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Dog-Friendly Parks, Places & Events in Downtown Houston

Don't leave your fur baby out of the family fun!

By Melissa Martinez, Macaroni KID Downtown Houston August 29, 2024

In case you missed it, National Dog Day was on August 26th. So it's an ideal week to share some upcoming Houston events, along with restaurants and dog parks where well-behaved dogs are welcome. We love our four-legged family members, and it's always fun to take them to new places. 


Should you take your dog? 

Before choosing to take your dog out and about in Houston consider whether your dog (and you!) will have a good experience. Typically, well-behaved, socialized dogs who are comfortable around people and other dogs are ideal for these settings. Ensuring your dog is friendly, leash-trained, and non-disruptive will help everyone enjoy their time. Always check specific venue policies and consider your dog's temperament to ensure a pleasant outing for all.



chendongshan | Canva 


ðŸū Upcoming Dog-Friendly Events in Houston

Houston Dash - Pups at the Pitch

📆 8/31 

📍 Shell Energy Stadium

Join the Houston Humane Society Young Professionals (YAP) for Pups on the Pitch as the Houston Dash take on the Utah Royals at Shell Energy Stadium!

Astros Dog Day

📆 9/1

📍Minute Maid Park

Minute Maid Park goes to the dogs on Sunday, September 1st! Join for Dog Day, sponsored by Tito's Handmade Vodka. Purchase special Dog Day tickets for access to the "Barking Room Only" area in Hall of Fame Alley and the Dog Zone in Crawford Plaza. Early birds take note: The first 500 dog owners will snag an Astros dog leash and Orbit waste bag holder. Secure your spots now and prepare for a tail-wagging good time at the ballpark!


ðŸĶī Dog-Friendly Breweries and Restaurants in Houston

Here are our 4star picks of restaurants, breweries, and bars in Houston that are both dog and kid-friendly.

(Please note: We haven't double-checked all of these recommendations. If you aren't sure about whether it's OK to bring your pooch, it's best to call ahead and ask!)


The Dog Bar

📍Montrose

Houston's 1st DOG BAR! A dog centric bar where your pup is welcome to bring their humans. Dog Friendly Hand Crafted Mocktails, made with all natural dog safe ingredients. Special Pawty Pack menus for dog parties and it’s a dog park too!


Nett Bar

📍 Washington Corridor

Not just a GREAT place to watch sports and play games but pet parents with big dogs will love the deck's scenic vistas and convenient leashing spot by the railing. It’s perfect for securing your pooch while you enjoy a beverage. Nettbar also offers an enclosed dog area where energetic fur babies can roam freely off-leash.


Traveler’s Table

📍Montrose

A globally-inspired eatery, with a shared passion for exploring the world through food and drink, by serving modern versions of hand-selected dishes from around the world. Dogs allowed and kid-friendly. 


True Anomaly Brewing Company

📍Downtown

Featuring Houston’s largest and most unique barrel room. Out-of-this-world beer recipes with inspiration drawn from a shared fascination with science, outer space, and the energy, history, and all-around awesomeness that is Houston, Texas. 


Southern Yankee Crafthouse

📍Montrose

Wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza, libations and house made soda selection, dog and family-friendly….say less. We’re there!


8th Wonder Brewery

📍EaDo

Good beverages and good fun await. Inspired by the Astrodome, dubbed the “8th wonder”, this place has been described as lively and super dog and kid-friendly. 




This list will continue to grow as we research/add more of our preferred businesses and places for Dogs to hang with their humans. If you or an business you know is interested in being featured or would like to sponsor this ad, CONTACT US!



🛍ïļ Specialty Stores


Carters Pet Market

📍Hunter’s Creek Village

For the love of your dog you’ll find this specialty market offers quality food, treats, supplements, toys, grooming, and more. Locally owned and operated, they have everything you can think of to give your dog the best little life. 

Check out this seasonal recipe on their website: Pumpkin Pup-a-Chino


Funny Fur

📍Upper Kirby

A fashion forward, upscale pet boutique since 2006 for fashionable dog clothes, premium pet food & other animal accessories.



Reese - Pasadena, TX Pup

ðŸŽū Some of our Fave Dog Parks in Houston


Park for Humans and Dogs

📍Old Sixth Ward/First Ward

Amidst the lively bar and arts scene, this park provides a tranquil oasis for both dog owners and pedestrians to pause and reflect. A repurposed eye-catching gazebo, referenced as the “witch’s hat” adds charm, while a dedicated gravel area for dogs keeps the grass pristine. Water features abound, including cooling misters for hot days and convenient fountains and showers for canine companions.


Market Square Park

📍Downtown

A great place for dogs and their people on the other end of the leash with good-for-family dining, entertainment, public art and events happening on a regular basis. Two dog-runs; one for small breeds and one for large dogs.


Ervan Chew Dog Park

📍Museum District

A fenced-off 9,000-square foot dog area with benches in a neighborhood park next to the picnic area.

Fun fact: This park is the first neighborhood park in Houston to allow dogs to legally run free, off-leash in a designated dog zone. 


Johnny Steele Dog Park

📍Buffalo Bayou

Named after a Houston landscape architect, spans two acres, it's one of the area's largest dog parks, featuring separate sections for large and small dogs, each equipped with a pond, washing station, and shaded areas. This park caters to both Houston's canine population and their human companions.


Levy Park Dog Park

📍Upper Kirby

Sections devoted to large and small dogs, including turf-covered mounds for play, trees for shade, a water feature, and a double-gated safety entrance.



⭐ïļ And just outside of Downtown Houston… 

Not in the city, but worth the drive:


Rummy’s Beach Club

📍Spring

Named after a beloved, blind SIberian Husky, this awesome beach club offers all private dog swimming, Summer dog pool, underwater diving, puppy swim class, dog park, dock diving, winter pool and more.


Pucci Cafe

📍 Katy

It’s all luxury here if you didn’t think so by the name. Have some dessert, sip on some coffee or wine, and have a little shopping spree in the luxury dog boutique, offering imported collections from around the world. 



Know of a Houston event, dog-friendly restaurant, dog park, specialty business we're missing? Email HERE and let us know, we'll add it to our list!


⭐ïļ  THE DOWNTOWN HOUSTON EDITION OF MACARONI KID IS PROUDLY PUBLISHED BY A LOCAL MOM WHO WORKS INDEPENDENTLY AND CURATES WEEKLY LOCAL FAMILY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES, SEARCHING FOR FAMILY FUN, FAMILY-FOCUSED BUSINESSES AND ANY ADVENTURES AROUND THE CITY! OUR FREE NEWSLETTERS AND CONTENT WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE AND YOUR FEEDBACK IS WELCOME. PLEASE CONSIDER SUPPORTING THIS MACARONI MOM BY SUBSCRIBING TODAY AND SHARING  â­