10 best dog parks in Phoenix for maximum zoomies & new BFFs

Explore this local guide to dog parks in Phoenix that are perfect for pups who love to run, play, and socialize.

Just like us, pups love meeting new friends and exploring new places. While Arizona is inherently a pup-friendly state with its incredible hiking trails and scenic walks, it also offers a wide range of dog parks for those who are looking for even more dog-friendly activities.

Dog parks are great for your pup’s health; they provide socialization, new sights and smells, and the freedom to play and explore without the limits of a leash. If your dog loves to run and you don’t have a backyard or somewhere for your dog to run free, dog parks are the perfect place to get out those puppy zoomies or any extra energy without extra exertion on your end.

And the benefits don’t stop there; dog parks are good for you, too! They offer a safe place to get outside, enjoy some fresh air, and relax (guilt-free) while your dog runs around and plays. They’re also a great place to connect with your community and meet other dog-lovers nearby.

Here are the 10 best dog parks in Phoenix and the surrounding metropolitan region.

Chandler

Paseo Vista Dog Park

Where: 3850 S. McQueen Road, Chandler, AZ 85286

Hours: 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (maintenance on Thursdays; opens at 2:30)

Head to Paseo Vista Dog Park for a fun, social outing with your pup. The park features two dog areas that rotate between open play and maintenance, helping keep the space clean and well cared for. The large play area is perfect for running, playing fetch, and socializing, and the shaded spots offer a break on hot days. You’ll also find water fountains and restrooms located at the main park.

Gilbert

Cosmo Dog Park

Where: 2502 E. Ray Road, Gilbert, Arizona 85296

Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Closed on Tuesday for maintenance)

Opened in 2006, Cosmo Dog Park, Gilbert’s most-visited dog park, is a 17-acre oasis named after Gilbert’s first K9, Cosmo. The park was built to commemorate Cosmo’s memory and the special bond between humans and their pups. Throughout the park, you’ll find a large lake for swimming, a dog beach with a dock, two washing stations, and agility and training equipment used by the K9 team. There’s also a brick memorial honoring beloved pets like Cosmo. In addition to the dog-focused amenities, the park also offers picnic ramadas, trails, a “tot lot,” and community spaces.

Downtown Phoenix

Margaret T. Hance Dog Park

Where: 67 W. Culver St., Phoenix, AZ 85003

Hours: 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Named in honor of Phoenix’s first mayor, Margaret T. Hance Park is one of the city’s most loved public spaces, especially among dog owners. Spanning 32 acres atop the Interstate 10 freeway tunnel, the park features two fenced dog areas for both large and small pups, making it the perfect spot for off-leash play and running off any energy. If your pup is not ready for the dog park or you’re looking to fit in a walk before or after the park play, there are plenty of wide, walkable paths all throughout the park.

Midtown/Central Phoenix

Steele Indian School Park

Where: 300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85012

Hours: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

If you’re looking for a downtown dog park, Steele Indian School Park is a great option, especially if your schedule means early mornings or after-dark visits. The park has solar-powered night lights, which make it easy to stop by even after the sun goes down. With 2.5 acres of space, there’s plenty of room for pups to run, play, and burn off energy, but not so much space that you’d lose track of your dog. Since the park is primarily dirt, it’s a good idea to bring something to wipe off your dog’s paws (especially after rainy days) before heading back to the car.

Rose Mofford Sports Complex Dog Park

Where: 9833 N. 25th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85021

Hours: 5:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.; closed on Thursdays

Rose Mofford Dog Park is a longtime favorite among local dog owners, and after visiting, you’ll understand why. The 2.5-acre off-leash area is a dream for high-energy pups. It also has separate spaces for large and small dogs to run freely and play. The park is consistently clean, secure, and well-maintained. You’ll find plenty of parking, water stations for dogs who love a good splash, chairs for humans, lights in the mornings and evenings, and trees that provide shade on warm days.

North Phoenix

Grovers Basin Dog Park

Where: 17447 N. 20th St., Phoenix, AZ 85022

Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Grovers Basin Dog Park is a solid go-to for both small and large dogs, with two fenced, grassy areas that give pups plenty of room to run and play. The park is well equipped with pooper scoopers, seating for humans, water fountains for thirsty pups, and lighting for early mornings or later evenings. Filled with regulars, it’s a simple spot that’s easy to love and will likely have you coming back.

Deer Valley Dog Park

Where: W. Utopia Road and N. 19th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85027

Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Deer Valley PetSmart Dog Park has everything you could want in a neighborhood dog park, including extended hours, a large running space for big dogs, and a separate space for smaller pups. You’ll find cleanup tools, water fountains, shaded spots, and lighting for evening visits. Even though it’s a popular stop, it never feels too crowded, and there’s usually plenty of space to sit, socialize, and watch your dog play.

South Phoenix / Ahwatukee

RJ Dog Park at Pecos Park

Where: 17010 S. 48th St., Phoenix, AZ 85048

Hours: 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

RJ Dog Park is a bit of a hidden gem, but a gem all the same. This spacious dog park is split into two areas, one for large dogs and one for smaller pups, with plenty of room to run, play, and burn off energy. You’ll find shared toys, a large water bowl for thirsty dogs, and a park that’s consistently clean and well-maintained, plus plenty of parking nearby.

Once playtime is over, Pecos Park offers even more fun, including a pool, pickleball courts, soccer fields, a playground, a skate park, and a one-mile trail great for walking or running.

Tempe

Papago Bark Park

Where: 1000 N. College Ave., Tempe, AZ 85288

Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; closed on Sundays

Papago Park is a Tempe icon, known for its hiking trails, biking paths, and picture-perfect desert backdrops. Located right next to the Phoenix Zoo and Desert Botanical Garden, it’s an ideal spot for both people and pups. If you’re not in the mood for a hike but still want those gorgeous views, you’re in luck—the park has a gated, off-leash dog area at the corner of College and Curry. The bark park is complete with two alternating open sections, drinking water for the pups, space to run, and lots of good company.

Scottsdale

Chaparral Dog Park

Where: 5401 Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250

Hours: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Maintenance on Tuesdays and Friday mornings)

Chaparral Dog Park is a local favorite for a reason. With separate active and passive areas, it’s a great fit for dogs of all temperaments, whether you’ve got a high-energy runner or a more low-key pup. The park is well-maintained and thoughtfully set up for both dogs and their people, with water fountains, benches, restrooms, poop bags, and plenty of shade. It’s an easy, comfortable spot to relax while your pup plays, and with hours extending until 10 p.m., it’s also a great option for after-work visits. If you want to add a walk before or after playtime, there’s a scenic two-mile trail that loops around the lake.