It’s no secret that we’re big fans of Houston.

After all, we’re based here! But we also love our city because it’s got a ton of things going for it—one of which is Samir Becic. It’s been almost 4 years since HFR founder Samir Becic was named “Fitness Czar” for the City of Houston! What better way to celebrate the anniversary than with a series of healthy living recommendations for Houstonians?

Mayor Sylvester Turner proclaimed Samir with the official title on November 1st, 2018 following 16 years of Samir’s dedicated service (starting with Mayor Lee Brown in 2002) to make the city a healthier and fitter place to live. In honor of our founder and his tireless work to make the city a healthier place to live for the past 20 years (as a volunteer and 4 years as “Fitness Czar”), we’ve decided to share some of our favorite healthy Houston recommendations- to see all of our top picks, click here.

Best Houston Dog Parks

Just like us humans, dogs need exercise too. One great way to get our pets moving is by going to dog parks where they can smell, run, and play with other dogs. Here in Houston, there are many great places to take your pet to give them the joy they deserve. This allows you to not only spend quality time with them but help you get moving as well. Which is what HFR is all about!

This is why we enjoy dog parks; not only does it promote better health for both pets and humans. It also encourages more social interaction with one another. A win-win situation!

Houston, the 4th largest city in the US, has many attractions and places to enjoy. HFR has curated a list of the top 10 dog parks in the Houston area for you to enjoy with your favorite pet. We picked the dog parks with the highest ratings and good places for pets to run around and play. 

Danny Jackson Family Bark Park

One of the most highly rated dog parks in Houston has a green space section to unleash your pets. It is divided into two sections; one for large dogs and the other for small dogs. In addition, it has a pool of water so your pet can cool down on hot summer days. In addition, it has many shaded seating areas so you can sit and relax while your dog has fun. 

• 4828 1/2 Loop Central Dr, Houston, TX 77081
• Opens 5am-10pm Mon-Sun
• It is around 15 minutes from downtown

Johnny Steele Dog Park

Features include a pond, shade structures, dog washing areas, benches, and drinking fountains complete with spigots for dogs. 

• 2929 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX 77019
• Opens 7am-8pm Mnn-Sun
• About 10 from downtown

Millie Bush Dog Park

This is a big 10+ acre dog park for your pet to run around. In addition, it has two ponds and even a washing area to get the mud of our furry friend. Some even rated the cleanliness of the public restroom as being well-maintained. 

• 16101 Westheimer Pkwy, Houston, TX 77082
• Opens 7am-7:30pm Mon-Sun 
• About 30 minutes from downtown

Congress Bill Archer Park

This dog park is about 17 acres and has 2 sections for small and big dogs. The big dog section is approximately 14 acres, while the small dog section is 3. There are shade trees and showers to clean your pet. This park has 238 parking spaces.

• 3201 Hwy 6 North, Houston, TX 77084
• Opens 7am-8:30pm Mon-Sun
• Around 25 minutes from downtown

Alexander Deussen Dog Park

It is a fully fenced dog area with sections for big and small dogs. It includes benches, water fountains, and agility courses for dogs to run around and enjoy. 

• 12303 Sonnier St, Houston, TX 77044
• Opens 8:30am-8:30pm Mon, 11:30am-8:30pm Wed, and 7am-8:30pm Tue, Thur, Fri, Sat, and Sun
• About 30 minutes from downtown

Tom Bass Regional Park & Dog Park

The dog park includes a walking trail, separate areas for large and small dogs, waste stations, and a water fountain. People enjoy spending time there with their pets and enjoying the scenery. 

• 3452 Fellows Rd Houston, TX
• Opens from 7am-9pm Mon-Sun
• About 20 minutes from downtown

Discovery Green Dog Run

After 13 years of being open, this park is a perfect spot for those who live downtown. Although not a big park, it has all the amenities, including on and off-leash sections, big and small sections, and restrooms. 

• 1500 McKinney St Houston, TX 77010
• Opens 6am-11pm Mon-Sun
• Already in downtown

Nassau Bay Dog Park

A smaller park compared to others, this is a medium-sized park known to have a quiet atmosphere so you can enjoy a peaceful time with your pet and still have fun. To ensure the safety of others, bring your pet’s rabies vaccination certificate.

• 18900 Upper Bay Rd, Houston, TX 77058
• Opens 7am-11pm
• About 35 minutes from downtown

TC Jester Dog Park

Since 2009 this dog park has been a great spot to take your pet and enjoy some time in nature. With a large and small dog section, it can be a great spot to enjoy a beautiful day. There are dog wash areas, drinking fountains, and shaded seats so you can rest. 

• 4201 T C Jester Blvd, Houston, TX 77018
• Opens 6am-8pm Mon-Sun
• About 15 minutes from downtown

Maxey Park and Run Dog Park

This dog park is excellent for bringing your kids and pets to have fun. They have a large area, even for the small dog section. There are shaded benches for you to enjoy. In addition, you will find drinking fountains for dogs and humans. 

• 601 Maxey Road, Houston, Texas 77013
• Open 6:30am-8:30pm Mon-Sat and 7am-9pm Sun
• About 16 minutes from downtown