Looking for green space that suits both zoomies and gentle sniffs? These five Johannesburg favourites offer room to roam, safe swims, or shaded paths, plus clear spots to picnic while the paws cool down. Always bring water and poop bags, keep your dog under control, and follow on-the-day signage for leash rules.

If you are in the east of Johannesburg look to Modderfontein Bird and Sculpture Park. It includes a purpose-built dog park with a puppy zone, agility equipment, shade, and water points. In the dog park dogs are allowed to be off-leash. Note this is outside Modderfontein Reserve, which does not allow pets.

On the other side of the city there is Walkhaven Dog Park in Muldersdrift. It is a private, dog-first destination with two dams for swims, wide trails, plenty of shade, and an on-site eatery. It’s designed for off-leash romps in open space with good visibility.

Another option is one of Jo’burg’s most well-known green lungs, Delta Park. It has long paths, dams, and open lawns. It is popular with daily walkers and weekend meet-ups. Keep dogs close and respect posted leash instructions and sensitive zones.

There is also the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens and Emmarentia Dam with its sweeping lawns and lakeside loops creating a relaxed, family-friendly circuit. Dogs are welcome on leash in designated areas, making it ideal for a stroll followed by a picnic.

And finally there is Golden Harvest Park, in Northwold in the northern part of the city. It includes fifty-five hectares of quiet bushveld, a central dam, and broad lawns. It is a favourite for regular walkers. Many visitors keep dogs leashed and stick to well-used routes around the water.

Pack water and poop bags, keep a lead handy for busy sections, and read on-the-day signage before you let pups roam. After dam swims, rinse and do a quick paw and tick check. Then find a patch of shade, share a treat, and enjoy Jo’burg’s green spaces.