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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out dog parks events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the dog parks events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

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Dog Parks Events Today

Join in-person Dog Parks events happening right now

 Rock Creek Park North (Rating: C)
Rock Creek Park North (Rating: C)
You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer,https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "**I Accept**" to be permitted on the hike. **7 mile loop with a 679 ft. elevation gain that makes the hike the equivalent to a bit over 8.5 miles.** (400 ft gain = 1 mile) **Per Park Permit Guidelines, this hike is *limited* to *20 Hikers*** **Description**: **[Rock Creek Park](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/index.htm)** is truly a gem in our nation's capital. This 1,754 acre city park was officially authorized in 1890, making it the third national park. It offers visitors the opportunity to escape the bustle of the city and find a peaceful refuge, recreation, fresh air, majestic trees, wild animals. This hike starts from the **[Rock Creek Park Nature Center](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/nature-center-and-planetarium.htm)**[ ](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/nature-center-and-planetarium.htm)(Plenty of Free Parking; closed Mon/Tues), crosses Military Road heading north along the **[Western Ridge Trail,](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)** over the **[Boundary bridge](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)** and then south following the creek to the **[Valley Trail](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)**, and then back to the **[Nature Center.](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/nature-center-and-planetarium.htm)** **Pace:** pace is about 2 - 2.5 mph while moving. **Bring**: adequate water/hydration, also snack/lunch, insect repellant as Tick Season is here and sturdy hiking shoes since there are rocky areas, tree roots and a stream crossing, **Dogs:** Dogs are **not** welcome on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. **Weather:** weather in this location is **[HERE](https://weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/l/NoMa+Washington+District+of+Columbia?canonicalCityId=5449cc9af33d6584872016be78d0340d)**[.](https://weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/l/NoMa+Washington+District+of+Columbia?canonicalCityId=5449cc9af33d6584872016be78d0340d) **Meetup Location:** we will meet in the parking lot of the Rock Creek Park Nature Center & Planetarium (Closed Monday and Tuesdays) at 5200 Glover Rd NW, Washington, DC 20015. **GPS Coordinates : 38°57'34.1"N 77°03'05.6"W** **Maps** **[Hiking in Rock Creek Park](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/hiking.htm)** **[Rock Creek Park](https://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/maps.htm)**
Sky Meadows right side everything (Rating: A; ***FAST***)
Sky Meadows right side everything (Rating: A; ***FAST***)
**REQUIRED**: You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike. The hike is about 12.5 miles with 1600 feet elevation gain in Sky Meadows State Park. We will start from the visitor center with a quick warmup climbing up North Ridge trail to the overlooks. After looping back down, we will head to lost mountain and hike almost every trail on the east side. We hike at a pace of **3-3.5 mph** when moving. Faster on flat/downhill sections. ***This is considered a fast hike. You must be experienced in hikes of this distance, elevation gain and speed.*** Leader: Xiaobin 857-408-1070 **The hike leader will meet at the** **trailhead at 8AM**. PLEASE NOTE: Neither the Club nor the hike leaders are responsible for coordinating transportation to/from the trailhead. Hikers are not guaranteed to get a ride to the trailhead from the carpool location. Carpooling is organized by the participants and they participate at their own risk. Trailhead: **Sky Meadows Visitor Parking at 8AM** GPS Coordinates: 38.99193015785012, -77.96586598358779 [https://goo.gl/maps/ppMunuKYabQcaH4w8](https://goo.gl/maps/ppMunuKYabQcaH4w8) Park Entry Fee: $10 or free if you have a Virginia State Park Pass or a receipt from participating REI stores in Virginia (details: [https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/pr-relz-detail?id=2016-05-18-14-32-37-164146-2x3](https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/pr-relz-detail?id=2016-05-18-14-32-37-164146-2x3)) Rating: A Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy) Hiking Map: [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uZ1XnrV92qQwTChGLe-bBFjNdtn5QcH7/view?usp=share_link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uZ1XnrV92qQwTChGLe-bBFjNdtn5QcH7/view?usp=share_link)
Cat Happy Hour 🍻 🐈
Cat Happy Hour 🍻 🐈
Your cat might be under 21, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t drink! We are bringing the cats to the beer garden. Feel free to come with or without a cat and get ready to socialize and raise a glass with fellow cat lovers! 🍻 This is a great opportunity to make new friends. I will be bringing one or both of my cats and they would love to meet you! If you bring your cat, make sure they are wearing a collar, harness, leash, in a backpack, carrier, and/or stroller. We will be meeting in the side tent called the “special events tent” opposite of the entrance. We have the tent fully reserved for our group! 🅿️: From the Shipgarten website, “Our free parking can be found at 1700 Old Meadow Rd McLean, VA 22102. We have a complimentary shuttle which has continuous service after 3pm on weekdays and starting at 11am on weekends.” Ⓜ️: The venue is a 7 minute walk from the McLean station on the silver line.
