Getting outside is good for you and your four-legged friend. Dallas residents are spoiled for choice with off-leash and on-leash dog parks throughout the city. Whether you’re taking your dog out for a walk or want to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon together, Dallas dog parks are the perfect spot to relax.
There’s something for every dog owner, whether you’re looking for a free park or somewhere to let your dog explore off-leash. The Dallas Park and Recreation Department operates nine off-leash dog parks across Dallas with waste disposal stations, doggy bowls, and plenty of empty spaces. You’ll also find other dog-friendly parks that host events with lots for you and your furry friend to get up to.
We’re rounding up 12 of the best Dallas dog parks to explore year-round with your friends and pets.
Barry Annino Bark Park – previously known as ‘Bark Park Central’ – is a 1.2-acre, off-leash dog park open Mondays and Wednesdays to Sundays from 6am to 11pm. This Dallas dog park is a popular option for pre- or post-dinner strolls, with plenty of dog-friendly restaurants and dining options in the nearby neighborhood.
My Best Friend’s Park is located within the sprawling green space of Kyle Warren Park and is open from 6:30 am to 10 pm daily for dogs under 30lbs. This pet-friendly park is a fenced-in, off-leash space, ideal for allowing your pets to explore.
It’s a great spot for your dogs to run around and play in an open space. This dog-friendly park hosts a range of free fitness classes with events with live music and food trucks.
If you have a larger dog or one that’s full of energy, take them to this dog-friendly park with over 22 acres of space to explore. Explore a range of pavilions, trails, and even a doggie beach. This Dallas dog park is the perfect spot for a weekend trip with your dog and a must-visit during the hotter months.
NorthBark Dog Park is the largest in North Texas, with extensive facilities, including a dog shower and pond for your furry friends to enjoy.
Taking your dog on your morning talk can make exercising and working out feel more enjoyable. This 3.5-mile trail is an alternative to traditional dog parks and runs from the American Airlines Center to the West End, taking you through Mockingbird DART Station and the urban heart of Dallas. While your pets must remain on a short lease on this trail, there are plenty of pet-friendly places to stop along your trail.
Green spaces are the perfect area to bring your dog for a walk or to relax by a fountain in the shade. Main Street Garden is in Downtown Dallas, with 1.75 acres of space to explore. The garden offers Wi-Fi and a café with public art installations, perfect for catching up with friends or taking your dog out for the day.
In East Dallas, you’ll find White Rock Lake with its 3-acre off-leash dog park with designated areas for dogs of all sizes, including dog washes and splash zones. This dog park is ideal for taking your dog during a hike or walk in the White Rock area. It’s a free dog park with plenty of open spaces to cool down on a hot day.
This dog park offers drinking bowls, a fenced area, shade structures in dog paddocks, and pet comfort stations.
Wagging Tail was the first dog park designed by the City of Dallas and is a 6.9-acre, off-leash dog space with a loop trail. It has a flagstone observation deck 35 feet above White Rock Creek with breathtaking views of the waterfall. This dog park has metal fencing with picnic areas, shaded sections, and a designated small dog and large dog area. It’s open 6 days a week and closed on Mondays for maintenance.
Another unconventional choice for a dog park is Mutts Canine Cantina. This space will exceed both you and your furry best friend. It’s the ultimate space for both you and your dog as a pet-friendly restaurant with a designated dog park.
Relax and enjoy a beer or cocktail in the garden patio with dog snacks and treats to keep your four-legged friend entertained. Don’t skip on the burgers and follow Mutts’ Instagram to stay up to date with their latest events.
Griggs Park is a historic park with 8-acres to explore in Uptown Dallas. It’s the perfect choice for days when you want to relax in the sun with your friends and pets. This Dallas dog park has playgrounds, pet areas, picnic spaces, and quiet areas. Dogs must remain on a leash throughout your visit, though there’s lots of space to keep them entertained.
Our next recommendation for a Dallas dog park is a little off the beaten track. In West Highland, you’ll find Central Dog Park behind the Central Commons building. While it’s a low-key space, it’s ideal for taking your dog if they’re getting used to being out in public or if you want a quieter space with fewer people. It’s a free, community-funded dog park open daily for dogs over 4 months old.
One of the most unique dog parks in Dallas is Crockett Park. This 1.25-acre off-leash dog park is a community-oriented space with designated areas for large and small dogs, fully fitted with benches, waste stations, and mesh fencing.
The Shacks at Austin Ranch is a residential and retail space with a range of amenities, including six restaurants and its own dog park. Bacon’s Dog Park is an off-leash area suitable for small and large dogs. Although free for residents of the apartment complex, you can also purchase a monthly or yearly subscription to access the dog park and other facilities.
Take your dog to explore the great outdoors with these 12 Dallas dog parks with something for every owner and pet. Hit up one of the outdoor trails or pack a picnic and plan a get-together with your friends at one of these dog-friendly parks.
Photo by Mathew Smith on Unsplash