The following Parks were known to be Dog friendly as of the time of this posting. *Parks that provide leash-free areas are specially noted.
*Auditorium Shores 920 W. Riverside Dr. 512-974-6700 Map
On the banks of Town Lake, just west of the First Street Bridge, lies a place bustling with activity. Auditorium Shores is an outdoor concert venue with an especially busy summer schedule, a place to catch the fireworks on the Fourth of July and the hub of Austin’s most popular hike-and-bike trail. Leash free area from from South First to Bouldin Avenue.
Barton Creek Greenbelt Preserve 3755 B Capital of Texas Hwy Austin, Texas 512-472-1267 Map
This popular greenbelt follows a creek and offers about 7 miles of walking, hiking and mountain biking trails. There are also several popular swimming holes along the creek. Dogs are allowed, but must on a leash. Some of the more popular access points to the trails are Zilker Metropolitan Park, and Loop 360 (south of MoPac/Loop 1).
Bob Wentz Park Bob Wentz Park Road Austin, Texas (512)854-9020 Map
This 211 acre park is located in the basin area of Lake Travis in the scenic Hill Country of central Texas. Bob Wentz Park is a favorite location for water sports. The park’s facilities and close proximity to Austin (approximately one-half hour’s drive from downtown) make it attractive for picnicking, swimming, windsurfing, sailing, and scuba diving. The shoreline areas (including a sandy peninsula known as “The Point”) are heavily used, while an adjacent 150-acre tract is maintained as a natural area. The park includes two sand volleyball courts, a shoreline walking path, a boat dock, and a pavilion available for rent. Pets are allowed in the park, but must be kept on a leash and are not permitted on The Point.
*Bull Creek District Dog Park 6701 Lakewood Drive Austin, Texas 512-974-6700 Map
This dog park is not fenced. It has access to the creek for water-loving pooches. Well-behaved dogs can roam and play off-leash, but must be under verbal control and within your sight. The off-leash area is located behind the restrooms.
*Emma Long Metropolitan Park 1600 City Park Rd. Austin, Texas (512) 346-1831 Map
Emma Long Metropolitan Park is the largest city-owned park at almost 1,200 acres. Just a few minutes’ drive from downtown Austin, and easy to get to from RR 2222. Follow scenic City Park Road down to the shores of Lake Austin, and spend the day swimming, water-skiing, picnicking, or camping. Leash free area between City Park Drive, the west park boundary fence, Turkey Creek and the top ridge of the bluff line overlooking Lake Austin.
*Far West ROW between Great Northern Blvd. & Shoal Creek Blvd. Map
Relatively unknown and a bit difficult to find It offers a small leash free area from Far West Boulevard right of way between Great Northern Boulevard and Shoal Creek Boulevard.
*Northeast District Park 5909 Crystalbrook Dr. Map
Located east of Ed Bluestein Blvd. (HWY 183) at the corner of Loyola and Crystalbrook. The park has a lighted basketball court, volleyball pit, 2 horseshoe pits and playground. One large shelter is available for reservations. It will seat 84, accomodate 100. Electricity is available at an additional cost payable in advance of the reservation. There are 4 BBQ grills adjacent to the shelter. Leash free area between Crystal Brook Drive, the railroad right of way and Decker Lake Road
*Norwood Estate Dog Park I-35 and Riverside Drive Austin, Texas 512-974-6700 Map
This is a fully fenced dog park. Well-behaved dogs can roam and play off-leash, but must be under verbal control and within your sight. The dog park is located on the north end of Travis Heights at the northwest corner of Riverside Drive and I-35.
*Onion Creek District Park 6900 Onion Creek Dr. Map
Leash free area located at the North end of the greenbelt.
*Red Bud Isle 3401 Red Bud Trail Unit Cr.
This park is on Town Lake, just below Tom Miller Dam, and is the entry point for the Redbud Trail. A peninsula surrounded by lake it is a great place for water dogs. The whole park is leash free! Great park, and a must see, but not terribly large.
*Shoal Creek Greenbelt 2600-2799 Lamar Blvd. Map
This three-mile trail extends from Town Lake to 38th Street. As you walk along the crushed limestone, gravel and concrete trail, you will enjoy the trees and green spaces. You are sure to find the perfect spot for a picnic or leisurely stroll. The portion of the trail from 24th Street to 29th Street is designated as a no-leash zone, and hundreds of dog owners flock to the area.
Town Lake 2100 Barton Springs Road Austin, Texas 512-974-6700 Map
This is a popular walking and swimming spot for people and dogs. Dogs must be on a 6 foot or less leash. The park offers 10 miles of walking, hiking and bicycling trails. There are many beaches located along the lake. From March through early November at dusk, you can also watch the bats fly out from under the popular Congress Avenue Bridge at this park. Playgrounds, picnic tables, and restrooms are available at Town Lake. There are many access points to this park, including Zilker Metropolitan Park at 2100 Barton Springs Road. To get there from I-35, take the Riverside exit. Go west on Riverside towards downtown. After you pass Congress Avenue, turn left onto Barton Springs. Go about 2 miles to the park. The entrance will be on the left.
*Walnut Creek District Park 12138 N. Lamar Blvd. Map
Walnut Creek Metropolitan park is located in far north Austin, a little to the west of IH-35. There are two entrances to the park. The east park entrance is on Lamar Blvd., north of Braker Lane, south of Yager lane. The north entrance is from Willow Wild Drive, a neighborhood side street that connects with Parmer Lane. Whichever entrance you choose, park in the lot near the swimming pool. Leash free area between Old Cedar Lane, Walnut Creek and the east and west park fences
*Zilker Dog Park 2100 Barton Springs Rd. Austin, Texas 512-974-6700 Map
This dog park is not fenced. Well-behaved dogs can roam and play off-leash, but must be under verbal control and within your sight. The dog park is located in Zilker Metropolitan Park at 2100 Barton Springs Road.