K9 Water Festivals 2014

The dog days of summer may be long gone, but you can still pamper your pooches during the lingering heat of a South Florida fall by letting them frolic at two water parks on dogs-only days. One of Broward County Parks and Recreation’s most popular programs for the past dozen years, the K9 Water Festivals, returns this year with three weekend events in October. (There will be no events at C.B. Smith Park this year.)

The series kicks off on October 4 and 5 at Castaway Island at T.Y. Park in Hollywood, which also has events on October 11 and 12. Splash Adventure at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach follows on October 18 and 19.

Admission is $5 per dog per 50-minute session (plus applicable Florida sales tax), with sessions beginning on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Only dogs weighing 25 pounds or less will be permitted for the final session of each day. Donations of dog and cat food, treats, blankets, and toys will be accepted on behalf of the homeless animals at Broward County shelters.

Broward County Animal Care and Adoption will also be on site with dogs available for adoption.

A few rules apply: All dogs must be off leash when inside the facility and must be sociable and well behaved. Proof of current rabies vaccination and county license tag are required. Other than lifeguards, no humans will be allowed inside the water playgrounds. Finally, dogs are limited to no more than two sessions per day, and dogs must be at least 4 months of age to participate.

For more information, call the park of your choice: Quiet Waters Park at 954-357-5100, or T.Y. Park at 954-357-8811. The parks’ regular weekend and holiday gate entrance fee of $1.50/person (children 5 and under free) will be in effect for these events.