From Austin to New Braunfels, we found the best dog parks in Central Texas. So whether you're bringing Fido along on an adventure or simply looking for a local spot, we have you covered! 

Here are Team Tomlinson's 20 favorite Central Texas dog parks:

Off-Leash

The Watering Bowl ATX

820 Farm to Market 1626
Austin, TX 78748

At The Watering Bowl ATX, you're dog will feel like they hit the jackpot. From splash pads, pools, free on-site wash stations to drinks & food, it's a gem in South Austin. 

If safety is a concern, there are always Rufferees trained in dog bahavior in the yard monitoring play to ensure all pups are having a safe and fun time. The Watering Bowl ATX also includes a "Small & Shy" fenced area so all dogs of all sizes are welcome. 

Come for the dog park, stay for the vibes - you'll thank us later!

The Watering Bowl ATX is open every day from 9AM to 9PM.

Yard Bar + Camp Out

6700 Burnet Rd
Austin, TX 78757

Yard Bar & Camp Out are a North Central Austin staple. This fun combination of a restaurant, bar, and dog park is where you can just chill with a beer and watch your fur kid play.

The park is manned by super-friendly bark rangers who monitor and break up dog brawls to ensure everyone feels safe. Their large dog park is divided into two gated areas for the large and small dogs, complete with lots of agility equipment. 

Pro tip: Always make reservations for the dog park as walk-ins are only accommodated if there’s available space.

Yard Bar is open every day from 11AM to 10PM.

Camp Out is open:

• Mondays to Thursdays from 4PM - 9PM
• Fridays to Sundays from 12PM - 9PM

Neighbors Dog Park & Cafe

5609 S Congress Ave #220
Austin, TX 78745

Neighbors Dog Park was built by you guessed it...nextdoor neighbors! Meet your new community friends, Kati and Lamar. 

Neighbors is a place for play. So come on down, take a load off, make new friends, and maybe watch some fluffy dogs wiggle around and act a big ol' fool!

Small dogs? No problem! Big dogs? Also, no problem. Dogs that like obstacle courses? Bring them on! Pups that aren't the most outgoing? Neighbors has shaded areas for dogs to chill with their humans.

And, for our social butterflies, Neighbors is the perfect place for making both hooman and dog friends.

Neighbors hours are 7:30AM to 2PM and 5PM to 9:30PM

Jumping Jack Dog Ranch

13731 Carpenter Lane
Manchaca, TX, 78652

Head over to Jumping Jack Dog Ranch! Featuring a large fenced-in yard with a dog-themed pool.

Their beach-front entry allows for pups to romp and splash through the shallow end, as well as dive into the deeper end! It also has a fire hydrant water fountain in the middle of a bone-shaped island. How cute is that?!

Hours: 
Monday-Friday: 6:30AM - 10AM & 3PM- 7:30PM
Saturday-Sunday: 9AM - 6PM

Auditorium Shores

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.

Zilker 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.

Mueller Dog Run at the 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. Bonus, Mueller Lake Park features a fenced in dog run. 

You can shop the market, grab breakfast, and then allow your pup to mingle and play in the yard stress-free. It's a relaxing, perfect spot to shop local favorite foods, coffee, brews, and even wildflowers.

Hours: Sunday's from 10AM - 2PM 

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.

Cedar Bark Park

Veterans Memorial Park,
2525 West New Hope Drive
Cedar Park, Texas 78613

The Cedar Bark Park is a 5-acre fenced in dog park located in Veterans Memorial Park. Some of the amenities include a natural dog pond, pet waste stations, benches, drinking fountains, dog showers, and natural features. This park is a Cedar Park favorite!

Hours: Sunrise to 10PM. Note that the Bark Park is closed every Tuesday from 7AM to 4PM for cleaning and maintenance.

Dog House Drinkery

3800 Co Rd 175
Leander, TX 78641

Dog or no dog, you're welcome at Dog House Drinkery! 

Unleash boundless energy on their spacious main park, spanning half an acre of canine paradise. Equipped with essential amenities including bagging stations, water bowls, and seasonal pools in summer and cozy heaters in winter.

Being at Dog House is time well spent with our fur friends. Featuring indoor seating so you can catch your favorite sport on our TV's or play a game of pool and outdoor seating for games like cornhole or disc golf putter basket. You'll have a great time letting your dogs hang & have fun.

