15+ Dog-Friendly Activities in Austin, Texas

We're dog people here in the Texas Hill Country. And, exploring Austin, Texas isn't complete without your pup at your side.

So grab your leash, their booties (yes, seriously), and some drinking water because we're hitting the town!

Here are 15 free or cheap things to do in Austin with your dog today:

Mueller Lake Park

4550 Mueller Blvd
Austin, TX 78723 

From taco trucks, like Austin's beloved Veracruz Tacos, to a scenic lake view, Mueller Lake Park has everything you need to have a perfect day. 

Mueller is a on-leash dog park with no fencing. Lounge or fly a kite in the green space or get some exercise in for both you and Fido on the trails.

Explore the park and you'll find fun jungle gyms, sculptures, and water features your dog can play in.

There are plenty of poop receptacles located around the park. Which reminds me, do you need to restock on poo bags?

The Pitch

13000 Harris Ridge Blvd 
Austin, TX 78753

Sunday Funday! You and your fur kiddo are going to love this new addition to Austin's sports scene. Introducing, The Pitch, located in Northeast Austin, a dog-friendly eatery and bar. 

The Pitch is an expansive space including a 1,200-seat stadium, an artificial soccer pitch, and a five-acre “Parmer Pond.” Fido is welcome to romp around the sports park and enjoy hanging out around the eateries on leash. 

• Tuesday to Saturday from 11 AM – 8 PM
• Sundays from 11AM – 6PM

Shoal Creek Trail

710 W Cesar Chavez St,
Austin, TX 78701
(directions to the Austin Library Parking Garage)

Shoal Creek Trail is a 13-square-mile protected watershed and trail that crosses through downtown Austin. With both scenic views of the city, Texas State Capitol, and nature, it's a local favorite for dog parents.

We suggest to drop in at the Austin Central Library Trail Access Point. If you can't find free parking along the city streets, park in the Austin Library & Seaholm District Garage.

Auditorium Shores (Off-Leash Dog Park)

900 W Riverside Dr
Austin, TX 78704

This off-leash dog park is located in South Austin. You can walk along Lady Bird Lake/Lake Austin*, learn about Austin history, play in the open green spaces, or picnic in the shade.

At Auditorium Shores, you and your fur friend are in for a fun day of city views and play. You might even get lucky and catch some live music.

We suggest to drop in after 6 PM to beat the Summer heat and catch the sunset.

***Don't swim in Lake Bird Lake--it's not pet-friendly.

Texas Farmer's Market

2006 Philomena St.
Austin, TX 78723

A free weekly event at Mueller Lake Park is the award winning Texas Farmer's Market! This Market is very pet-friendly and even has local dog treat companies vending.

You can shop the market, grab breakfast, and sit in the shady grove with your pup. It's a relaxing, perfect spot to shop local favorite foods, coffee, brews, and even wildflowers.

Hours: Sunday's from 10 AM - 2 PM 

In the summer, pavement in Austin can get up to 125 degrees during peak afternoon hours. We advise pet owners to avoid visiting a farmers market during the hours of 12 - 2pm--this is when the sun is at its hottest. 

In just five minutes without protection, your dogs paw pads can be severely burned from hot pavement. If possible, have your dog wear booties! Find a pair for your pup here.

Zilker Park (Off-Leash Dog Park)

2207 Lou Neff Rd
Austin, TX 78746

Zilker Park is Austin's largest off-leash dog park. It's expansive 350 acres of publicly owned land are used recreationally for sports, picnicking, and as a concert venue for Blues on the Green and Austin City Limits (ACL)

Overlooking downtown, across from Barton Springs Pool & Lady Bird Lake (or Town Lake/Lake Austin)*, and next to a hopping Food Truck park, you'll get to enjoy a lot of Austin culture in just one afternoon.

Don't forget to bring a water bowl and fresh water for Fido! Due to limited shade, it can get hot.

***Don't swim in Lake Bird Lake--it's not pet-friendly.

Duncan Neighborhood Park

900 W. 9th St.
Austin, TX 78703

Located on the west side of Downtown, this almost 6 acre park is pet-friendly and a great pit stop along the Shoal Creek Trail route. 

Complete with a small BMX park on the South Side, Duncan Neighborhood Park has shade and open green spaces to satisfy any dog. 

Laguna Gloria

3809 W 35th St
Austin, TX 78703

Wanting to immerse yourself in Austin's art scene and Texas history? This should be on your list of dog-friendly spots!

Walking through the gates of The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria you feel like you've been transported far from the bustle of the city—although you are only five miles from downtown.

Venture through the grounds to discover art by contemporary artists from around the world, from awe-inspiring monumental sculptures to quiet moments with art in nature along meditative wooded pathways.

Hours: Thursday's from 9AM - 9PM are free

Zilker Botanical Gardens

3809 W 35th St
Austin, TX 78703

Zilker Botanical Garden is nestled within Zilker Metropolitan Park in the heart of downtown Austin.

