There’s nothing like taking your best friend for a walk, but it’s even more enjoyable when you can let them off the leash at one of the many Gainesville dog parks. When your dog is whining and begging to go outside, don’t let them down. Dogs need friends too. It’s time to load them up in the car and go searching for the best dog park in Gainesville. So grab your treats, doggy bags, and pupper, and head to one of these green spaces where they can run and play with others!
Tom Petty Park – Best for small dogs
Tom Petty Park has attractions for both dogs and humans. With plenty of shade thanks to large trees, it’s a great place to visit when it’s hot outside. Many dog owners have said this is the best Gainesville park for small dogs. That’s because they have small dog and large dog segregated areas. So whether you have a new puppy or a Great Dane, you can bring them to this park and not worry about the two clashing! There are always a lot of small dogs here, so if you’re training a puppy or have a smaller breed, you can expect for them to make a lot of friends easily.
Another great thing about this local Gainesville dog park is that it comes supplied with water, trash cans, and doggy bags. You don’t have to remember your own doggy bags, and you can feel good knowing your dog will have water. Because of the trash cans, it’s kept very clean. You can expect the crowd to pick up after themselves and their animals, and it’s highly rated amongst pet owners.
Park Hours
Saturday – Sunday: 8 AM – 11 PM
Tom Petty Park Location
400 NE 16th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601
Possum Creek Dog Park – Best for dogs and families
View this post on Instagram
If you have more than one little one (dog and kids!), Possum Creek is a great dog park in Gainesville to go to. This is an off leash dog park that is perfect for both small and big dogs. They are fenced in, and there are also two separate areas for small and large dogs, so you can bring your puppy no matter the breed.
There is also a playground and tennis court, so you can hang out there while your dog is leashed, or your family can play while you play with your dog. You will find doggy bags, trash cans, and water available for your dogs. During the hot months, many families will bring their dogs out here, so it can get a bit crowded. It’s best to go in the mornings or early afternoon if you don’t want to run into too many dogs at once.
Park Hours
Saturday – Sunday: 8 AM – 11 PM
Possum Creek Park Location
4009 NW 53rd Ave, Gainesville, FL 32653
Forest Park – Best for puppies
If you need a park for puppy dogs, Forest Park is a great option. Though there are small and larger dogs here, this fenced in dog park in Gainesville doesn’t have the strongest fences. Because of this, most people bring smaller dogs and puppies who can’t break through the fences. If you have a calm dog that likes to splash around in water, there are a few different kiddie pools and hoses for them to play in, so you can fill them up for your puppy to splash around in.
There are a lot of people playing sports in the open fields, so you want to be sure that your dog is comfortable with loud noises or a lot going on. It’s a fairly busy park, and there aren’t plans to renovate the fence. On a hot day, you can find a lot of people throwing frisbees and letting their dogs run off the leash as long as there aren’t any families playing sports. The large field is a favorite amongst dog owners.
Park Hours
Saturday – Sunday: 6 AM – 6 PM
Forest Park Location
4501 SW 20th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32607
Squirrel Ridge Park – New dog wash stations
Squirrel Ridge has always been a local dog park in Gainesville that people like to go to, but it’s going to get a lot more popular. They’re renovating the area so that it will have dog wash stations, more toys, and dog agility equipment. Currently, there are two fenced areas for small and large animals. You can use their hoses for water, and there is turf instead of grass, so your pets won’t get too dirty. The turf is also being redone. It’s a $500,000 project, and it’s bound to make this the most popular dog friendly park in Gainesville!
Park Hours
Saturday – Sunday: 6:30 AM – 7 PM
Squirrel Ridge Park Location
1603 SW Williston Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608
Dogwood Park – Paid dog park & daycare
Dubbed as the nicest Gainesville dog park, this is one that you’ll want to take your pets to if you want them to have a superior experience. It’s also good if you worry about animals spreading ticks, fleas, or diseases because they make the animals have proof of vaccinations and regular doctor’s appointments. The cost of this Gainesville dog park depends on whether or not you’re a member. Members are those who regularly drop off their pets at doggy daycare. They get a monthly access pass for an additional fee. If you’re not a member, you’ll have to pay an additional fee as well as bring your vaccination records.
This indoor Gainesville dog park is the daycare center, but they also have an outdoor park. Their outdoor park has a sandpit, two lakes that the dogs can swim in, a ton of open space for them to run, and plenty of toys. It’s the highest-end dog park in Gainesville, and it’s much less crowded than the rest.
Park Hours
Monday – Friday: 7 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: 1 PM – 6 PM
Dogwood Park Location
5505 SW Archer Rd, Gainesville, FL 32608
Haisley Lynch Park – Small and uncrowded Gainesville Dog Park
View this post on Instagram
Haisley Lynch park is great for smaller dogs, but because it’s fairly uncrowded, large dogs are welcome too. There isn’t too much to do here, but it is a nice way to get your dog off leash in a Gainesville dog park. The park contains water and trash cans, but it can be hard to find parking, so be aware of this if you go. Fences surrounding this play area are very secure, so if you have a dog that likes to try and escape while fenced in, this could be a great spot to play for them.
One concern that people have with this popular Gainesville dog park is that there are often many homeless people around. It’s a usual hangout, and though it doesn’t bring any crime or anything like that, there are also dogs who may not be vaccinated there as well.
Park Hours
Open 24 Hours
Haisley Lynch Park Location
424 S Main St STE 414, Gainesville, FL 32601
Gainesville Dog Parks Map
Try One of the Best Gainesville Dog Parks
There are many Gainesville dog friendly parks to visit, and you can find your favorite easily! Whether you just got a puppy or you’ve had your doggo for a while, there’s always somewhere to take them around here. If you’re looking at Gainesville dog parks because you’re moving to the city, give 2 College Brothers a call for a free quote! We’re a premium Gainesville moving company here to help make you, your family, and your furry friends’ transition just a bit easier.
