2018 Guide to Dog Parks in Indianapolis

Looking to get some playtime in at a dog-friendly park or outdoor space? Here’s a list of Indianapolis area dog parks for you and your pooch.

Lifestyle, happy family of two resting at a picnic in the park with a dog

If you’re looking to spend some quality playtime with your favorite furry friend in outdoor spaces, we’ve got you covered. Of course, our favorite play area is the Good Dog Hotel & Spa in Broad Ripple. Our Dog Daycare has both indoor and outdoor space, and our guests are full of energy and ready to play.

But if you’re looking to get outside in a neighborhood near you, there are plenty of dog parks to choose from. Here are some of the most popular. And if you have your own favorite dog-friendly space to enjoy outdoors, please let us know! Leave all the details in the comment section below.

Broad Ripple Park – 1550 Broad Ripple Ave., Indianapolis IN 46220

Broad Ripple Park (est. 1946) borders the White River and has a rich history in the community. Broad Ripple Park features a family center, a seasonal swimming pool, playgrounds, picnic shelters, picnic knolls, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, multi-use athletic fields, woods, fitness trail and a bark park. To purchase a daily or annual dog park pass, visit the Family Center office or call (317) 327-7161.

Fort Harrison State Park Dog Park – 8725 Fall Creek Rd., Indianapolis IN 46216

The Dog Park is located on the north side of the Fort Harrison State Park property, and cannot be reached by entering through the Main Gate or from inside the main body of the park – it’s located on the north side of Fall Creek. The dog park has three separately fenced play areas.  Platoon Run, closest to Fall Creek Road, is around 3.6 acres. It has numerous large trees for shade and a wooded area on the west end.  Herrin Hill is about 1.3 acres and is located in the middle of the dog park. This area is mostly open grass, but does have some trees offering limited shade. Brigade Landing is approximately 5 acres and includes a pond and a larger wooded “adventure” area for exploration (Brigade Landing is currently under construction and not open to the public). Passes can be purchased at the Visitor’s Center at Fort Harrison State Park (enter at 59th St and N. Post Rd), from 8:30am‐4:00pm, Monday‐Friday.

Gordon Gilmer Dog Park – 5900 N. High School Road, Indianapolis IN 46278

Eagle Creek’s bark park is a place where owners and their four-legged friends can socialize and enjoy the company of others off-leash. One of the Indy Parks and Recreation Canine Companion Zones (CCZ), to participate, your dog must be equipped with a Pooch Pass. Pooch passes consist of a tag for your dog and a gate access card for you. For Pooch Pass pricing and purchase location, visit the dog park website.

Humane Society of Indiana Dog Park – 7929 Michigan Rd, Indianapolis, IN, US, 46268

Central Indiana’s first pet park is on the campus of the Humane Society of Indianapolis. The park is a place for owners to hang out with their pets in a safe, fenced area. Watch Rover romp through the canine agility course while you and your family relax at picnic tables. You can also hike through 1.5 miles of wooded trails. Annual registration is $75 for your first dog and $50 for each additional. You will be given a key fob to the Pet Park, which allows you to use the park even if the shelter is closed. Call (317) 872-5650 for membership information.

Paul Ruster Park – 11300 E Prospect St., Indianapolis IN 46239

This 82-acre park was acquired in 1970 and features beautiful trails, a small fishing pond and playground, making it a popular attraction on the east and south sides of Indianapolis. Pooch Passes for the bark park can be purchased at Post Road Park, 1313 S. Post Road. For more information, call (317) 327-0143.

Smock Bark Park – 4200 E County Line Rd, Indianapolis IN 46237

One of the Indy Parks and Recreation Canine Companion Zones (CCZ), the Smock Bark Park features a large fenced-in area and offers space for your dog to run off leash and socialize with other dogs. To participate, your dog must be equipped with a Pooch Pass, which can be obtained from one of the Indy Parks locations participating.

Tom Wood Dog Park at Clay Terrace – 14390 Clay Terrace Blvd, Carmel IN 46032

The 423-square-foot park is equipped with play stations like a doggie crawl and “king of the hill.” The enclosure is free to the public and open during daylight hours seven days a week. Located behind Kona Grill and near St. Vincent Sports Performance. Open to all dogs, rules apply posted at entrance. No proof of veterinary care is required.

Waggin’ Tails Bark Park – 10450 E. 63rd St., Lawrence IN, 46236

Waggin’ Tails Bark Park is part of the Louis J. Jenn Memorial Park, and features obstacle training equipment, benches, and a double-bubbler water fountain that serves both humans and canines. Memberships are limited to 500 humans. One-year memberships for Lawrence residents are $40 per dog. Non-residents may join for $50 per dog. All members must pay a one-time key deposit of $25. Residents who wish to join should bring a completed application and their Lawrence water bill (for proof of residency) to the Parks and Recreation Department at 8950 Otis Ave. For more information, call (317) 549-4815.

 

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