Have a social butterfly of a barker looking for new fur friends in Tampa? Venture to a local dog park with your woof and take in the sights, sounds, smells, and, best of all, the other doggos!
Below, we’ll explore the best dog parks in Tampa, brush up on dog park manners, and share some of the things to look for in a potential pupper park.
The 17 Best Dog Parks in Tampa
Located on Florida’s Gulf coast, Tampa is crawling with cool canine hangouts to explore, but which suits your sniffer? We’ve lassoed the best in one place to make your search for the best dog park in Tampa easier
Tampa requires all pups visiting public dog parks to wear a collar bearing their current license and vaccination tags. While checking these, it’s a good time to peek at your dog’s ID tags and ensure they’re accurate, up-to-date, and legible.
1. Davis Islands Dog Park
About: Enjoy some splashin’ fun with your Fido or stick to land, as this pooch play place provides two different parks to choose from: a beach space and a separate patch of grass and sand. There’s fresh water for hydrating your play-happy hound, plus a hose to rinse her off after playing.
Website: https://www.tampa.gov/parks-and-recreation/parks-and-facilities/dog-parks
Address: 1002 Severn Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
Size: 1-acre dry dog park and 1.5-acre doggy beach area
Open Hours: Open 24 hours
Special Notes:
- Fully fenced with average-height chain link
- Double-gated entry keeps canines more secure
- No separate area for small, shy, or senior pups
- Pack a towel and prepare your car for plenty of sand after your trip
- Each handler is limited to a maximum of 2 dogs
Don’t let your fur buddy bring home any bloodsuckers from the dog park. Make sure his flea and tick prevention are up-to-date. In addition, his heartworm preventative should be current, as these mosquito-spread ickies are a severe health risk to doggos.
2. Pups Pub
About: Relax with a cold one while your canine plays with new friends at this unique doggo hangout, serving draft beers, canned booze, and cocktails. Featuring indoor and outdoor off-leash areas (both of which are carpeted with artificial grass), this barkin’ bar is a great way to switch up your Rover routine.
Website: https://www.pupspubco.com/
Address: 2202 W Kennedy Boulevard Tampa, BL 33606
Size: Unknown, but relatively small
Open Hours: Monday to Friday from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Special Notes:
- Yappy Hour is Monday to Friday from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- You can choose between a $15 daily pass and monthly or annual memberships (members score invites to VIP events)
- All human visitors must be at least 21 years old
- Doggos over one must be spayed or neutered and up-to-date on rabies and distemper vaccinations
3. Logan Gate Dog Park
About: Your pup can romp off-leash at this fully fenced grassy space, offering lots of open space and double-gated entries. While there are some covered spaces, there’s not much shade, so think twice before visiting during high-sun hours!
Website: https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/locations/logan-gate-dog-park
Address: 7374 Monterey Blvd, Tampa, FL 33610
Size: 5 acres
Open Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Special Notes:
- Separate spaces for large and small dogs
- Human amenities include picnic tables, bathrooms, and covered areas
- Dog wash station for post-fun cleanup
- Human and dog water fountains are available
- Children under 6 aren’t permitted in the dog park
4. Hair of the Dog Park and Bar
About: This members-only mutt hangout is fenced with chain link and serves cocktails, beer, and other spirits, letting you crack open a cold one as your canine zooms around its grassy space. Separate small and large dog areas let pooches play with sniffers their own size.
Website: https://www.hairofthedogparkandbar.com/
Address: 4211 North Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, FL, 33603
Size: 30,00 square feet
Open Hours: Open 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM Wednesday to Friday, 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM Saturday, and 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday
Special Notes:
- A daily pass costs $5, while an annual pass is $75 per dog or $100 for two dogs or more
- All human visitors must be 21 and older
- Dogs must be up-to-date on rabies, DHLPP, and Bordetella vaccinations
- All dogs must be spayed or neutered
- No outside food or toys are permitted
- All pups must be wearing a non-choke and non-prong collar bearing ID tags
5. Gadsden Park Dog Park
About: Separate play areas for big and small sniffers make this park a favorite for many, but many dogs and owners also love its well-maintained look, as well as its open grass and mature trees. Plenty of trash cans and poop bag dispensers make for more convenient cleanup, but you’ll want to watch for mud puddles developing in rainy weather.