MP(FRI)-Sand Volleyball: BB - Crystal City
MP(FRI)-Sand Volleyball: BB - Crystal City
***Please read all and make sure you agree before you sign up.*** **Court Type:** Outdoor Sand **Level:** intermediate+ (BB/A) **Transportation:** Parking will be right by the sand courts, behind the courts, and there is garage parking close to the courts. Metro is the Blue and Yellow Lines. **What to bring:** at least 3 bottles of water and a ball if you have one. **MAX:** 10 players per net. (1 Net) **Restroom:** Restrooms are across the street in the restaurants. **Host's Philosophy on This Event:** The purpose of this meetup is to create a fun and supportive environment where we can improve our skills, enjoy competitive games, and connect socially. While we do aim to play seriously and challenge ourselves, the focus is more on growth and enjoyment than simply winning at all costs. That’s why the title doesn’t include “competitive” or “social”—we want a healthy mix of both. This is a space where you won’t be judged for making mistakes, ***but we do expect you to listen to the organizer if they make suggestions or adjustments***. We also expect a mindset geared toward learning and getting better over time. That said, this event isn’t intended for beginners; an understanding of the game is expected so that everyone can contribute to meaningful and engaging matches. The host holds the right to remove you from the game if they believe that you are at a C level. **Skill Level:** 1. **If you want to know your level, please see the link below:** [Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit) **YouTube:** The games may be recorded and uploaded to our channel here: Let the host know if you have issues with this ahead of the event. [https://www.youtube.com/@mp02626](https://www.youtube.com/@mp02626) **ATTENDANCE:** **Player Selection:** Regulars > League Members > Your Vibe > Smiley Attendance Ratio\* > Skills > New Members The host takes attendance very seriously. Please remove yourself from the event (if you can't make it) as early as possible to allow others to join. You will be marked as a ***no-show*** if you don't show up to the event. One no-show means you will be removed from the group. See the rules below. **\*The organizers can see the number of times you have attended events vs the times you have dropped out. If your drop rate is more than 50%, you may not be accepted to the going list.** [Smiley Social Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg/edit) **Q&A** * Bringing your **dog** is welcome and encouraged. * *Can I come if I don't know how to play?* No, you may not. The host teaches a beginner's volleyball class that you may attend on Saturdays. * *Can I be late or leave early?* The host expects you to be there **on time** and leave on time. If you need to arrive late or leave early, please let the host know in advance. * *Can I come even if I am not on the going list?* No, sorry * Why Max the players at 10 when you can do 6v6? This court is already for 2v2; getting 6 players on each side is overkill. * How can I become a regular if I don't ever get to attend? You can attend my other events on weekdays/weekends. Show me you have good skills and bring good vibes! **Smiley Social documents:** 1. [Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HrG35p_0M08leRvCp8XWG3CMkr_GL928XFabl5T6Dvg) 2. [Liability Waiver](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W2mq-7m99lmvd7gdWYaSUFtvVg4UGnzV6koafAbHmco) 3. [Smiley Social Volleyball Levels](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PojSi4qdlRsv1msCHhvpQ43iDc4FfzQwpWCc3kafVMY/edit)
Friday Night Skate
Friday Night Skate
Bring your lights for the “Friday Night” Skate! **Join us for the Friday Night Skate!** See the monuments of DC all lit up at night! We will meet at the National World War I Memorial “Pershing Park” at 7pm. We’ll warm up with a nice easy skate to the Capital and skate along the mall and museums to the National Monument. We will then head to the Lincoln Memorial through the World War II Memorial. Those interested in just a 5.5 mile skate can backtrack to Pershing Park. The group will then proceed from the Lincoln to Haynes Point via Ohio Drive with the option to take the 3 mile loop (12 mile total skate) or sit by the water and enjoy the crisp air (8.5 mile total skate.) There are three options to loop back to the Pershing Park WWI Memorial and our path back will depend on the preferences / skill of the group. The skate is mostly flat on good pavement with a small slope coming down from the Washington Monument and a 40 yard small slop from the Lincoln to Ohio Drive. If skaters are more advanced we will cross the 14th St bridge, enjoy a few up and down hills and finish with a downhill through the 12th St. tunnel. Please feel free to jazz it up with lights, I wear a helmet bike light, a fun set of lights and lighted wheels! Wear your lights so you have fun, can see and be seen! In case of bad weather, I will cancel the skate by 6pm on this post. **Of course, all skating is at your own risk.**
Mahjong Happy Hour! 1 spot left!
Mahjong Happy Hour! 1 spot left!

