If you want to get outside for some great outdoor playtime with your pup, you've come to the right place! We'll tell you all about the top dog parks in Phoenix and what each has to offer you and your fur baby.
If you've made it through the hot Phoenix summer and are ready to get outside, chances are, so is your pup! Phoenix has tons of outdoor adventures that are best experienced come winter.
Even better than the outdoor adventures in the Phoenix area is outdoor time with your pup, of course! Phoenix is home to many great dog parks, off-leash areas, and dog-friendly public parks for you and your sweet canine to enjoy together. But how do you know where to find these, and which park will be the best fit for the two of you?
No worries! Our list below includes the top 6 outdoor dog spaces in the Phoenix area, and we will tell you a little about each place. There are so many different benefits at each park that you're sure to find your dog's new favorite spot.
Were you interested in more dog-friendly activities? We've got those too! Click here to find the best dog-friendly restaurants, bars, and breweries in Phoenix, Arizona. In the Sun Valley, there are plenty of eateries where you can bring your furry best friend along. Most restaurants and bars will let you bring your dog as long as they have outdoor seating.
Some restaurants are more dog-friendly than others, but there are plenty in this dog-loving city. In our article linked above, we'll tell you all about the best places in the greater Phoenix area for you and your pup to grab a bite or a drink together.
But wait… don't forget about finding the best local pet care businesses in town. Click here to type in your zip code, and we'll show you all of the best dog walkers, cat sitters, pet groomers, and more—in and around Phoenix, AZ.
Now, if you're ready to get outdoors for some much-needed fresh air and exercise with your precious pooch, let's check out the list below!
The Best Dog Parks, Off-Leash Areas, and Dog-Friendly Parks in or near Phoenix, AZ:
Chaparral Dog Park
Cosmo Dog Park
Cesar Chavez Dog Park
(Margaret T.) Hance Park Dog Park
Steele Indian School Park Dog Park
Papago Park Dog Park
Chaparral Off-Leash Area
Chaparral Dog Park — 5401 Hayden Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
In Scottsdale, you will find a 3-acre park called Chaparral Dog Park for dogs to run and play. This park is used by many pet parents and their fur babies, but the large grassy area feels open. You'll find plenty of shade trees, benches, water fountains for humans and canines, and even puppy play structures at this park.
This park is divided into three different sections: one for active dogs, one for passive dogs, and one for rotating maintenance. This allows the park to maintain the turf and lets your pup play with like-minded dogs.
It is worth noting that the park closes on Tuesdays and Fridays from 8:00 AM to noon for regular maintenance.
Cosmo Dog Park — 2502 E Ray Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296
Cosmo Dog Park is an extremely popular dog park in the greater Phoenix area. This large, almost 4-acre fenced-in area has everything you are looking for in a dog park. It has a lake, drinking fountains for humans and canines, pet waste stations, dog washing stations, and seating for humans. In addition to all these features, they have two separate areas—one for active dogs and one for timid dogs—and lights for night use.
The city of Gilbert does a great job of maintaining this dog park, but that means temporary closures from time to time. They will rotate back and forth between sides and do things like repair holes, wash out areas, turf improvements, and any other maintenance. Check their website for up-to-date announcements about temporary closures.
Cosmo Dog Park is open daily from 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM, except for Tuesday mornings—maintenance is performed from 5:30 AM until noon.
Cesar Chavez Dog Park — 7858 S 35th Ave, Laveen Village, AZ 85339
Cesar Chavez Dog Park is 2.3 grassy acres of fun for you and your pup on the southwest side of Phoenix. This dog park is open daily from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM and has two separate fenced-in areas—one for small dogs and one for large dogs. This dog park sits right in the middle of Cesar Chavez Park and is a community favorite. It has water for canines and humans, seating for pet parents, and plenty of parking available.
One of the things that makes this dog park so great is the larger park itself. While most dogs love off-leash areas, there are times when older dogs need to be encouraged to move those achy bones.
Across from this dog park, there is a man-made lake with a 1-mile walking loop. This is a great place to practice on-leash training with your pup or get your older dog some slow, steady exercise. Either way, this is a peaceful place for both canines and humans to enjoy.
(Margaret T.) Hance Park Dog Park — 323 W Culver St, Phoenix, AZ 85003
(Margaret T.) Hance Park Dog Park is Phoenix's first downtown dog park. This is a favorite off-leash area for downtown residents. It has separate fenced-in areas for large and small dogs, seating, and drinking fountains for humans and canines.
This 1-acre park is well maintained and monitored by regulars. The city often does turf renovations during the months of May and June to maintain quality. The regular pet parents here have been known to call out aggressive behavior in dogs and ask them to leave. This might seem unpleasant, but any pup parent on the receiving end of an aggressive dog will appreciate the communal accountability that is expressed here.
This park is open daily from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM.
Steele Indian School Park Dog Park — 300 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85012
Steele Indian School Park Dog Park is a fully fenced-in dog park with 1.63 acres of grass for your pup to enjoy. The dog park has a double-gated entry and separate areas for large and small dogs. There is plenty of seating for the pet parents and water for humans and canines.
This park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. With that being stated, there are occasional closures after heavy rain to let the turf dry out and seasonal closures for repairs in July and August. If you aren't sure, you can always check the city website for updates on closures.
Papago Park Dog Park — 1000 N College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281
Papago Park Dog Park is located within the Tempe, AZ park, Papago Park—and it packs quite a lot inside its borders. At this park, you'll find the Phoenix Zoo, a Desert Botanical Garden, baseball fields, lakes, dog-friendly hiking trails, and of course, a dog park!
The Papago Park Dog Park has some shade, pet waste stations, and two separate areas for small and large dogs. The ground is grass turf, but it sometimes gets worn out due to the amount of usage.
The rest of Papago Park has a lot to offer you and your canine. There are several great hiking trails for you and your on-leash dog. The most popular trail in the park is an easy 0.3-mile trail called the Hole in the Rock Trail.
If you are looking for something a little longer, consider the 2.2-mile loop trail called Double Butte Loop Trail. Regardless of your choice, you'll get some good leash time and beautiful views with your favorite canine.
Paradise Valley Park — 17642 N 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Paradise Valley Park features separate areas for small and large dogs, allowing them to play safely. It offers ample shade, grassy fields, and benches for pet owners. The park is known for its friendly atmosphere and welcoming community of dog lovers.Dog-Friendly Outdoor Spaces in Phoenix, AZ
Can you believe just how many fantastic dog parks and off-leash areas there are in the Sun Valley for you and your pup to enjoy together? In and around the city of Phoenix, AZ, there is no shortage of places to explore with your favorite canine.
If you're the type who loves being outside with your dog, this is the city for you! Phoenix loves its four-legged citizens and strives to give you and your pooch numerous places to go and things to do together.
For more great articles about dog-friendly activities and pet-parenting advice, check out the Blog at LocalPetCare.com.
