Des Moines, IARaccoon River Park
A quick visual preview from one of the local parks on this page.
214,133population
9park listings
3,675Google reviews
Iowa city guide
Best dog parks in Des Moines, IA
Des Moines, IA offers a solid mix of dog parks and dog-friendly green spaces, giving dog owners several worthwhile choices when looking for the best dog parks in Des Moines, IA. This local dog park mix is solid and locally varied, with 13 total results, including 10 dedicated dog parks and 1 dog-friendly social venue. Across rated listings, the overall average is about 4.6/5 from roughly 4,659 combined Google reviews, and Raccoon River Park, Paws & Pints, and Ankeny Dog Park stand out as some of the most established names for anyone researching top-rated dog parks in Des Moines, IA. Looking across the individual park summaries, the best dog parks in Des Moines, IA tend to stand out for friendly regulars, useful park extras, and shade and tree cover, making the area especially appealing for dogs that need room to run, owners who want shade, seating, and water access, and general off-leash exercise. The main tradeoff for dog owners is that a few locations seem quiet or lightly used and crowd or owner behavior can vary by time of day, so the right fit may depend on whether you want a quiet everyday dog park, a busier off-leash social spot, or a larger park with more room to roam.
Des Moines dog park scene
Des Moines, IA offers a solid mix of dog parks and dog-friendly green spaces, giving dog owners several worthwhile choices when looking for the best dog parks in Des Moines, IA. This local dog park mix is solid and locally varied, with 13 total results, including 10 dedicated dog parks and 1 dog-friendly social venue. Across rated listings, the overall average is about 4.6/5 from roughly 4,659 combined Google reviews, and Raccoon River Park, Paws & Pints, and Ankeny Dog Park stand out as some of the most established names for anyone researching top-rated dog parks in Des Moines, IA. Looking across the individual park summaries, the best dog parks in Des Moines, IA tend to stand out for friendly regulars, useful park extras, and shade and tree cover, making the area especially appealing for dogs that need room to run, owners who want shade, seating, and water access, and general off-leash exercise. The main tradeoff for dog owners is that a few locations seem quiet or lightly used and crowd or owner behavior can vary by time of day, so the right fit may depend on whether you want a quiet everyday dog park, a busier off-leash social spot, or a larger park with more room to roam.
dogs that need room to runsocial dogs and owners who enjoy a regular crowdowners who want shade, seating, and water accesslonger visits with useful park amenitiessmall dogs or homes with multiple dog sizes
A look around Des Moines
Real Google photos make the page feel more trustworthy before someone even clicks into a park.
Top rated in Des Moines
These are the strongest-rated listings for people who want a fast starting shortlist.
dedicated dog parkDes Moines
Pawtocka Dog Park
Pawtocka Dog Park is one of the dog-friendly places currently surfaced for local park research.
521 Pleasant St NE, Bondurant, IA 50035
dog parkpark14 reviews
dedicated dog parkDes Moines
Adel Dog Park (FREE)
Adel Dog Park (FREE) is one of the dog-friendly places currently surfaced for local park research.
S 15th St, Adel, IA 50003
dog parkpark4 reviews
dog friendly parkDes Moines
Raccoon River Park
People say this park offers a beautiful lake, trails, a playground, fishing, and a dog park. They highlight the park is clean, safe, and has an open feeling, with well-maintained facilities and covered picnic areas. They also like the friendly atmosphere and the variety of activities suitable for all ages.
2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA
Open now
dogs that need room to runsocial dogs and owners who enjoy a regular crowdowners who want shade, seating, and water access
Most reviewed local favorites
High-review parks usually signal the places dog owners know best and talk about most.
dog friendly parkDes Moines
Raccoon River Park
People say this park offers a beautiful lake, trails, a playground, fishing, and a dog park. They highlight the park is clean, safe, and has an open feeling, with well-maintained facilities and covered picnic areas. They also like the friendly atmosphere and the variety of activities suitable for all ages.
2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA
Open now
dogs that need room to runsocial dogs and owners who enjoy a regular crowdowners who want shade, seating, and water access
dedicated dog parkDes Moines
Ankeny Dog Park
Overview: Ankeny Dog Park is rated 4.5/5 from 318 Google reviews. Reviews most often describe it as spacious with room for dogs to run. Amenities: Reviewers often mention shade and tree cover and water fountains or bowls.
1155 SW Ankeny Rd, Ankeny, IA 50023, USA
dogs that need room to runowners who want shade, seating, and water access
dedicated dog parkDes Moines
Riverwalk Dog Park
Riverwalk Dog Park is one of the dog-friendly places currently surfaced for local park research.
1111 Illinois St, Des Moines, IA 50314
dog parkpark224 reviews
What dog owners are saying
Recent review snippets help visitors gauge vibe, upkeep, and who each park suits best.
Terence Mayers8 months ago
Took my daughter there to compete in here first USA Triathlon. The park is excellent. Clean with an open feeling, yet safe. The lakeside is beautiful. Peaceful. Clean bathroom facilities and covered areas by the picnic areas.
Read more about Raccoon River ParkDemon Dog Custom guitars and CBG's9 months ago
Great place to take your beloved. Very large. Even has a pond for dogs to swim in, that is kept aerated.
Read more about Ankeny Dog ParkDiane Wagner2 years ago
Great place to walk. Well lit , clean and resting benches along the way!
