Dog parks in Kansas City
Overview
Dogs love to run around in Missouri. Especially if you have a very energetic dog, you should expect that they're going to need a lot of space to run and play. However, if you don't have a very large backyard, or you're looking for an even larger space than that, you're probably going to need to find a local dog park. Here are some great Kansas City dog parks to bring your dog to.
Connect with an online vet in Kansas CityPlease note: The following information was correct at the time of publication but may have recently changed. We recommend contacting the business you are interested in visiting to ensure your pet can be accommodated.
1. Bar K
Bar K is a cleverly named combination bar and dog park. Memberships are available for as little as one day or as long as a year, and you can even purchase your guest pass when you arrive if you don't want to buy it online. The park has a special small dog area and a large dog area, and dogs and people are free to eat and play together at the outdoor tables. If you don't have a dog, you can also visit Bar K to see the dogs and have a drink, and they also regularly run adoption events for the community.
2. Waggin' Trail Dog Park
The Waggin' Trail Dog Park is a great spot for dogs of all sizes to visit and enjoy their time. With a walking trail, agility course, benches, water fountains, and tunnel runs, this park is beloved by dogs of all sizes and their owners. The small dog area is nearly an acre in size, while the large dog area is nearly three acres. It's known for being beautiful, with plenty of green grass and space for your dog to run and play.
3. West Terrace Dog Park
The West Terrace Dog Park is unique in that it is a members-only park. You must have a membership to visit this park. It is a 1.5-acre park that is fully enclosed and offers benches, a shaded pavilion, waste bags, and double entry gates. Anyone is welcome to join, including individuals who are not residents of Kansas City, for $50 per year for new members or $40 per year for renewing members. The fees go straight toward ensuring that the park looks great and is enjoyable all year long. The membership process also ensures that all dogs are current on rabies vaccinations.
4. Shawnee Mission Dog Park
The Shawnee Mission Dog Park is gigantic, at an incredible 1,655 acres. This includes a 120-acre lake, which offers a swimming beach and marina, an 18-hole disc golf course, an archery range, and a gigantic 44-acre off-leash dog park. This huge park is offered year-round, except for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 AM to 9 AM, when it's closed for maintenance. There is partial fencing at the entrance and the beach area, but the size of the park means that dogs can run and play without being in danger.
5. Leawoof Dog Park
This dog park is a bit south of Kansas City proper, located down in Leawood. It's very large and well-received, offering an array of options, including a shaded bench area, agility equipment, and a walking path for both dogs and humans to use. The wooden fence around the park is also tall enough to prevent most dogs from jumping, but blends into the surroundings without being an eyesore. It's open from sunrise to sunset, giving you and your dog plenty of time to enjoy the area all week long, except for Thursdays, when it's closed for maintenance.
Enjoy time outdoors with your dog
Whether you're looking to give your dog some socialization, you're looking to socialize yourself with other dog owners, or you just like getting out and about, a dog park is a great solution. However, dogs also need to be able to play well with other dogs before you can take them to a dog park. If you're looking for pointers on how to make sure your dog plays well with others before you visit a park, book a virtual vet appointment with Vetster for assistance from a veterinarian.
