Houston, Texas is a great city for dog lovers and their furry friends. With its warm climate, numerous parks and green spaces, there are plenty of opportunities for dogs to get exercise, socialize, and have fun.
Whether you’re looking for a park to run and play in, a nature preserve to take a leisurely walk in, or a dog-friendly patio to relax on, Houston has something for every dog. Here are ten dog-friendly things to do in Houston that will keep both you and your pooch entertained.
1. Visit Buffalo Bayou Park
Address: 1800 Allen Pkwy &, Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77019, United States
Phone: 713-752-0314
This 160-acre park is a paradise for dogs and their owners. The park has several trails where dogs are allowed to be off-leash, including the Buffalo Bayou Hike and Bike Trail and the Johnny Steele Dog Park.
The Johnny Steele Dog Park is a fully fenced-in area where dogs can run and play to their heart’s content. The park also has a separate small dog area, water fountains for dogs to drink from, and plenty of shade for hot summer days.
2. Take a walk through the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center
Address: 4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77024, United States
Phone: 713-681-8433
This 155-acre nature preserve is a great place to take a leisurely walk with your dog. The trails are well-maintained and the natural surroundings provide a peaceful and calming atmosphere. Dogs are welcome on all of the trails, as long as they are kept on a leash.
The nature center also has a number of educational programs and events specifically for dogs, including training classes and dog socialization sessions.
3. Go to a dog-friendly patio
Place: Good dog Houston
Address: 903 Studewood St, Houston, TX 77008, United States
Phone: 832-800-3642
Houston has a number of restaurants and bars with dog-friendly patios where you can enjoy a meal or a drink with your furry friend by your side. Some popular spots include The Dogwood, Good Dog Houston, and The Barking Pig.
These patios are the perfect place to relax and unwind with your dog, and many of them even have water bowls and treats available for dogs.
4. Check out the Barking Lot
Address: 846 Madison Street, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin 53147, United States
Phone: 262-248-3901
This off-leash dog park in Houston is a great place for dogs to run, play, and socialize. The park has a large fenced-in area for dogs to roam, as well as a separate small dog area. The Barking Lot also has a shaded seating area where you can sit and watch your dog play, as well as water stations to keep your dog hydrated.
5. Take a trip to Galveston Island
Address:14901 FM 3005, Galveston, TX 77554, United States
Phone: 409-737-1222
Just a short drive from Houston, Galveston Island is a popular destination for dog owners. The island has several dog-friendly beaches where your pooch can play in the sand and swim in the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to the beaches, Galveston Island is home to a number of dog-friendly restaurants and shops, making it the perfect place to spend a day with your dog.
6. Visit the Houston SPCA
Address: 7007 Old Katy Rd, Houston, TX 77024, United States
Phone: 713-869-7722
The Houston SPCA is a great place to take your dog for a visit. The organization often has events and activities specifically for dogs, such as “Yappy Hour,” where you can bring your dog to socialize and play with other dogs. The Houston SPCA also offers training classes and dog socialization sessions to help your dog become a well-behaved and well-rounded companion.
7. Go on a hike at Memorial Park
Address: 6501 Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77007, United States
Phone: 713-863-8403
This 1,500-acre park in Houston is a great place to go on a hike with your dog. The park has several trails where dogs are allowed, ranging from easy to moderate in difficulty. The trails wind through the park’s lush forests and offer stunning views of the city, making it a truly enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.
8. Take a trip to the Houston Zoo
Address: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030, United States
Phone: 713-533-6500
While dogs are not allowed inside the zoo, they are allowed in the outdoor areas of the park. The Houston Zoo has a number of shaded areas where you can sit and relax with your dog, and there are also water fountains available for dogs to drink from. The zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, and it’s a great place to spend a day with your dog and learn more about the natural world.
9. Go to a dog-friendly movie screening
place: The Alamo Drafthouse
Address: 2707 Commercial Center Blvd Houston, TX 77494 ·
Phone: 281-492-6900
The Alamo Drafthouse in Houston has a number of dog-friendly movie screenings where you can bring your furry friend along for the show. These events are held in a designated area of the theater where dogs are allowed, and they are a great way to enjoy a movie with your dog by your side. It’s a good idea to check the theater’s website or give them a call to find out when their next dog-friendly screening will be held.
10. Attend a dog-friendly event
Place: Art Colony Association Inc
Address: 7026 Old Katy Road, Suite #281 Houston, TX 77024
Phone: 713-521-0133
Houston has a number of events and festivals that are dog-friendly. Some popular events include the Bayou City Art Festival and the Houston Pride Parade, both of which welcome dogs. These events are a great way to spend a day with your dog and experience all that Houston has to offer.
It’s a good idea to check event listings and websites to find out which events are dog-friendly, as well as to familiarize yourself with any specific rules or guidelines that may be in place for dogs.
Conclusion
Houston is a great city for dog lovers and their furry friends, with plenty of opportunities for dogs to get exercise, socialize, and have fun. Whether you’re looking to take a hike, visit a dog-friendly patio, or attend a dog-friendly event, there is something for everyone in Houston.