The Best Dog Parks in Jacksonville: Where To Burn Off Your Dog's Energy

Jacksonville is a great place to live for families and residents of all ages, but it’s also a fantastic city for dogs and dog owners too. With access to so many parks and green spaces to play with other dogs and get in lots of daily exercise, Jacksonville is widely considered one of the most dog-friendly cities in Florida.

So whether you're a new dog owner or new to the Jacksonville area entirely, consider taking your pup on an adventure to check out some of Jacksonville's best dog parks featured below.

Kanine Social

580 College St, Jacksonville, FL 32204 | More Info

One of the best dog parks in Jacksonville is not only for dogs, but for their owners too. At Kanine Social, your dog is free to roam about and socialize with other pups while you enjoy craft beer or coffee and play games with your friends. With 7,000 square feet for indoor and outdoor space, there’s plenty of room for your dog to run around, and the indoor park is climate controlled which comes in handy, especially in the summertime. Kanine Social features a separate area for small dogs, and should your pup need a bath after its playdate, you can utilize one of three dog washing stations. Sign up for a membership if you plan to make this Jacksonville dog park your regular hang-out spot.

Dog Wood Park of Jacksonville

7407 Salisbury Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32256 | More Info

Dog Wood Park of Jacksonville is certainly a fan favorite and for good reason. It features 42 acres of open space for not only running and playing, but for swimming, too. In fact, Dog Wood Park is one of the biggest fenced-in dog parks in the country. Locals can purchase a membership on either an annual or month-to-month basis, but visitors are welcome to give it a try for only $11 per day. Dog Wood Park is definitely worth the price of admission; dogs can enjoy a swim in Lake Bow Wow, play fetch on one of several huge, open fields, or go for a hike with their owners on wooded trails.

St. John’s Town Center Dog Park

4663 River City Dr, Jacksonville, FL, US, 32246 | More Info

Not every dog park has to be huge to be a hit amongst the canine set. St. John’s Town Center Dog Park is tiny, but a beloved spot for dogs right in the heart of bustling St. John’s Town Center. While it doesn't have the best reviews online, this location is ideal for giving your dog a place to burn off some energy in between errands, which can be convenient if you're someone who loves bringing your dog with you everywhere you go. Additionally, hand sanitizer and bags are provided to help you stay clean and pick up after your dog, yet another reason why it makes the cut. 

Abess Dog Park

12743 Abess Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 | More Info

One of the newest additions to the Jacksonville dog park scene is Abess Dog Park, which was made with dogs of all sizes in mind. Abess has both a large dog area and a small dog area, and is free for all dogs who wish to hang out and play. The large dog area is home to a woodland trail as well as a sprawling field, and the small dog area is shaded and grassy. Owners can relax on one of the park’s benches and water fountains are available to keep you and your pup hydrated.

Kathryn Abby Hanna Park & Beach

500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32233 | More Info

If a beach trip sounds like fun for you and your dog, you will definitely want to visit Kathryn Abby Hanna Park and Beach. For $1 per person or $3 per car, you can enjoy 450 acres of campgrounds and trails right on a gorgeous freshwater lake. While your dog must be leashed in most areas of the park, the park itself is dog friendly and also happens to be home to a water park, so there is no shortage of entertainment. Barbeque pits are close by and available for use, so at the end of a day of adventures, you can cook out with your dog by your side.

Ed Austin Dog Park

3450 Monument Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32225 | More Info

Visitors of Ed Austin Dog Park might be intrigued to learn that it is situated on what was once an 18-hole golf course! Today, Ed Austin Dog Park is part of an exercise complex that includes a 4-acre off-leash dog park, which is ideal for dogs that requires lots of space to run around. Best of all, Ed Austin Dog Park has plenty of shade, trees, and tables for you to enjoy while your dog makes the most of being able to roam free. With a separate area for small dogs, this dog park truly has something for every dog and every owner.