Read more about EASTTOWN PARKPatrick Turnera month ago
Beautiful! Hopefully the city does not ever ruin this one like they did river walk dog park. For those traveling, you need a code to get in. I believe you can still get a day pass from the city of Des Moines. Not 100% on that, but well worth it if you can. There's plenty of space outside the dog park if you have any trouble getting a day pass. If the squirrels are out and your pup is a hunter.....good luck getting them to leave.
Read more about Reno Memorial Dog ParkDog parks and dog-friendly parks in Des Moines
Search by name, filter by park type, or sort by reviews when you want a more specific fit.
dedicated dog parkDes Moines
Pawtocka Dog Park
Pawtocka Dog Park is one of the dog-friendly places currently surfaced for local park research.
521 Pleasant St NE, Bondurant, IA 50035
dog parkpark14 reviews
dedicated dog parkDes Moines
Adel Dog Park (FREE)
Adel Dog Park (FREE) is one of the dog-friendly places currently surfaced for local park research.
S 15th St, Adel, IA 50003
dog parkpark4 reviews
dog friendly parkDes Moines
Raccoon River Park
People say this park offers a beautiful lake, trails, a playground, fishing, and a dog park. They highlight the park is clean, safe, and has an open feeling, with well-maintained facilities and covered picnic areas. They also like the friendly atmosphere and the variety of activities suitable for all ages.
2500 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265, USA
Open now
dogs that need room to runsocial dogs and owners who enjoy a regular crowdowners who want shade, seating, and water access
dedicated dog parkDes Moines
Ankeny Dog Park
Overview: Ankeny Dog Park is rated 4.5/5 from 318 Google reviews. Reviews most often describe it as spacious with room for dogs to run. Amenities: Reviewers often mention shade and tree cover and water fountains or bowls.
1155 SW Ankeny Rd, Ankeny, IA 50023, USA
dogs that need room to runowners who want shade, seating, and water access
dog friendly parkDes Moines
Stylin Paws Play Place
Stylin Paws Play Place is one of the dog-friendly places currently surfaced for local park research.
3901 121st St, Urbandale, IA 50323
pet boarding servicedog parkparkpet care
dedicated dog parkDes Moines
Ewing Dog Park
Ewing Dog Park is one of the dog-friendly places currently surfaced for local park research.
4660 Indianola Ave, Des Moines, IA 50320
dog parktourist attractionpark206 reviews
dog friendly parkDes Moines
EASTTOWN PARK
Overview: EASTTOWN PARK is rated 4.4/5 from 117 Google reviews. Reviews most often describe it as clean and well kept. Amenities: Reviewers often mention poop bags, seating, and other park extras.
Easton Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50317, USA
Open now
owners who want shade, seating, and water accesslonger visits with useful park amenities
dedicated dog parkDes Moines
Reno Memorial Dog Park
Overview: Reno Memorial Dog Park is rated 4.4/5 from 72 Google reviews. Reviews most often describe it as spacious with room for dogs to run. Amenities: Reviewers often mention shade and tree cover, secure fencing and separate dog areas, and poop bags, seating, and other park extras. Crowd: Reviews describe a friendly crowd of owners and dogs.
Des Moines, IA 50317, USA
Open now
dogs that need room to runsmall dogs or homes with multiple dog sizessocial dogs and owners who enjoy a regular crowd
dedicated dog parkDes Moines
Riverwalk Dog Park
Riverwalk Dog Park is one of the dog-friendly places currently surfaced for local park research.
1111 Illinois St, Des Moines, IA 50314
dog parkpark224 reviews
Quick FAQs for Des Moines
How many dog parks are listed for Des Moines?
13 places are currently mapped for Des Moines, including 9 dedicated dog parks in the latest Google export.
What stands out about the Des Moines dog park scene?
Des Moines, IA offers a solid mix of dog parks and dog-friendly green spaces, giving dog owners several worthwhile choices when looking for the best dog parks in Des Moines, IA. This local dog park mix is solid and locally varied, with 13 total results, including 10 dedicated dog parks and 1 dog-friendly social venue. Across rated listings, the overall average is about 4.6/5 from roughly 4,659 combined Google reviews, and Raccoon River Park, Paws & Pints, and Ankeny Dog Park stand out as some of the most established names for anyone researching top-rated dog parks in Des Moines, IA. Looking across the individual park summaries, the best dog parks in Des Moines, IA tend to stand out for friendly regulars, useful park extras, and shade and tree cover, making the area especially appealing for dogs that need room to run, owners who want shade, seating, and water access, and general off-leash exercise. The main tradeoff for dog owners is that a few locations seem quiet or lightly used and crowd or owner behavior can vary by time of day, so the right fit may depend on whether you want a quiet everyday dog park, a busier off-leash social spot, or a larger park with more room to roam.
Helpful guides before you visit Des Moines
Use these articles to pick the right park, handle first visits, and avoid common dog-park problems.
Dog Park Etiquette That Keeps Play Safe
A practical field guide to entering, supervising, and leaving dog parks in a way that protects your dog and everyone else's.
Dog Park Safety Checklist For First-Time Visitors
A step-by-step framework for deciding whether a park is suitable, how to assess risk on arrival, and when to leave.
Small-Dog Tips For Better Dog Park Visits
How to protect confidence, reduce overwhelm, and choose settings where small dogs can actually succeed.