Hours:
Tuesday - Thursday 3–9PM
Friday 3–10PM
Saturday 12–10PM
Sunday 12–9PM

MUTTS Canine Cantina

9825 N. Lake Creek Parkway
Austin, TX 78717

As dog lovers, we’ve visited many parks. But when MUTTS Canine Cantina landed in Austin, we knew this was a new way to dog park. Try out MUTTS in North Austin!

At just above 1/6 acres, dogs get to run and roam off-leash while owners enjoy delicious meals and snacks or even a tasty beverage. You pup will love the spacious and seasonal dog pools for the summer months. It gets an A-plus from Team Tomlinson's dogs. 

Heading there? Let them know we sent you!

Hours: 
Monday - Thursday: 5PM - 9:30PM
Friday: 5PM - 10PM
Saturday: 10AM - 10PM
Sunday: 10AM - 9PM

On-Leash

Milton Reimers Ranch Park

23610 Hamilton Pool Rd
Dripping Springs, TX 78620

Explore one of the most popular on leash trails on AllTrails in Austin: Milton Reimers Ranch Park!

This gorgeous property once belonged to fourth generation Texas rancher, Milton Reimers. He often opened his doors as a private park to rock climbers, mountain bikers and fisherman since the site sits along three miles of the Pedernales River. 

Bring Fido and enjoy almost 2,500 acres (13 miles) of hiking trails and beautiful limestone bluffs.. Don't forget to bring water, travel bowl, and poo bags!

Daily park use costs $5 per person, with discounted rates for seniors, children under the age of 12 and disabled veterans. Reimers Ranch is cash only.

Hours: The park is open daily from 7:30AM to 8:30PM

Pedernales Falls State Park

2585 Park Road 6026 
Johnson City, TX 78636

At Pedernales Falls State Park, you can camp, hike, mountain bike, picnic, geocache, bird watch, and even ride horses. But the best part is - dogs are welcome! Bring your fur kiddo, leashed please, and don't forget the poo bags.

On the river, you can swim, wade, tube or fish. Look for local wildlife and plants at the bird blind and butterfly garden. Access to the swimming area is a strenuous 1/4-mile (or more) hike, and includes steep rock stairs with no handrail.

Hours: Open daily from 8AM to 10PM

Mueller Lake Park

4550 Mueller Blvd
Austin, TX 78723

From taco trucks, like Veracruz Tacos, to a scenic lake view, Mueller Lake Park has Austinite flare. 

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. 

Hours:
Tuesday to Saturday from 11AM – 8PM
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.

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 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: Open daily from 9AM - 6PM

Barton Creek Trail

Main Trail Head at Zilker Park
2212 William Barton Dr
Austin, TX, 78746

With over 12 miles to explore, the Barton Creek Greenbelt offers a variety of recreational activities and stunning natural beauty. Hike your pup through scenic trails, wade in refreshing swimming holes, and discover rugged terrain renowned for its limestone cliffs. Visit Austintexas.Gov to see trail maps, trailhead listing, and hiking trails.

Barton Creek is home to several endangered species, including the Golden Cheeked Warbler, Austin Blind Salamander, Barton Springs Salamander, and Bracted Twistflower. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, the Barton Creek Greenbelt provides a peaceful escape from the city.

***Don't swim in Lake Bird Lake--it's not pet-friendly. Watch out for slow moving water and algae!

Panther Canyon Nature Trail

164 Landa Park Dr
New Braunfels, TX 78130

Looking for a New Braunfels adventure? Go check out local gem Panther Canyon Trail near the headwaters of the Comal Springs.

The trail ascends the Balcones Escarpment into the Edwards Plateau under the shade of oaks, Ashe juniper, cedar elm and under-story trees including Mexican buckeye, kidneywood and Texas persimmon. 

You and your pup will cross a dry creek bed of an ephemeral stream that only flows during or immediately after a rain. The trail covers over 49 acres and is home to many native plants and wildlife. Hikers should allow at least 1.5 hours for the 1.6 mile round trip hike!

Hours: Open from 6AM until midnight

Plan Accordingly

Areas like New Braunfels and Austin experience higher tourism in the Fall. While river towns like San Antonio, Wimberly, San Marcos, Canyon Lake, Lake Travis, and South Austin, have long lines and crowds during the summer.

And remember, always carry poo bags and provide plenty of fresh drinking water - regardless of the hour or season.

We're local!

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. 

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!