There’s a reason dogs are considered man’s best friend.
Dogs are sociable, loveable pets who make excellent companions to owners of all ages.
And just like you might meet your best friends at the park to socialize and enjoy the outdoors, you can take your furry friend to the dog park to enjoy the same benefits.
Austin, the 6th most dog-friendly city in the U.S. according to BringFido.com, is home to a number of great dog parks that will let you and your four-legged friend spend time together enjoying nature.
If you’re ready to take man’s best friend for some off-leash fun at an Austin-area dog park, here are the best spots for that!
1. Red Bud Isle
Enjoy a day by the lake with your pup and you’ll both have a blast. Dogs will love being able to roam and play in Lady Bird Lake, and you will be able to enjoy hiking, canoeing and more.
- 3401 Redbud Trail, Austin, TX 78746
- https://austinparks.org/red-bud-isle/
- Your four-legged friend will enjoy this lakefront dog park that offers 13 acres of off-leash fun.
- 5 am- 10 pm, 7 days a week
2. Onion Creek District Park
Located in southeast Austin, this open park will enable you and your dog to spend time together splashing in the nearby pond and strolling through the wooded area around the park.
- 7002 Onion Creek Dr, Austin, TX 78744
- https://austinparks.org/onion-creek-district-park/
- Cool off in the nearby pond or simply roam nature at the 106-acre off-leash area for pups.
- 5 am- 10 pm, 7 days a week
3. Auditorium Shores Off-Leash Area
Part of Town Lakes Metro Park, Auditorium Shores’ off-leash area is an open space for your pooch to run and play. Cool off in nearby Lady Bird Lake or spend some time walking the trails together.
- 920 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX, US, 78701
- https://austinparks.org/auditorium-shores-park/
- Three acres of open space await you and your pooch. Word of warning- this park is located next to a busy street so you will want to keep your pup close at all times.
- 5 am- 10 pm, 7 days a week
4. Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
With plenty of shade and picnic tables for relaxing, the Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is a fun spot to bring your furry friend to run off some energy. Don’t forget a bowl of water to keep your pup hydrated!
- 12138 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78753
- https://austinparks.org/walnut-creek-metro-park/
- Two hundred acres of off-leash area located inside Walnut Creek Metropolitan area provide a fun space for your dog to play.
- 5 am- 10 pm, 7 days a week
5. Harris Ridge Dog Park
If you are looking for a dog park with agility equipment, look no further than this dog park in North Austin’s Pflugerville, TX. There are separate areas for small and large dogs so pups can play with friends their own size.
- 14401 Harris Ridge Blvd, Pflugerville, TX 78660
- https://northtownmud.org/parks.html
- This fenced-in dog park will encourage your furry friend to expend some energy. The park closes during inclement weather or if the ground is too wet.
- 7 am- 9 pm, 7 days a week
6. Shoal Creek Greenbelt
You’ll find this off-leash area at the north end of Pease Park. You and your pup will enjoy roaming the area, taking in the sights and sounds of this Austin-area dog park.
- 2631 Shoal Creek Blvd, Austin, TX, US, 78705
- https://austinparks.org/shoal-creek-greenbelt/
- Located on 30 acres of land inside the Shoal Creek Greenbelt, the designated off-leash area of this park is fun for dogs and their humans. Splash in nearby Shoal Creek or simply enjoy the Texas sunshine.
- 5 am- 10 pm, 7 days a week
7. Zilker Metropolitan Park
Go for a stroll, run or hike at this Austin park with your furry best friend. You and your pooch can explore the park and all of its offerings together.
- 2100 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78704
- http://www.austintexas.gov/department/zilker-metropolitan-park
- If your pup is leashed, they can join you on activities throughout the park, including the train on less-busy afternoons. The off-leash area is 45 acres of open space on the great lawn inside Zilker Metro Park.
- 5 am- 10 pm, 7 days a week
8. Norwood Estate Dog Park
Enjoy mixing and mingling with other dogs and their owners at this central Austin dog park. Washing stations and water are readily available to keep your pup clean and hydrated after a fun day outdoors!
- 1009 Edgecliff Terrace, Austin, TX 78704
- https://austinparks.org/norwood-park/
- Almost two acres of dog park await you and your pup at Norwood Park. There is a separate area for small dogs and an area where small and large breeds can play together.
- 5 am- 10 pm, 7 days a week
9. Cedar Bark Park
Head to the north Austin suburbs for the day with your furry friend to enjoy this bark park and all its amenities. You can kick back and relax on a bench while your pup runs and plays.
- 2525 West New Hope Drive, Cedar Park, Texas 78613
- https://www.cedarparktexas.gov/departments/parks-recreation/park-amenities-services-facilities/cedar-bark-park
- This five-acre bark park located inside Veteran’s Memorial Park in Cedar Park has plenty of amenities to keep your pooch satisfied, including wash stations and water fountains.
- Open sunrise- 10 pm 6 days per week; closed Tuesday 7 am- 4pm for maintenance
10. West Austin Park
This neighborhood park is the perfect destination for a day of fun. The 3-acre park includes a pool, picnic, tennis courts, basketball courts and off-leash dog park.
- 1317 W 10th St, Austin, TX 78703
- https://www.yelp.com/biz/west-austin-park-and-wading-pool-austin
- You and your pup will love socializing with all the dogs and humans that frequent this neighborhood park. Although only a small part of the park is designated as off-leash, there is still plenty of fun to be had!
- 8 am- 8 pm, 7 days a week
Wrapping Up the 10 Best Dog Parks in & Around Austin, TX
Austin, TX is a great area to be a dog owner.
There are so many dog-friendly parks and areas that you’ll have a hard time figuring out which one you and your pup should explore first!
If you want to create a space for your four-legged friend in your own backyard, consider artificial grass as a pet-friendly ground covering in a dog run.
If you’re interested in an artificial grass installation in Texas, please contact Ideal Turf today to get your FREE Artificial Grass Design & Installation Estimate by clicking “GET A QUOTE” button or feel free to give us a call at 800-204-4650.