Website: https://www.tampa.gov/parks-and-recreation/parks-and-facilities/dog-parks
Address: 6901 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL, 33611
Size: 2 acres
Open Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Special Notes:
- Features 3 dog spaces in total: 2 for large dogs and 1 for small pups
- Water fountains are available for humans and hounds
- On-site sheltered areas and benches for pet parents
- Paved trail close by for enjoying a leashed stroll
6. Queenie’s Dog Park at Water Works Park
About: Small but mighty, this cute canine park has a mix of astroturf, pavement, and dirt for doggos to zoom around. Water fountains help hydrate pet parents and pups, while trees offer great shade as your pupperino mingles with other mutts.
Website: https://www.tampa.gov/parks-and-recreation/featured-parks/waterworks
Address: 1710 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
Size: Unknown
Open Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Special Notes:
- Dogs must be at least 6 months old and wearing county-issued tags
- There’s a limit of 1 large dog or 2 small dogs per pet parent
- Enclosed with metal vertically-slatted fencing
- Covered pavilion for escaping stray showers
- All pups play in a single space (no small dog-only area)
7. Hilltop Dog Park
About: Open space is plentiful at this grassy growler park, featuring benches, picnic tables, and sheltered areas to relax while Rover runs laps. Several soaring trees offer shade but watch for mud puddles after rain.
Website: https://www.templeterrace.gov/414/Hilltop-Dog-Park
Address: 9420 Harney Rd, Tampa, FL 33637
Size: Unknown, but pretty spacious
Open Hours: Sunrise to sunset (Closed Mondays until 2:00 PM for maintenance)
Special Notes:
- Separate, fully-fenced spaces for large and small-breed dogs
- The fencing is chain link with double-gated entries
- All visiting dogs must be wearing a collar with current ID and rabies tags
- Spiked collars aren’t allowed
- Water spigot and bucket for watering woofs (we still recommend packing a water bowl)
- There’s a maximum of 2 dogs per pet parent
8. Deputy Kotfila Memorial Dog Park
About: The artificial grass of this fenced pupper play area keeps muddy messes away, and its collection of doggo obstacles challenges your buddy to try something new. Shaded by the Selmon Expressway overhead, it gives you the chance to escape the sun’s rays, though it can get noisy.
Website: https://www.tampa-xway.com/community-enhancement/selmon-greenway/deputy-kotfila-memorial-dog-park/
Address: 626 N Raymond Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
Size: Unknown
Open Hours: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Special Notes:
- Different play areas for large and small dogs
- Doggy water fountains quench canine thirst
- Excellent lighting for after-dark visits
- Ample seating for pet parents
9. Two Shepherds Tap Room
About: Indulge in craft beer, wine, and fun events like breed meetups with your mutt at this dog park-bar hybrid. Air-conditioned indoor and outdoor play areas are loaded with enriching play items like tunnels and water toys.
Website: https://twoshepherdstaproom.com/
Address: 4813 N Grady Ave, Tampa, FL 33614
Size: 14,000 square feet
Open Hours: Open 1:00 PM to 10:00 PM Tuesday and Wednesday, 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM Thursday and Friday, 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM Saturday, and 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM Sunday; closed Mondays.
