Are dogs welcomed in and around the Kansas City, MO, area? And how many dog parks are in Kansas City? To find all of the best outdoor dog spots, check out the list below!
The beautiful four-season weather and gorgeous colors make Kansas City a great place to be outdoors all year round! Whether you want to take your pup to meet up with friends at a dog park, go for a run on a dog-friendly trail, or try to make a few new friends… Kansas City, MO, is the place to be because it’s a very dog-friendly city.
We’ll tell you all about the best on-leash and off-leash spots in town to take your pup and what each one has to offer. Some have water. Some have shade. Some have fences, and some do not. But they’ll all be excellent choices for a doggy fun day with your furry best friend.
Are you looking for other dog-friendly things to do in Kansas City? Click here to find the best dog-friendly restaurants in the city. You can bring your pup with you to sit out on their pet-friendly patios, enjoy the sunshine, and try out some of the best food in town!
And whether you live in Kansas City full-time or you’re just visiting on vacation with your precious pooch, you’ll definitely want to know where to find the best local pet care professionals. Click here to check out dog walkers, cat sitters, pet groomers, and more—all in and around Kansas City. All licensed highly recommended pet professionals who will love your cat or dog like their own.
But first things first… let’s figure out where you’re going to take your pup next!
The 7 Best Dog Parks, Off-Leash Areas, and Dog-Friendly Spots in Kansas City, MO:
- Kemp Off Leash Dog Park
- Penn Valley Off Leash Dog Park
- Swope Park Off Leash Dog Park
- Trolley Track Trail
- Waggin’ Trail Off Leash Dog Park
- West Terrace Off Leash Dog Park
- Platte Landing Park off Leash Dog Park
Kemp Off Leash Dog Park — 800 E. 10th St, Kansas City, MO 64106
Kemp Off Leash Dog Park is tucked between E. 9th Street and E. 11th Street. This downtown dog park is a new park added in 2022 after a cleanup of the area took place. The city wanted to bring positive vibes and function to the area and decided pups and their people were the perfect combination.
This park offers a double-gated entry, pet waste stations, and a nice grassy ground covering. There is one acre of land for your pup to run and play with other dogs—or even humans. There is room for large breeds and small breeds to be separated. You can find water at the playground across E. 10th Street.
The only parking available here is street parking—so plan accordingly. Also, the park hours are 5:00 AM to midnight, 365 days a year.
Penn Valley Off Leash Dog Park — West 29th Street & Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64108
Penn Valley Park plays host to the Penn Valley Off Leash Dog Park and gives those living on the south side of downtown a beautiful place to take their pups. Penn Valley Off Leash Dog Park became Kansas City’s first dog park in April of 2004 and is operated in cooperation with the city and the Dog Park Improvement Group (DIG).
This dog park is a highlight for the city. The park offers a double-gated entry to two different runs. The large breeds run is 2.7 acres, and the other run reserved for small breeds, senior dogs, and handicapped dogs is 1.8 acres. The park has water fountains for humans and canines and a spigot for water bottle refills. There are pet-waste stations on site, but they often run out of bags because of the number of people who frequent this park.
Visiting this park is a must for those who are in the area. The parking is plentiful, the size is great for your pup, and the hours are 5:00 AM to midnight, 365 days a year.
Swope Park Off Leash Dog Park — 5051 E. Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64132
Swope Park Off Leash Dog Park is far south of downtown, but it is worth the drive. This park opened in 2012 and was the second dog park in the region. Swope Park itself is a beautiful place full of trees, green spaces, and beautiful buildings. It is 1,805 acres and is the best park in the Kansas City, MO, park systems. This park has hiking trails, soccer fields, golf courses, gardens, fountains, and more.
The dog park offers 5 acres—split between small breeds and large breeds—of space for your pup to run and play. But it is more than just a place for your pup to enjoy. There are picnic tables, benches, views to enjoy, and walking trails. The park has a double-gated entry, pet-waste stations, and water available for humans and canines. Seasonally, they have kiddie pools for your pup too.
This park has plenty of parking and is open from 5:00 AM to midnight.
Trolley Track Trail — 432 E. 32nd Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116
Trolley Track Trail is a dog-friendly trail that follows the old trolley tracks through town. It's a unique blend of history and recreation. The path is perfect for dog walking, jogging, or biking alongside your four-legged friend. Benches along the way provide spots to take a break and enjoy the neighborhood vibe. The trail connects several communities, making it a social hub for both dogs and people. It's a fantastic choice for those who want to combine exercise with socializingWaggin’ Trail Off Leash Dog Park — 432 E. 32nd Ave, North Kansas City, MO 64116
Waggin’ Trail Off Leash Dog Park is another great Kansas City dog park located north of downtown. This park is operated by North Kansas City Recreation and Kansas City Parks and Recreation.
This park offers almost 5 acres of off-leash space for you and your pup to connect with other dogs. The small breed dog run is nearly an acre, and the large breed section is 2.68 acres. They are both double-gated and have canine agility courses, benches, and are ADA-compliant. At this park, there are water fountains, plenty of parking, and walking trails nearby.
This park is open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM or sunset—whichever comes first.
West Terrace Off Leash Dog Park — 750 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO 64105
West Terrace Off Leash Dog Park is located inside West Terrace Park. West Terrace Park is one of the oldest parks in the Kansas City Park System, is 30+ acres in size, and includes two other parks within its borders.
The West Terrace Dog Park is a members-only park that includes 1.5 acres of enclosed space for your pup to meet friends to play. It has great views, picnic tables, double-gated entry, water fountains, and pet-waste stations.
This park costs $50 annually for new members and $40 to renew after your first year—online only. It is open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
Platte Landing Park Off Leash Dog Park — 300 S. Main Street Parkville, MO 64152
Platte Landing Park Off Leash Dog Park is located about 11 miles northwest of downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The Platte Landing Park is 140 acres of beautiful nature. It includes about two miles of trails, a boat ramp to the Missouri River, and a large dog run.
Platte Landing Dog Park is a large park with seven acres of room to run with large and small dog areas. Water is available for your pup and offers double-gated entries. While this isn’t in Kansas City proper, it is definitely a worthy candidate for you and your pup to consider as your go-to dog park in the Kansas City, MO, area.
The park is open from 5:00 AM to midnight, 365 days a year.
Kansas City Loves Dogs
With this many amazing dog parks and dog-friendly spaces, it’s easy to see how much Kansas City loves its canine residents and doggy visitors. And this is just the beginning for Kansas City!
Whether you live here year-round, you’re staying for the season, or you’re just visiting on vacation… There are more than enough places to go and things to do with your furry best friend!
For more articles about dog-friendly activities and pet parenting advice, check out the blog at LocalPetCare.com.