Their themed gardens including the Taniguchi Japanese Garden, Hartman Prehistoric Garden, and Rose Garden, are all interconnected with pathways for all ages and abilities. With heritage live oaks, streams, and Koi-filled ponds, the Garden offers a peaceful respite in the middle of our busy city.

Their oak grove is perfect for picnicking and they have plenty of dog resting spots.

Please keep your fur kiddo on leash as you both explore the park!

Hours: 9AM - 6PM daily

Crux Climbing Center

If you don't want to leave your pup at home, (because who wants to do that) bring them climbing!

From experienced climbers to Austinites looking for a new workout option, Crux has something for everyone. Check out their daily rates here - look out for date night deals (2 for $20).

Your four legged friend is welcome to hang out on-leash along the pathways while you make your ascent. Here is a list of Dog Do's & Don'ts for their center.

Cosmic Coffee

121 Pickle Rd
Austin, TX 78704

What better way is there to unwind a long day than with a cup of coffee, or a cold beer and live music in the company of your furry friend? Cosmic Coffee on South Congress has got you.

It has a large outdoor space where your pup can play and there are several water bowls placed conveniently throughout the area. During the Summer months, awnings, fans, and misters cover the grounds while in the fall and winter, blankets, heaters, and fire pits are available. 

Enjoy their many food trucks on-site! And, if your feeling s shopping spree you're only a few blocks from South Congress, a popular and authentic Austin scene for locally made goods. Read up on what you might find just under the South Congress Avenue Bridge here 👀

Hours: 

• Sundays to Wednesdays 8AM – 11PM
• Thursdays and Saturdays 8AM – Midnight

Juan Pelota

400 Nueces St.
Austin, TX 78701

There are lots of coffee shops around Austin, but we had to shoutout another one of our favorites.

Get a pre-ride/walk espresso, breakfast tacos, a mid-day snack, or enjoy happy hour drinks at Juan Pelota! Located inside Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop, this is a local favorite gathering spot connecting the cycling community and our downtown Austin neighbors.

Bring a water bowl and they will fill it with fresh water for your dog.

Exploring the Shoal Creek Trail? Make a pitstop at Juan Pelota!

Hours: 8AM - 3PM daily (Open until 5PM Saturdays and Sundays)

Hopsquad Brewing

Hopsquad Brewing Co. is a community hub for all things Austin. Expect yoga in the mornings, dog events every quarter, Austin FC viewing and parties, and a whole lot more. 

Come hungry because Hop Squad has food trucks on site, like Dough Squad, craft beef, and treats for your pup from us at Tomlinson's Feed!

Enjoy the open floor plan inside with spralling seating and the outdoor space with lounging picnic tables and string lights.

Even better? They have events dedicated just for your fur baby! Check out their Pup Squad team for upcoming events!

Hours:

• Tuesday, Wednesday, & Sunday from 12 PM - 10 PM
• Thursday, Friday, & Saturday from 12 PM - 11 PM

Camp East

2902 E 12th St
Austin, TX 78702

Explore the east side of Austin at this locally loved destination.

Camp East is an East Austin community built with family, good eats, good drinks, and pets in mind. With three current partners, including Fil N' Viet, Do's Tiny Bread Shed, and Cork & Screw, it's the pawfect place to relax and unwind in Austin.

There is plenty of room for your pup to to enjoy their own personal space while you and friends or family mingle, eat, and drink. While the park is fenced, we advise to keep them leashed, for safety reasons.

Hours: Each eastery have their own hours - find those here.

Off-Leash Dog Parks

Austin is home to several off-leash, fenced dog parks. While these aren't free (tickets are about $9-$12), they include bark rangers that monitor your dog's play and pick up after them. Yes - they will scoop your pup's poop!

Check out our favorite dog parks: Neighbors Dog Park and Yard Bar!

Small dogs? No problem! Both dog parks have small dog sections so dogs can play with their own size. Just ask!

For our social butterflies, these dog parks are perfect for making both hooman and dog friends.

Both dog parks have seating and beverages for all dog owners to enjoy. Get a delicious cup of joe from Neighbors or a local pint and chicken sandwich from Yard Bar.

Looking for safe swim spots?

That can be a challenge in Austin, Texas as popular paddle boarding, kayaking, and swim destinations like Lady Bird Lake, Sculpture Falls, and Barton Springs has tested positive for harmful algae containing deadly toxins and are not pet friendly.

Check out our list for safe, dog-friendly swim spots for pets in Austin.

We Have More Pup Information

As you head out to have some fun with your furry friend, our guide for tips and etiquette for pet parents will ensure your dog and other people stay safe. While your out, find some grub at one of our top 20 Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Austin.

We love helping pups' parents raise happy and healthy pups. That's why we have tons of information on our blog to help you get more tail wags and have fun while at it!