Austinites love their dogs. Just go to any restaurant or bar with an outdoor area, and you’re sure to see a friendly Goldendoodle hanging out with his people. But sometimes, a dog’s just got to run free.

Luckily, Austin has several off-leash areas for your pup to socialize, get out his zoomies, or just sniff around untethered for once. Here’s where you can take your dog in Austin for that valuable off-leash time.

Public-Off Leash Areas

Austin maintains multiple public parks and off-leash areas across the city to take your pups for some exercise and socialization. Some are fenced, and some have water access for dogs who love to swim, especially in the summer (just be sure to pay attention to algae warnings). Here’s a handy map as well.

*Fenced
^Water access

North Austin

  • Walnut Creek Metro Park^
  • Emma Long Metro Park
  • Great Northern Dam Far West Off-Leash Area

Central Austin

  • Triangle Commons Neighborhood Park*
  • Davis/White Northeast Neighborhood Park
  • Red Bud Isle^
  • Shoal Creek Greenbelt
  • Walden Bark Park*
  • West Austin Neighborhood Park*
  • Zilker Metropolitan Park Great Lawn
  • Barking Springs^
  • Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metro Park^
  • Norwood Tract at Town Lake Metro Park*
  • Carson Ridge Bark Park*

South Austin

  • Mary Moore Searight Metro Park^
  • Onion Creek Greenbelt^

Paid Dog Parks

But if you’re looking for something with more supervised play or a few perks—like a place to buy a beer while hanging with your dog—Austin also has privately owned parks with day passes or monthly memberships for dog lovers and their furry friends.

Yard Bar 

Yard Bar’s spacious yard offers plenty of room for pups to play, along with beer, cocktails, and wine for purchase. Wi-Fi, a separate park for small dogs, and a wash area.

6700 Burnet Rd.

The Watering Bowl 

The Watering Bowl in South Austin has features for dogs and their humans, including a splash pad; grooming station; Wi-Fi; a “pirate ship pool deck,” a covered patio with TVs; beer, wine, and more for purchase; and tasty snacks for the dogs, including their own “beer.”

820 FM 1626

Neighbors 

Neighbors started as a dog park with a full coffee shop and recently expanded its offerings to beer and wine. Find a spacious park with free Wi-Fi, plenty of seating, and obstacles for the pups to test their agility.

5609 South Congress Ave., Unit 220

 

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