Business Insider named this sprawling city the best in America, with more parks than any other top 10 metropolitan area—but where do you find a good dog park in Houston?
Known as the world capital of space exploration, does the city of Houston have space for your dog to run, chase a ball, catch a frisbee, and socialize with other cute canines?
Check out our top 7 dog park picks and see which one your four-legged friend will favor.
Top 7 Dog Parks in Houston
- Congressman Bill Archer Park
- Millie Bush Bark Park
- Danny Jackson Family Dog Park
- Maxey Bark Park and Run Park
- Ervan Chew Dog Park
- TC Jester Dog Park
- Boneyard Dog Park and Drinkery
1. Congressman Bill Archer Park
3201 State Highway 6 North (Northwest Houston)
Ready for an all-day visit? This park offers a great pond, agility course, walking trail, and showers for your dog across more than 20 acres. Try other parks for a pit stop, but head to Bill Archer when you’ve got extra time to run, relax, and play with your canine companion.
2. Millie Bush Bark Park
16756 Westheimer Pkwy (West Houston)
Featuring three smaller lakes stretched along 15 acres, this park is the perfect place for a picnic with your dog and family. With plenty of shaded areas and benches, many reviewers suggest it’s the best Houston has to offer.
3. Danny Jackson Family Dog Park
4828 1/2 Loop Central Dr (Bellaire)
“She may not look like much, but she’s got it where it counts, kid.” —Han Solo
Dogs don’t seem to mind the lack of ambiance here, or shade, and they love the long strips of lawn stretched out against the backdrop of transmission and power lines. Not the place if you need some visual comfort, but a great place for canine exercise and splashing around.
4. Maxey Bark Park and Run Park
601 Maxey Rd (East End)
If wooded parkland sounds better than those power towers at Danny Jackson, Maxey Bark and Run is the park for you, sporting 13 acres of shady trees, drinking fountains, and doggy showers.
5. Ervan Chew Dog Park
4502 Dunlavy (Montrose)
Though it’s not as large as some options, Ervan Chew carries the honor of being the first legally off-leash park in Houston. If you’re looking for a smaller park with a neighborhood feel, you’ll enjoy this 9,000 square foot space with adjacent picnic area and public pool.
6. TC Jester Dog Park
4201 TC Jester Blvd (North Houston)
This park features a sizeable enclosure for off-leash activity: 31,000 square feet for big dogs and a separate 16,000 square foot space for small dogs. Agility courses and on-leash walking trails provide other options, too.
7. Boneyard Dog Park and Drinkery
8150 Washington (Greater Heights)
“No alcoholic beverages allowed” is what you’ll find at most Houston dog parks, which makes this unique offering my personal favorite! This 7,000 square foot off-leash area allows owners to socialize their pet while enjoying an adult beverage. No children allowed, but for an over-21 dog lover, it provides a refreshing time for both of you. I assume doing the Harlem Shake is optional.
Honorable mention goes to the dog runs at the Market Square Park, and the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center, a dog-welcoming place for on-leash exploration. Turns out, when it comes to dog parks in Houston, there’s a lot to choose from!
Other resources for Houston dog lovers:
- http://www.visithoustontexas.com/media/research/facts-and-figures/
- http://urbanpawsmagazine.com/local-animal-resources/dog-parks-off-leash
- http://www.houstontx.gov/parks/dogparks.html
- Top photo via Flickr/TexasEagle
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