Special Notes:
- Registration is required for all visiting doggos
- No food is available from the taproom, but food trucks frequent the site
- There’s a maximum of 2 dogs per pet parent
- Day passes are $12, monthly memberships are $30 ($15 for each additional dog in the pack), and annual memberships are $300 ($75 for each additional family dog)
- Membership grants you access to members-only events and allows for unlimited visits
- All human guests must be 21 or older
- No outside toys or food are permitted
- All pups must be current on rabies, distemper, and Bordetella vaccinations
- Dogs over 8 months must be spayed or neutered
10. Jim Urbanski Dog Park
About: Found within the 132-acre Al Lopez Park, this off-leash area gives your woof plenty of open space to zoom, plus shade and a hose to cool off. While a favorite of locals, this pooch play zone isn’t as popular as some on our list, which may suit some sniffers (and pet parents) more than others.
Website: https://www.tampa.gov/parks-and-recreation/featured-parks/al-lopez
Address: 4810 N Himes Ave, Tampa, FL 33614
Size: 1.5 acres
Open Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Special Notes:
- Play areas are divided into a large and a small dog section
- Surrounded by chain link fencing
- The terrain is a mix of grass, mulch, and dirt (it can get messy after rain!)
- Double-gated entries offer more security
- Paved trails nearby for leashed walks
- Dog water fountains are available
11. West Dog Park
About: Surrounded by 6-foot chain link fencing and secured with double-gated entries, this off-leash dog park has open space for four-footers to dash around and shaded patches with lots of tree cover for relaxing. The play areas feature a mix of sand and grass terrain that can get messy after rain, so we recommend packing a towel.
Website: https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/locations/west-dog-park
Address: 6402 Occident St., Tampa, FL 33614
Size: 5 acres
Open Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Special Notes:
- Separate spaces for small and large pups
- Water fountains for human and canine visitors
- Some picnic tables under covered shelters help you escape the sun and stray showers
- A dog wash is available for post-play cleanup
12. Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park
About: Several doggy obstacles make this pupper play area a fun stop for curious canines. The artificial grass and pavement terrain mean that it remains mud-free despite Tampa’s frequent rain. You may want a dog towel, though, as there are water features for splash-happy hounds.
Website: https://www.tampa.gov/parks-and-recreation/featured-parks/riverfrontpark
Address: 1001 N Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
Size: Unknown
Open Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Special Notes:
- Enclosed with metal, vertically-slatted fencing
- Separate play spaces for large and small dogs
- There’s a limit of 1 large dog or 2 small dogs per pet parents
- Visiting pooches must wear a collar bearing a county licensing tag
- Some chairs, benches, and sheltered areas for humans
- Water fountains are available for pups and people
13. Ott’s Off Leash Dog Sanctuary
About: Travel 30 minutes south of the city with your sweet pup to take in this scenic property, offering a walking trail, open greenspace for fetching and frolicking, and doggy pools when the weather permits. Human amenities include benches, picnic tables, and swings, so feel free to rest your feet while your fur kiddo gets his play on.
Website: https://ottsoffleashdogsanctuary.com/general_information
Address: 2103 3rd Ave SE, Ruskin, FL 33570
Size: 4 acres
Open Hours: Open Thursday to Sunday from 7:30 AM to sunset
Special Notes:
- Separate spaces for large and small dogs allow for safer play between pups
- There’s a limit of 2 dogs per owner
- Hoses available for hydrating doggos and filling pupper pools
- Entirely fenced with average-height chain link
14. Palma Ceia Park Dog Park
About: Well-shaded from trees, this urban doggy hangout is one of the more no-frills finds on our list, but it’s worth a visit for off-leash fun with your floof if you don’t have a backyard. Double-gated entries make the space more secure, while a mix of neighborhood regulars offers a revolving door of new dog friends.
Website: https://www.tampa.gov/parks-and-recreation/parks-and-facilities/dog-parks
Address: 2200 S Marti St, Tampa, FL 33629
Size: Unknown
Open Hours: 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Special Notes:
- Fully fenced with tall chain link
- Single run for all dogs (big and small!)
