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10 Amazing Off-Leash Dog Parks in Austin, Texas in 2024

Nicole Cosgrove Profile Picture

By Nicole Cosgrove

young labrador retriever dog running outdoor

A leash is an essential piece of equipment for any dog owner, especially if you frequently take your dog to public places. Of course, most dogs prefer not being on leashes because their freedom of movement is somewhat restricted—albeit for their safety. That means your dog won’t be as relaxed as you are while walking down the beach, in the park, or even when exercising to let off some steam.

Off-leash time is a vital part of play and exercise for dogs, and what better place to do so than in a dog-friendly park? If you’re looking to give your pooch some valuable off-leash time, these are some of the best off-leash dog parks to visit in Austin.

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Top 10 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Austin, Texas

1. Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park

🗺️ Address: 📍907 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78748
🕐 Open Times: 5am–10pm

  • Has mud puddles and a shallow stream to help cool down your pooch
  • Offers a beautiful circular trail surrounded by mesquite
  • Plenty of trash cans to deposit dog poop
  • Family-friendly atmosphere
  • Visitors advised to carry water, as there are no water stations

2. Red Bud Isle

🗺️ Address: 📍3401 Redbud Trail, Austin, TX 78746
🕐 Open Times: 7am–10pm

  • Limited parking
  • Scenic trails
  • Pet owners expected to clean up after their dogs
  • The isle is surrounded by water on three sides
  • Offers several entertainment activities such as canoeing, kayaking, hiking
  • Water is clean and ideal for swimming

3. Great Northern Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 📍7099 Great Northern Blvd, Austin, TX 78757
🕐 Open Times: 5am–10pm

  • The park features several walking paths
  • Very spacious
  • Offers open, grassy areas for the dogs to roam and run as they please
  • Visitors are reminded to keep an eye on the puppies, as the park isn’t enclosed
  • Rarely crowded
  • It has a small pond

4. Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park

🗺️ Address: 📍12138 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78753
🕐 Open Times: 5am–10pm

  • Has well-maintained restrooms
  • Separate spaces for small and large dogs
  • Leashed dogs are also allowed
  • It’s an ideal park for mountain bikers
  • Visitors should keep an eye out for water moccasins

5. Zilker Park

🗺️ Address: 📍2100 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78746
🕐 Open Times: 7am–12am

  • Visitors can also bike around, go kayaking, canoeing, or hiking
  • Dogs can ride the train during off-peak hours
  • The springs pool isn’t pet-friendly
  • Has leashed and off-leash dog areas
  • The park holds special events from time to time

6. Emma Long Metropolitan Park

🗺️ Address: 📍1401-1711 City Park Rd, Austin, TX 78730
🕐 Open Times: 7am–10pm

  • Visitors will enjoy the great view of lake Austin
  • Has beautiful trails for runners, cyclists, hikers, and pet owners
  • It’s one of the cleanest parks in Austin
  • The atmosphere is always calm
  • The river crossings are beautiful

7. Norwood Estate Dog Park

🗺️ Address: 📍1009 Edgecliff Terrace, Austin, TX 78704
🕐 Open Times: 5am–10pm

  • Offers separate spaces for small and large dogs
  • The play areas are shaded
  • It’s a spacious park that has a double gate
  • Provides washing stations for visitors looking to wash their dogs
  • Squirrels love playing with the dogs

8. Big Stacy Neighborhood Park

🗺️ Address: 📍700 E Live Oak St, Austin, TX 78704
🕐 Open Times: 6am–8pm (Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday); 12pm–8pm (Sunday)

  • It provides a calm and romantic atmosphere
  • They’ve installed comfortable benches almost everywhere for visitors looking to relax
  • The benches have engraved dedications to loved ones
  • Plenty of parking

9. Shoal Creek Greenbelt

🗺️ Address: 📍2600 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78705
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours

  • The perfect park for runners, cyclists, and hikers as well
  • Dogs usually love to scamper through the large rocks and trees
  • Has a family-friendly atmosphere
  • The restrooms are always clean
  • Visitors expected to clean up after their dogs

10. Onion Creek Greenbelt

🗺️ Address: 📍7001 Onion Creek Dr, Austin, TX 78744
🕐 Open Times: Open 24 hours

  • Water stations are available, so visitors can stay hydrated
  • There are no restrooms
  • The whole area is well shaded
  • Some of the sections of the off-leash trail are narrow and muddy
  • The trail is located on the north side of the creek
  • Ample parking available
  • The trails can be accessed from neighborhoods

hepper-dog-paw-divider 5Conclusion

It is clear that hiking with our four-legged furry friends is increasingly becoming popular nowadays. and we’re all for it, to be honest, seeing as this is one of the best ways for all parties involved to stay active while forging those lasting bonds.

Unfortunately, not all towns or cities are okay with people walking around with their dogs off-leash. So, to avoid getting into any sort of trouble, go through this list to confirm whether or not your city or town supports untethered hiking activities.

And if you have any recommendations that you’d like to add, feel free to get in touch. We love hearing from you guys.


Featured Image Credit: Lunja, Shutterstock

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