Take your city dog for some exercise at some of the best dog-friendly trails and parks in Indy. We've got an updated list for 2023!
Whether you live downtown or in the suburbs, Indianapolis is an exciting and ever-growing city. The only downside of city-living is not having the acreage for your dogs to roam and play. No worries — there are plenty of Indianapolis dog parks and dog-friendly trails to keep you and your pups busy for hours! Indy also has some great watering holes that are very welcoming to dogs too! Local Pet Care has a great list of our favorite dog-friendly restaurants in Indianapolis.
Some of you have crazy schedules and may not have the time to take your precious furbabies to all these great places. But there's no need to feel guilty! The pet parents of Indy are lucky when it comes to professional pet care options. Check out these fantastic local dog walkers, cat sitters, and pet sitters in Indianapolis! Whether it's with you or your wonderful dog walker, your canines can have a blast at these great Indianapolis dog parks and trails.
Top 18 Indianapolis Dog Parks & Dog-Friendly Trails:
- Broad Ripple Bark Park
- Paul Ruster Bark Park
- Humane Society of Indianapolis Dog Park
- Smock Bark Park
- Fort Harrison Dog Park
- Waggin' Tails Bark Park at Louis Jenn Memorial Park
- Four Paws Dog Park at University Park
- Bed & Biscuit Dog Park
- Avon-Washington Township Paw Park
- Metazoa Brewing Co. Dog Park
- Holliday Park
- Eagle Creek Park
- Hummel Park
- Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve
- Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres at Newfields
- White River State Park
- The Big-4 Rail Trail
- Monon Trail
Broad Ripple Bark Park — 1550 Broad Ripple Ave., Indpls., IN 46220
Ready to take your dog off-leash? They'll love the fenced-in Broad Ripple Dog Park. Just remember to stop by the park office to purchase your Pooch Pass, and provide proof of vaccinations. This may seem like an inconvenience, but it's actually a great way to help keep all of our pups safe!
Paul Ruster Bark Park — 11300 E Prospect St., Indianapolis, IN 46239
This Indianapolis dog park has a large, fenced-in space that is always well-maintained where your pups can roam and play! Just remember, this park also requires a purchased Pooch Pass. The park office is located at 1313 S. Post Road.
Humane Society of Indianapolis Dog Park — 7929 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46268
Looking for a park where you can relax while your pup runs and plays? Or maybe you feel like taking your pup for a hike… it's all here! With separate fenced-in spaces for the large and small dogs, picnic tables, wooded trails, and even a canine agility course to keep your pup entertained for hours — this yearly pass fee is totally worth it! Just bring a copy of your dog's recent vaccinations, and you're ready to go.
Smock Bark Park — 4200 E County Line Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46237
Smock Bark Park is another of the great Indy Parks and Recreations' four Bark Parks — where your canine can run free and wild, and play safely with other friendly dogs. There's plenty of well-maintained green space, and discounted yearly passes for any second and thirds dogs you may have. You can pick those up at their Perry Park Office, located at 451 E. Stop 11 Road.
Fort Harrison Dog Park — 8769 Fall Creek Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46256
Not only does Fort Harrison Dog Park have plenty of space to run and tennis balls to play with, but they supply water stations and waste stations too. This park has about 10 acres of land separated into three distinct sections. One has a swimming pond, and another has canine agility equipment. They even have a covered space with picnic tables and a fireplace, so you can bring the family along too.
Waggin' Tails Bark Park at Louis Jenn Memorial Park — 10450 E 63rd St., Indianapolis, IN 46236
These Indianapolis dog parks don't mess around! The Waggin' Tails Bark Park has a "double-bubbler" water fountain, obstacle canine training equipment, plus plenty of room to roam and benches to rest on. Membership is required, but if you live in Lawrence Township, you get a special discounted price.
Four Paws Dog Park at University Park — 200 Legacy Blvd., Greenwood, IN 46142
Four Paws is one of Greenwood's most popular dog parks because of its large, fenced-in space for off-leash dogs to run and play — one of the biggest in Greenwood. It also includes water fountains, benches for pet parents, and tons of canine agility equipment. Membership required.
Bed & Biscuit Dog Park — 3809 IN-32, Westfield, IN 46074
Bed & Biscuit Kennels — a pet boarding and grooming facility — offers a dog park of over 5 acres, with separate fenced-in areas for small and large dogs. They provide benches and bathrooms for the humans. And water stations, waste stations, canine agility equipment, and a small pond for the pooches.
Avon-Washington Township Paw Park — 115 S County Rd. 575, Avon, IN 46123
Paw Park Pass required. This Indianapolis dog park provides covered picnic pavilions for shade, as well as separate fenced-in areas for small and large pups. Not only do they have their off-leash areas, but you can also take your leashed dog for a walk on their beautiful hiking trails.
Metazoa Brewing Co. — 140 S College Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46202
This local brewery has gone the extra mile to be pet-friendly. They've created their own dog park with artificial grass, an obstacle course, and kiddie pools so your pup can cool off on hot days.
Holliday Park — 6363 Spring Mill Rd., Indiana 46260, Indianapolis, IN 46260
This scenic park is pet-friendly and offers beautiful forest trails that are easy to follow. You'll love the walk as much as your pup with these wooded trails running alongside the White River.
Eagle Creek Park — 7840 W 56th St., Indianapolis, IN 46254
Eagle Creek Park has 10 miles of pet-friendly trails for your leashed dogs. You can both enjoy the 6th largest city park in the nation and the beautiful water view.
Hummel Park — 1500 S Center St., Plainfield, IN 46168
This family-friendly Indianapolis park is also dog-friendly. With paved trails connecting to the local neighborhoods, and access to the creek, this is the perfect dog-friendly trail for a relaxing afternoon with your best furry friend.
Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve — 10410 Hague Rd., Fishers, IN 46038
Ritchey Woods is a 127-acre nature preserve with 9 dog-friendly trails. It's conveniently located for anyone living in Fishers. And it's a great place to go with your pup when you need a peaceful, quiet stroll. This one is very popular with our readers!
Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park: 100 Acres at Newfields — 1850 W 38th St., Indianapolis, IN 46228
This beautiful dog-friendly nature park is also one of the largest museum art parks in the country. It contains meadows, wetlands, and a peaceful lake view. It's a great place to visit with your dog for a rejuvenating nature walk.
White River State Park — 801 W Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
The White River State Park is a dog-friendly, 250-acre park right next to downtown Indianapolis. It connects with the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, and has a wide paved path for bikers and walkers that runs right along the river.
The Big-4 Trail — Zionsville, IN 46077
Formerly known as the Zionsville Rail Trail, The Big-4 Trail connects multiple communities. This Indianapolis trail has almost 3.75 miles of paved path in Zionsville for you and your pup to enjoy a nice walk together. Trail End Points: Heritage Trail Park off CR 875 East and bridge over Eagle Creek south of Starkey Ave.
Monon Trail — 9100 Westfield Blvd., Indianapolis, IN 46240
The Monon Trail is one of the most popular, dog-friendly Indianapolis trails. It begins up north in the town of Sheridan and travels down through multiple suburbs and towns in the greater Indianapolis area — down through Broad Ripple and downtown Indy. The paved path makes it easy for walkers, joggers, and bikers to all enjoy.
Time to Take a Hike!
With 18 of the best Indianapolis dog parks and pet-friendly trails, your city dog won't be missing out on any of the outdoor fun he or she is craving. Indianapolis is such a pet-friendly city — you can have your cake and eat it too.
