Having your favorite canine join you while you’re out and about is a great time, but in most places, your pup will have to be on a leash while accompanying you. Leashes aren’t always our dogs’ favorite accessories, and it’s helpful to know where the off-leash areas in your city are. After all, you want your pet to have the chance to run and play somewhere bigger than your backyard!
If you live in Austin, Texas, you’re in luck because the city has plenty of off-leash areas where you can take your dog—particularly parks. Whether you’re in the mood for hiking, prefer to laze by a river or creek, or just want a dog park where you can grab a drink, Austin has you covered. Below are 15 great off-leash dog parks in Austin, Texas, that you can visit today!
The 15 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Austin, Texas
1. Auditorium Shores Off-Leash Park
- Near the river, so dogs can splash and play
- Entire park is not off-leash, only certain areas
- Features a drinking fountain for dogs
- For people, there are hiking trails and picnic areas
- Off-leash area is not fully fenced in and is near a busy road, so caution is advised
2. Big Stacy Neighborhood Park
- Plenty of open spaces for pups to run around
- Pool with free admission for humans
- Not much else to do besides the pool and open spaces
- Can park on the street or private lot
3. Davis White Northeast District Park
- Entire park is not off-leash, but one area is
- Off-leash area is not fenced in
- Features basketball courts and playgrounds
- Hiking trails on one side of park with exercise areas
4. Emma Long Metropolitan Park
- Fabulous view of Lake Austin
- Plenty of hiking trails for dogs and people
- Very thorny plants in some areas, so beware
- Parking is sometimes scarce
5. Great Northern Dog Park
- Large off-leash area with retention pond and paths
- Not fully fenced in, so exercise caution
- Doesn’t get overly crowded
- Has poop bag stations, but it’s still advisable to bring your own
6. Mary Moore Searight Metro Park
- Features “Metro” trail for hikers, walkers, etc., and “Equestrian” trail for horseback riders
- Has a shallow stream for your pup to play in
- Park hosts a radio-controlled park airfield, so prepare to hear plenty of plane engines
- Dog park area is on the north end of the park
7. Metropolitan Park at Walnut Creek
- 293-acre park
- Off-leash area for dogs to play, but need to be leashed on the 15 miles of trails
- Trails cross the creek a total of nine times, so there are plenty of opportunities for dogs to play in water
- Playground areas for kids
8. Neighbors Dog Park
- Dog park and coffee shop
- Dogs must be spayed or neutered to enter
- No harnesses allowed
- Doggie daycare and training available
9. E. Riverside Dog Park
- Separate areas for small and large dogs
- Fully fenced-in areas
- Plenty of benches in shaded areas for dog parents
- Water available to keep pups hydrated
- Very clean park
10. Onion Creek Greenbelt
- Less well-known, so may be less crowded
- Extremely large, with considerable areas to run around in
- Features pond and walking trails
- Playgrounds and picnic areas available
11. Red Bud Isle
- Small island park
- Play area for dogs, plus walking trails
- Easy for dogs to get into the water in several areas
- Trails can get muddy in the summer months
12. Shoal Creek Greenbelt
- Designated area for off-leash, but dogs must be leashed elsewhere
- 5 ½ mile walking trail to enjoy (rated easy)
- Lots of wildlife to see
- Parts of trail under construction
13. West Austin Dog Park
- Fenced-in dog park area to let your pups run free
- Dog park has more dirt than grass, so dogs may get dirty
- Leash required for rest of park
- Kid-friendly, with lots of play areas
- Pool available in summer months
14. Yard Bar
| ️Address: |
6700 Burnet Rd Austin, TX 78757 |
| Open Times: |
11 AM to 10 PM (Sunday thru Wednesday); Noon to 10 PM (Thursday thru Saturday) |
| Cost: |
$9 per dog; memberships also available |
| Off-leash allowed?: |
Yes |
- Dog park and bar
- Dog park only allows people who are 21+
- All dogs must be spayed or neutered
- Pups must be 4 months or older
- Only 2 dogs per person allowed
15. Zilker Metro Park Off-Leash Dog Area
- 45-acre area of the 350-acre Zilker Metro Park is designated off-leash
- Huge area of grass for dogs to run and play
- Dog area is not fenced in and is near busy roads, so be cautious
- Rest of the park dogs must be leashed while you explore trails, lakes, springs, and more
Conclusion
As dog parents, we love spending time with our canine pals. Austin, Texas, seems to be a pretty dog-friendly place, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding great spots to visit with your favorite pup. You can visit any of the parks listed here and have a wonderful time with your pet!
See also:
Featured Image Credit: Roman Seliutin, Shutterstock
The 15 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Austin, Texas