- Street parking only, so you might need to walk a bit to get here
- Water spigots and water fountains are available for hydrating your pup
- Benches and picnic tables provide seating for pet parents
- Mostly dirt play spaces can get muddy after rain (and around the water spigots!)
15. New Tampa Rotary Dog Park
About: Shady trees and water views make this off-leash space a relaxing place to unwind with your woof. It’s not as busy as other picks on our list, making it a great choice for low-key puppers.
Website: https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/locations/new-tampa-dog-park
Address: 8551 Hunter’s Village Road, Tampa, FL 33647
Size: 0.64 acre
Open Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Special Notes:
- Separate play areas for small and large dogs
- Pet parents may bring a maximum of 2 dogs per visit
- Near a wildlife area with lots of signage about watching for potential snakes (not everyone’s idea of a peaceful park visit!)
- Mulch, grass, and dirt terrain can get super muddy after rain
16. Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park Dog Park
About: Concrete pupper play structures await your woof at this cool dog park, along with doggy water fountains for quenching thirst after a round of romping. While fully enclosed in chain link, the fence isn’t the tallest, so it’s not a good choice for jumping-bean barkers.
Website: https://www.tampa.gov/parks-and-recreation/featured-parks/curtis-hixon
Address: 600 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL, 33602
Size: Less than 1 acre
Open Hours: Sunrise to sunset
Special Notes:
- Features 2 play areas: 1 for large, playful pups and 1 for small, shy, or senior dogs
- Mud-free terrain is a mix of concrete and artificial grass
- A few benches for pet parents (they fill up fast during peak hours!)
- All dogs must wear a collar showing licensing tags
Want some more waterfront options? Check out 27 of the best dog-friendly beaches in Florida!
17. Enterprise Dog Park
About: Escape the city limits and head west to this woofer off-leash park, offering pupper play structures and greenery. There’s a dog wash for cleaning your canine after a day of fun with other floofs, something sure to happen since so many mutts frequent this beautiful barker park.
Address: 2655 Enterprise Rd E, Clearwater, FL, US, 33759
Size: 7 acres
Open Hours: Sunrise to sunset except for Mondays when they open at 9:00 AM and Fridays at 11:00 AM to allow for maintenance
Special Notes:
- Several benches and picnic tables for pet parents
- Separate spaces for small and large pupperinos
- Sandy terrain, so ready your backseat with a car seat cover to make cleanup easier
- Multiple dog water fountains for hydrating pups
- Handlers can bring a maximum of 3 dogs at once
- Nearby trails are great for leashed walks
- All visiting doggos must have visible licensing and ID tags
Doggo eats and drinks: Tampa is also home to a number of great dog-friendly bars and dog-friendly restaurants!
What To Explore in a Potential Dog Park
Finding the right dog park for your pup takes a little legwork, as the wrong fit can risk you and your Rover’s safety. Luckily if you know what to look for, the task is much easier.
Pay attention to the following when investigating a new dog park option:
- Park rules: Every dog park has a set of rules, with some barring breeds like pit bulls and others limiting pet parents to a maximum of two dogs per visit. Knowing rules ahead of time is a must, or you risk showing up to an unpleasant surprise.
- Park hours: While most dog parks are open from sunrise to sunset, some have alternative hours or shutdown windows for maintenance. Don’t chance showing up to a locked gate. Learn about park hours in advance to be sure it’s a good fit for your schedule.
- Space: Dog parks that are too small leave everyone feeling cramped and overly confined, but the opposite can also be a problem – off-leash areas that are too large can cause headaches for doggos with poor recall. Select a dog park that matches your mutt’s needs.
- Terrain: Like the rest of Florida, Tampa is known for receiving a fair amount of rain. While natural grass parks are nice, they can get muddy, especially in shaded areas. Many pet parents prefer artificial turf parks to skip the mess.
