Top 10 Dog-Friendly Parks In and Around Gilbert, AZ
Gilbert and the surrounding East Valley are home to some of the best parks for dogs in Arizona. Whether your pup loves to run off-leash, swim, or just take a scenic stroll, there’s a perfect spot nearby. Here are 10 great dog-friendly parks in and around Gilbert, complete with details to help you plan your next outing.
1. Cosmo Dog Park
Address: 2502 E Ray Road, Gilbert, AZ 85296
What You’ll Find:
Cosmo Dog Park is Gilbert’s premier dog park — a 17-acre space featuring multiple fenced zones for active and timid dogs, shaded areas, agility equipment, walking trails, and even a dog-friendly lake with a beach and dock. There are wash stations, water fountains, and lighting for evening use.
Why It’s Great:
This park has everything. It’s ideal for dogs who love to run, socialize, or take a swim. It can get busy during peak hours, so early morning or late evening is best for a calmer experience.
2. Dog Park at Crossroads Park
Address: 2155 E Knox Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296
What You’ll Find:
Located within the larger Crossroads Park, this fenced dog park has two separate sections for active and timid dogs. It includes shaded seating areas, water fountains, benches, and waste stations. There’s also nearby walking paths if you want to extend your outing.
Why It’s Great:
It’s a solid alternative to Cosmo Dog Park when you want something a little quieter but still well equipped. The smaller size makes it great for quick daily play sessions.
3. Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch
Address: 2757 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234
What You’ll Find:
This scenic preserve offers more than 4.5 miles of trails winding through ponds, gardens, and native habitat areas. Dogs are welcome on leash, and the shaded paths and boardwalks make for a peaceful walk.
Why It’s Great:
Perfect for dogs who love sniffing, exploring, and calm walks rather than high-energy play. It’s also a favorite for birdwatching and photography.
4. Countryside Dog Park (Mesa)
Address: 3130 E Southern Ave, Mesa, AZ 85204
What You’ll Find:
This fully fenced off-leash park has separate areas for large and small dogs, benches, grass and dirt terrain, shade structures, and plenty of open space to run.
Why It’s Great:
Just a short drive from Gilbert, Countryside is a great option if your usual parks are crowded. It has plenty of room for play and socializing.
5. Pocket Park for Pups
Address: 130 E Juniper Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85234
What You’ll Find:
A smaller, community-style dog park with basic fenced areas, benches, and shaded seating. It’s not as large as Cosmo or Crossroads, but that’s part of its charm.
Why It’s Great:
It’s a convenient, low-key spot for a quick play session or evening visit—especially for neighborhood regulars.
6. Shawnee Dog Park (Chandler)
Address: 1400 W Mesquite St, Chandler, AZ 85224
What You’ll Find:
An off-leash, fenced dog park with separate areas for different dog sizes, water stations, benches, and shade.
Why It’s Great:
Located just west of Gilbert, this park is great for when you want a bit more space and fewer crowds than Cosmo. It’s also near other walking paths for longer outings.
7. Tumbleweed Park (Chandler)
Address: 745 E Germann Rd, Chandler, AZ 85286
What You’ll Find:
While not a dedicated dog park, Tumbleweed Park offers wide grassy fields, paved walking paths, and open space where leashed dogs are welcome.
Why It’s Great:
It’s a beautiful, family-friendly park that’s great for relaxed walks and playtime on leash.
8. Paseo Vista Recreation Area Bark Park
(Chandler)
Address: 3850 S McQueen Rd, Chandler, AZ 85286
What You’ll Find:
This bark park includes rotating fenced dog areas, shade, water stations, and plenty of seating. It’s part of the larger Paseo Vista Recreation Area, which has walking and biking trails.
Why It’s Great:
You get both an off-leash space and access to longer trails—perfect for dogs that like a mix of running and walking.
9. Discovery District Park
Address: 2214 E Pecos Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85297
What You’ll Find:
While not a designated dog park, Discovery Park’s open spaces and walking paths make it a popular spot for leashed dog walks. The park features large grassy areas, ponds, and plenty of room to roam.
Why It’s Great:
It’s ideal for relaxed walks, picnics, or playtime on leash in a spacious, scenic environment.
10. Freestone Park
Address: 1045 E Juniper Ave, Gilbert, AZ 85234
What You’ll Find:
Freestone is one of Gilbert’s most popular parks, featuring wide walking paths, open fields, a lake, and shaded areas. Dogs are welcome on leash throughout the park.
Why It’s Great:
Freestone is perfect for a longer, leisurely walk. It’s clean, scenic, and offers a variety of environments for your dog to explore.
Tips for Visiting Parks with Your Dog
- Always check park rules — some areas require leashes, others offer off-leash play.
- Bring water, waste bags, and a towel (especially if there’s a lake involved).
- Visit during cooler times of day to avoid hot pavement.
- Be courteous: clean up after your dog and supervise them at all times.
- If your dog is shy, try smaller parks or off-peak hours for a calmer experience.