the path toward the fenced dog-run complex near the Schuylkill River Trail connector. Choose the signed entrance for small, older and disabled dogs rather than the neighboring all-dogs enclosure. Keep your dog leashed until both vestibule gates are secure.
Check the Friends of Schuylkill River Park dog-park page for facility updates and review the Philadelphia dog regulations before leaving.
Inside the little-dog run
The smaller enclosure offers the same specialized turf and water setup as the main run on a more compact footprint. Benches and a sitting wall give handlers places to supervise, and the fenced separation can reduce the pressure of playing beside larger, faster dogs.
The park completed new turf, drainage, landscaping and west-wall fencing improvements in 2025. Test the turf temperature in summer, carry water during seasonal shutoffs and keep play gentle around older or mobility-limited dogs.
Rules and practical cautions
Respect the posted eligibility for this enclosure, use the double-gated entrance carefully, supervise your dog and clean up waste. Philadelphia requires dogs outside authorized runs to remain on a leash no longer than six feet.
The nearby river trail carries walkers, runners and cyclists. Attach the leash before leaving the enclosure and keep your dog close on shared paths.
What park goers say
Park goers value having a separate space for smaller and more vulnerable dogs, along with clean turf, water equipment and a friendly neighborhood community. Recent visitors also praise the overall dog-run complex for cleanliness and secure double gates.
The little-dog section has less sprinting room than the main run and can feel busy when several dogs arrive together. Visitors recommend bringing water during winter and watching interactions closely so older or timid dogs can move at their own pace.
More options and updates
Dogs that do not meet the posted criteria should use the neighboring all-dogs enclosure. Browse more Philadelphia dog parks for other sizes and surfaces. Last researched September 4, 2026.