- Fencing height and type: The right fence is a must in keeping your dog safe and secure. For large dogs, this means something preferably at least 6 feet tall. With small pups, you need a fence without gaps your sniffer might slip through. Another concern is if the material can be climbed, as some canines can scale chain link fencing.
- Fence condition: The tallest fence in the world won’t work if it’s in poor shape. While you can read reviews about this, we recommend visiting a park in person without your pup to see if the fencing’s in good condition. Look for holes around the bottom or loose fence panels, especially if you have an escape artist doggo.
- Lighting: Planning an early morning or evening visit? Then good lighting is a must for you and your sniffer’s safety! This is especially important near wooded areas or dirt terrain, as unseen holes are serious hazards.
- Separate spaces: Many dog parks feature designated dog runs for big and small canines, ensuring everyone’s size-matched and safer. Some also allow senior and timid four-footers in the small dog area, protecting them from more playful pups.
- Waste disposal: Nothing’s worse than toting around a bag of dog poop at the dog park. The best floof facilities have ample trash cans to dispose of poop bags. Others offer poop bag dispensers or pooper scoopers to make the job easier.
Remember Your Dog Park Manners
Rules are part of visiting the dog park, including those posted, as well as those that go unsaid. Learning both kinds ensures you won’t offend other pet parents.
Basic dog park etiquette includes:
- Clean up after your dog. Always scoop your pup’s poop. Your doggo’s droppings and damage are your responsibility, including any holes she digs or toys she shreds. The goal of every visit is to leave the dog park as nice as it was when you arrived.
- Don’t let your dog bully or pester others. Your dog needs to play nicely with others. If she’s acting up, don’t be embarrassed to call it quits for the day. Sometimes, woofs get too worked up. What’s more embarrassing (and harmful) is sticking around and putting others and your dog at risk.
- Treat other owners with respect. The dog park isn’t a place to argue politics or rude opinions. Keep the conversation light, and don’t ruffle feathers. Remember, everyone’s at the park to have fun.
- Don’t correct canines who don’t belong to you. Correcting another person’s pup is like parenting a human kiddo that isn’t yours. Just don’t do it. If you have a problem with a dog, politely draw the owner’s attention.
- Double-check that you latch the gate. This should be obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people leave the gate ajar while shuffling in with their hands full. Don’t put other people’s dogs at risk; check and latch that gate!
- Follow the posted rules. Rules aren’t suggestions, no matter how silly some are (we’re looking at you, breed bans!) Ignoring a park’s rules tells other pet parents that you think they don’t apply to you, which isn’t a great way to make friends.
- Only visit with a well-mannered, dog-friendly doggo. The dog park experience doesn’t mesh well with every mutt’s temperament. If your dog is people or dog-selective or lacks basic manners, so she jumps all over strangers, the dog park isn’t the place for her. Opt for solo enrichment activities, like brushing up on obedience training, playing walking games, or trying urban mushing when the weather permits.
- Ensure your dog’s vaccinations and licensing are up-to-date. Tampa public parks require licensing to be current, and many others ask for rabies, distemper, and Bordetella vaccinations to be, too. A fully vaccinated floof is protected against multiple infectious diseases and isn’t a risk of spreading any to others.
- Never visit with a sick or flea-ridden dog. Under-the-weather woofs belong resting at home, not running around a park feeling crummy and potentially getting other pups sick. Similarly, a flea-infested floof shouldn’t be spreading his hair hitchhikers to others.
- Leave food at home. Not every dog is friendly around food, particularly in the presence of other dogs. Along with resource guarding concerns, food introduces allergy risks, which some pet parents have to go to great lengths to avoid.
- Be responsible. Accidents happen, as do dog fights, unfortunately. Even the best-behaved dogs can get into a scrap at times. In some cases, your dog may bite someone. In these events, you are liable for your dog’s actions.
Are any of our best dog parks in Tampa picks places you and your floof frequent? Do you love another location we missed? Share the scoop with us in the comments. We’d love to get to know your favorites!
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