The 7 Best Dog Parks in Phoenix

Phoenix is the year-round sunny and warm capital of Arizona. With high temperatures all the time, it’s clear that both you and your dog will feel the need to escape the indoor heat and explore the cool outdoors. However, not all outdoor places are cool – as they’re under the sun!

Luckily for you and especially for your fluffy friend, Phoenix comes with a lot of dog parks. There, the two of you can relax, walk, run, or even play – together or with other dogs. If you don’t know where you should be heading, here’s a list of the best 7 dog parks in Phoenix!

1. Hance Dog Park

Hance Dog Park is located in Margaret T. Hance Park, where you can find the Japanese Garden of Friendship and picnic areas. This dog park is the first of its kind in downtown Phoenix. It features separate areas for small and large dogs; the areas are ADA-accessible. The great news is that you can find large trees throughout the park – perfect for escaping the heat.

Pups can enjoy amenities such as chilled water fountains, drinking bowls, and 1 acre of grass designed for playtime! The best part about this dog park is that it undergoes turf renovations every year. This means fresh grass for your pup – always. 

2. Grover Basin Dog Park

Grover Basin Dog Park is located in the Campo Bello region of Phoenix. It is split into two parts, A and B, by Grovers Ave. The dog park has separate areas for small and large dog breeds and features a total of 2.3 acres of fresh grass. 

The park is an off-leash park that any dog can access. Of course, there are specific rules that you have to respect. General rules and regulations can be found on the park’s page here; they apply to all Phoenix dog parks.

3. Steele Indian School Dog Park

Steele Indian School Dog Park is a 1.6-acre fenced area of grass with separate enclosures for small and large dog breeds. Chilled water fountains are available throughout the park, and benches for the owners.

The double-gated entrances are ADA compliant, so you don’t need to worry about ease of access. The dog park features multiple pathways lined with bag dispensers and trash bins. Avoid visiting the park after rain, as it might be closed until the turf dries. 

4. PetSmart Dog Park

PetSmart Dog Park is one of the most popular dog parks in Phoenix. It is a 2.65-acre off-leash area where dogs can play and run around until they expend their energy. The dog park is fenced and features separate areas for small and large breeds of dogs. The best part is that each area has its own entrance, minimizing the risk of an impromptu brawl.

During playtime, pups can enjoy watering stations and the shade offered by several trees scattered throughout the park. There are no toys, equipment, or courses inside the park, so ensure you pack your puppy’s favorite toy – but do not forget it in the park!

5. Pinnacle Dog Park

Pinnacle Dog Park is covered in turf and features several decomposed granite surfaces. It is a 3-acre park, of which 1.5 acres are covered with grass. The dog park has three total areas: one for small breeds, one for large breeds, and one reserved for rotation whenever another area is in maintenance.

Each area has water fountains for your pup and benches for you to rest on. Water bowls at the appropriate level are also present in the park. You and fellow pup owners can find shade under the park’s pavilion. 

6. Paradise Valley Dog Park

Paradise Valley Dog Park is located at an equal distance from Pinnacle and Grover Basin Dog Park. If any of the three is too busy, you always have an alternative in this area. This dog park has a surface area of 2.4 acres covered by grass. There are plenty of benches and tables that owners can use to rest and even have a meal.

High temperatures being a problem, Paradise Valley Dog Park has been equipped with two ramadas that provide shade to pups. Drinking fountains are scattered throughout the two separate areas (for small and large breeds). The park has double gates for increased safety when entering and leaving the off-leash park.

7. Rose Mofford Dog Park

There’s a dog pool here! Rose Mofford Park is located in the Rose Mofford Sports Complex and has a surface area of 2.5 acres covered in grass. There are separate areas for small and large dog breeds, so you can easily keep an eye on your pup. The dog park has plenty of trees for shade, water fountains, and a special dog water station (a pool). Dogs have more than enough ways to cool down during the summer.

Owners can relax on benches. You don’t have to bring waste bags; the dog park provides them for free. Rose Mofford Dog Park is a very clean and chill park for puppies and pups!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Gregory E. Clifford/Shutterstock.com