Dog Parks Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

Conversations in the Park
Conversations in the Park
Run and Get Dirty!  Adult Dogs in the main park, puppies in the small dog park
Run and Get Dirty! Adult Dogs in the main park, puppies in the small dog park
Our regular Sunday meetup at the Shirlington Dog Park -- members start arriving around 10:15 a.m. You'll always find an Aussie to play with. There are 3 entrances, so wander the park -- the dogs will find each other! For puppies, Shirlington has a small dog park within the larger dog park. It's the prefect place for your puppy to gain confidence and socialize with others. There is also plenty of room to run. Just a reminder, the Dog Park is under attack by the Arlington County Board of Commissioners. While early plans to decrease the size of the park by 50% has been tabled, it's important to remind Arlington County how important this park is to dogs and owners. Here are links to the change.org petition and the Facebook page where you can get updates. Shirlington Dog Park Page Petition: https://www.change.org/.../arlington-county-board-save... Arlington County Board: Save the Shirlington Dog Park! We love the Shirlington Dog Park -- it provides… change.org Shirlington Dog Park Page Shirlington Dog Park Page Save the Dog Park Facebook page; https://www.facebook.com/groups/696087663906890
Peaceful Bowie Wilderness Stroll
Peaceful Bowie Wilderness Stroll
**Hosted by Giovanni** **📅 Date:** Sunday, April 26 **⏰ Time:** 10:00 AM – around noon **📍 Starting Point:** White Marsh Park - parking lot for the Bowie Playhouse ## **🗺️ Route** A relaxed loop through Bowie’s quiet green spaces: * Trailhead in White Marsh Park * Bridge to Spur Way * Acorn Hill Park * Bowie Marketplace * Back across the bridge to the trailhead Approx. **1.5 miles** (more if the group adds scenic loops or detours). Takes **40–90 minutes**, depending on pace and stops. ## **🌿 Terrain** * Mostly paved (macadam) * Short sections of packed dirt * Some gentle hills ## **🐾 Dogs** Friendly, **leashed dogs are welcome**. ## **🌧️ Weather** **Rain cancels.**
A DC meetup at Dumbarton Oaks
A DC meetup at Dumbarton Oaks
PawsUP for David and Brick for originally suggesting this awesome meetup and our dogs love it! -Dumbarton Oaks/Montrose Park in Georgetown -Meet at the entrance off of R st, on the East side (closer to the cemetery) -Plenty of street parking in the area -Bring water and a ball for your Aussie This park is a very large open field, that is very dog friendly. Tons of space to run and chase. Most if not all dogs are off leash. Occasional runners and kids (there is a playground), so keep that in mind. There is also a trail inside with a stream that the dogs love to play in.
Paws & Socialize
Paws & Socialize
At Dawgie Linkup, we provide a safe and fun space for your dog to socialize and play. Our goal is to not only create a space for dawgs to build social interactions, but also cultivate relationships between dawg parents! Meet us at Bowie Dog Park on Saturday, April 25th at 10:00am for a Dawgie play date. There will be small and large dog enclosed spaces! We want to make this social club lots of fun. So come and linkup with your neighborhood dawgie parents. All dawgs are welcome! \- Sincerely\, Dawgie Linkup — where we connect paws & people
DC Shiba Inu Meetup @ Baron Cameron Park
DC Shiba Inu Meetup @ Baron Cameron Park
http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/0/2/1/event_41792801.jpeg Washington DC Metro Shiba Inu Meetup.
Hike in Rock Creek Park
Hike in Rock Creek Park

Dog Parks Events Near You

Connect with your local Dog Parks community

May Pug Romp
May Pug Romp
Nature Photo Walk
Nature Photo Walk
Join WQC on April 25th from 11am-1pm at Inniswood Metro Park for a Nature Photo Walk. All types of cameras welcome! Let's enjoy spring to the fullest... 🌻🌼🌷🐤
Sunday funday: let's play dodgeball at Scioto Audubon park
Sunday funday: let's play dodgeball at Scioto Audubon park
Dodgeball is back again! If you’ve been wanting to come out, this is an easy one to join. We’ll be playing for about 1.5 to 2 hours, you do not need to bring any equipment, and no experience is needed. We use a specific set of rules and equipment to make the games run better and keep them fun for everybody, not just people who already know how to play. If it rains, the event will be canceled.