The 5 best off-leash dog parks in Houston
These standout Houston dog parks really know how to cater to canines.
-Source: Chron.com
Congressman Bill Archer Dog Park
Located in West Houston, this massive 17-acre dog park is everything dogs and humans could want in a dog park. There is plenty of room for off-leash play at the fenced and double-gated recreational area. Bill Archer Dog Park has two separate areas for large and small dogs. The large dog side is 14 acres, while the small dog side is three acres.
Pups will always want to stay in the doggie wonderland that boasts large shade trees, bone-shaped ponds, agility courses and walking paths. Not to worry if your four-legged pal is extra muddy after a day of fun; dog wash stations are outside the fenced areas to ensure a pleasant drive home. There are also covered seating areas, public restrooms and water fountains for both people and pups, and bag dispensers and trash cans throughout both sides of the park.
Find it: Congressman Bill Archer Dog Park, 3201 State Highway 6 North, Houston, TX 77084
Millie Bush Dog Park
Ranked as one of the best dog parks in the nation by Dog Fancy Magazine in 2005, this 15-acre area located in far-west Houston is named after former President George H.W. Bush's late springer spaniel, Millie.
One of the first of its kind in Houston, the park's amenities include two ponds, plenty of shaded seating and three dog washing stations. The play area is divided into two off-leash areas for large and small dogs, along with trees, granite walking paths and plenty of space to play.
There is abundant parking and public restrooms are available nearby. Millie Bush Dog Park is part of George Bush Park, so it is easy for both people and pups to get some on-leash adventure in the 7,800-acre park, which boasts miles of jogging trails, playgrounds, ponds, soccer fields and shaded pavilions.
Find it: Millie Bush Dog Park, 16101 Westheimer Parkway, Houston, TX 77082
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Waldemar Dog Park
Waldemar Park is located in West Houston and is one of the city's newest dog parks. The half-acre park is named in memory of Frisky Paws Rescue founder Nela Laura Thomas-Brown, a prolific member of Houston's dog rescue community.
Open from sunup to sundown, the large area is divided into two sections for big and small dogs, where six-foot fences and double security gates keep off-leash areas safe for play. The curved shape of Waldemar Park makes it easy for dogs to run for long stretches along the fence line. There are large trees for shade, benches, a covered pavilion and water fountains for humans and our four-legged friends.
Find it: Waldemar Dog Park, 11700 Waldemar, Houston, TX 77077
Johnny Steele Dog Park
Humans and tail-waggers will love Johnny Steele Dog Park in Buffalo Bayou Park. The two-acre park is in the heart of downtown Houston and provides enclosed spaces for both large and small dogs. Humans will love the panoramic downtown views and top-notch park amenities, including dog washing stations, ponds, shaded structures and water fountains.
Plan to spend the day at Buffalo Bayou Park. One of the most treasured green spaces in Houston, the park offers miles of walking trails, great playgrounds, bike and boat rentals and weekend and evening programming.
Find it: Johnny Steele Dog Park, 2929 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019; 713-752-0314
Levy Park
This award-winning park in Houston's Upper Kirby neighborhood is perfect for the entire family. The six-acre park has several different areas for playing, gathering or relaxing, with one section dedicated specifically to dogs. The enclosed space consists of two areas—one for large and one for smaller dogs. There are plenty of shade trees, turf-covered mounds and water features, as well as double-gated entry for secure access. Parkgoers have access to water fountains, restrooms and the park's amenities, which include family-friendly programming and games. Nearby there are plenty of restaurants and food trucks.
Find it: Levy Park, 3801 Eastside St., Houston, TX