Whether you’re visiting Tampa for work or pleasure, we’re sure that your furry friend would be thrilled to join you. Tampa is filled with outdoor greenspaces and places where you can take your pup for a fetch session or to do some zoomies. Before arriving, familiarize yourself with the best dog parks in Tampa and be sure to include a few of them in your packed itinerary.
(8401-8549 N Rowlett Park Dr, Tampa, FL 33604)
This off-leash, fenced dog park is separated into two areas: one for small breeds and one for larger. If you have a nervous pup, keeping them with similar-sized dogs is always a good idea so they don’t get overwhelmed. Each area features obstacles and agility equipment, trees, and benches to post up while your pup runs around. Plenty of shade is ideal for those warm Tampa days, open from sunrise to sunset. However, it does tend to get quite busy after working hours as that’s when most people have the time to take their dogs out for play.
(4810 N Himes Ave, Tampa, FL 33614)
Al Lopez Dog Park is spacious and filled with trees that will provide your pup with ample shade. Like Rowlett Dog Park, this park is also separated into two areas for different sizes of breeds to ensure a safe experience for all. It is incredibly well maintained and cared for and even has water fountains where your furry friend can rehydrate after playing with others. You’ll also find stands with doggy waste bags, two picnic areas, a playground nearby, and even a fishing pond. Spending the whole day around Al Lopez Dog Park with your furry and human family is easy.
(6402 N Occident St, Tampa, FL 33614)
This dog park is located near the Tampa International Airport, convenient for those who have just landed or have a flight to catch. It is a whopping 5 acres, has double gates for safe entry and exit, and is also sectioned into areas for smaller and larger breeds. Along with plenty of space for your pup to rip around, there are benches, a dog wash station, water fountains for humans and dogs, sheltered areas, picnic tables, and a playground nearby.
(864 Severn Ave, Tampa, FL 33606)
The Davis Island Dog Park is a large off-leash area on the beach, which is why it draws quite a crowd, especially on weekends. It’s a dog beach and dog park hybrid, but there isn’t a lot of shade, so it’s not ideal for hairier breeds that tend to overheat quickly. For the owners, there are picnic tables and benches where they can relax as they watch their dog romp around in the ocean with their new friends. Because it’s such a popular dog park destination, locals tend to visit in the mornings or evenings to avoid crowds.
(705 N Raymond St. Tampa, FL 33602)
It’s hard to forget a dog park with such a unique name like this one. Deputy Kotfila was a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputy killed in a car crash several years ago, so this dog park is a way for people to remember him. It can be found under the Selmon Expressway, where Deputy Kotfila was tragically killed. There are separated areas for larger and smaller breeds, and it features turf instead of sand or grass, which is easy on a dog’s paws. There are tunnels and other obstacles to keep them mentally stimulated as they run and play, and tables and bike parking for doting owners.
(6901 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33611)
If you’re looking to go somewhere exceptionally well-kept and clean, look no further than the Gadsden Dog Park. This dog park is part of a central city park that also features sports fields, a lake, trails for running, picnic areas, and a playground for children. This dog park is separated into three different areas for different-sized breeds and has lots of space for dogs to run and play. There are also stands with dog waste bags and water bowls so your pup can stay adequately hydrated.
(8951 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33615)
Dog owners who prefer parks with turf over parks covered in grass, gravel, or sand are sure to love Northwest County Dog Park. Like many other dog parks on this list, it is separated into two areas for smaller and larger breeds. It’s also an excellent option for those hot Tampa days, as pups have several tubs and bowls of water to shove their little faces into. There are also water fountains for humans, as they require water too. In addition to lots of space for running, the dog park also boasts obstacles, a hitching post, dog wash areas, and stands with dog waste bags. A huge perk for owners is plenty of parking at this location, so you won’t have to make several trips around the block searching for a spot.
(1710 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602)
Aside from its adorable moniker, people love this dog park because it’s always filled with friendly owners and their furry companions. It’s an excellent option for those extra hot days as there is lots of shade from trees. However, it is turf and not natural grass. Many dog owners aren’t huge fans of turf, so it’s something to consider before making the trip to Queenie’s Dog Park. It’s centrally located at Water Works Park, but parking can often be tricky, so be prepared to wait for another owner to hop in their car with their dog before snagging their spot. For the humans, there are benches, picnic areas, a splash pad, and a playground for kids. Many folks are regular Queenie’s Dog Park visitors and like to grab snacks from the nearby farmers market before posting up to watch their dogs have fun.
As you can see, there are many dog-friendly parks in Tampa, so why not check out one or more of the best dog parks and let us know which one is your favorite when you stay with Red Roof.