Houston will not disappoint your four-legged friends who will love romping in these wide open spaces deep in the heart of Texas.
Congressman Bill Archer Bark Park
Harris County Precinct 3 maintains the Cy-Fair area Congressman Bill Archer Dog Park. Voted the Houston Press 2015 Best Dog Park, you certainly won’t feel penned in on these 20 acres, accommodating both small and large dogs. Archer Park is full of fields, trees, long walking trails, and benches; it is well maintained and has a ton of space for off-leash activities. If you are trying to tire out your energetic pup, this is where you want to be. Dogs and owners both love the agility equipment, and there are even swimming ponds (shaped like dog biscuits) to cool your pooch on those hot, humid Houston days. Relax in one of the many sitting areas while your dog makes new friends. The park is open every day dawn until dusk, and people love using the larger park that surrounds the dog park. Archer abounds with water fountains, convenient because no doggie or people food or drinks are allowed in. If your dog is a little dirty, it means he’s had a great day, but never fear–doggie rinse stations are here for clean up before you head home.
Dogs must be leashed upon entry and exit, and owners must show a current rabies certificate. Baby pups under 4 months old are not allowed, and Archer is double-gated and double-fenced for safety. Owners are responsible for waste cleanup, and pick-up bags are available for convenience.
Discovery Green
Discovery Green Park is an uncommonly beautiful, 12-acre urban green space in the heart of Houston. It is run by a successful public-private partnership between the City of Houston and the nonprofit Discovery Green Conservancy. The 600 free events held annually attract a very diverse crowd of 1.2 million people. You will see families, couples, school children, and professionals all enjoying this relaxing green space without ever having to leave downtown.
Discovery Green’s dog park is a great place for your family’s four-legged members, and features both crushed gravel and grass ground covers, fountains, and plenty of seating. Your dog can play with the picturesque downtown Houston skyline as a backdrop. Lots of shade trees come in handy on hot Houston days. The park features both large and small dog areas–the Kinder Large Dog Run is for dogs taller than 15 inches, and the Harriet and Joe Foster Small Dog Run for petite pooches under 15 inches. Both areas have a 45-minute time limit. Owners must remain with dogs and current vaccination tags must be visible. Owners must pick up after their dogs, and there’s a dress code too—no spiked collars! This very busy park has a safe, comfortable community feeling. The dog park is praised by Houstonians for being well-planned and enjoyable for both canine and humans.
Millie Bush Dog Park
Millie Bush Dog Park, located near the Energy Corridor, is a Houston favorite. This 13-acre popular destination is adored by both two- and four-legged Houstonians because of its three lakes, shaded areas and benches, and picnic areas. The park is named for Millie, the beloved spaniel that followed President George and Barbara Bush around the White House. When it first opened, Dog Fancy Magazine named it the #1 bark park in the USA, beating out 700 other dog parks. The park features a red gravel track, drinking fountains, fake fire hydrants, and doggie showers. And the three man-made lakes have a great added feature: sloped banks and graduating steps for elderly and slightly more cautious dogs who prefer to glide gracefully into the water. Trails and a large open space provide areas for dogs to run and walk freely without leash restrictions.
Big dogs have acres of green grass and two large ponds, and there’s even a separate section for little fellas, who have their own compact pond and fenced lawn in which to swim and run free of the big dogs. The park was the first of its kind in Harris County, and has safety features like double gate fencing to prevent dogs from escaping from the park and running into the street. Everything’s bigger in Texas, even the parking lot which accommodates 100 cars (not that your dog will care much, but you will). Early risers particularly like the 7 a.m. opening time, particularly on summer mornings before the intense heat sets in.
Johnny Steele Dog Park in Buffalo Bayou Park
Johnny Steele Dog Park is a 2-acre plot located in the 160-acre Buffalo Bayou Park, and is one of Houston’s newest dog parks, having just celebrated its grand opening in early 2015. Like other parks on the list, Steele has separate areas for large and small dogs; and of course each area has a pond, a required feature to fight the Texas heat. This park has lots of man-made shade structures and a washing area. Fashionistas, both canine and human, flock to this Houston “go to” park from 7am to 8pm; doggie clothes and accessories are common and pink is a very popular color. People love that this doggie destination is situated in one of the country’s greatest urban parks, which offers skyline views, beautiful scenery, and tons of outdoor activities.
Elizabeth Glover Park
Although Elizabeth Glover Park is the smallest Houston park, it’s perfectly situated Midtown location is ideal for busy pet owners. Dogs love this small, no frills park because of the bark chips used for ground cover. There is a bit of street noise, and there are neither shaded areas nor benches, but the park does have two double-gated entries and an exercise platform. As an added bonus, there is a busy fire station right across the street, and dogs love the wailing of the sirens. Humans like that the dog park is surrounded by a larger park—with fun activities like bocce ball.
2 Point Highlight
Houston won’t disappoint your four-legged friends who will love romping in these wide open spaces deep in the heart of Texas.
Your dog can play with the picturesque downtown Houston skyline as a backdrop.
