Fort Worth has six city dog parks, and two of them are among the largest in Texas: ZBonz, a 10-acre dog park built on a former golf course with two aerated ponds, and Fort Woof, with 5 acres split between large and small dogs. Both close one weekday for maintenance — ZBonz on Wednesdays, Fort Woof on Thursdays — and either can close after heavy rain. The other four are small neighborhood dog runs.
In this guide
This guide covers all six parks, the rules posted at each (including a 40-pound limit for small-dog areas), and how to plan around the weekly and rain closures.
All six Fort Worth dog parks
| Dog park | Where | Size and features |
|---|---|---|
| ZBonz Dog Park | Former Z. Boaz Golf Course, off W. Elizabeth Lane | 10 acres, fully irrigated: 7-acre large-dog and 3-acre small-dog sections, two shelters, agility items, pet fountains, two aerated ponds. Closed Wednesdays. |
| Fort Woof Dog Park | — | 3.4-acre large-dog area and 1.6-acre small-dog area, agility courses, water fountains, shaded shelters. Closed Thursdays. |
| Bark Park at First Flight | First Flight Park, near West 7th Street | About 3,200 sq ft; recommended for small dogs only |
| Calhound Dog Park | Calhoun Park, near South Main | Small fenced area with covered seating |
| Fire Station Dog Park | Fire Station Park, near Hemphill and Allen (Fairmount) | Small fenced area near a skatepark, playground and community center |
| Palmilla Springs Dog Park | Palmilla Springs Park, north of I-30 W, west of Chapel Creek Blvd. | Small fenced area with a bench and waste station |
ZBonz: the big one
ZBonz sits on the site of the former Z. Boaz Golf Course, and it shows: it's fully irrigated, so the turf holds up better than most dog parks in the Texas heat. The 7-acre large-dog area is bigger than most entire dog parks in the country, and the two aerated ponds give dogs a place to cool off.
- Closed every Wednesday for scheduled maintenance.
- Can close after rain if the ground is too saturated.
- Bring a towel: pond-loving dogs come out wet and muddy.
Fort Woof: the award winner
Fort Woof has a track record: the city notes it was named the No. 1 dog park in the nation by Dog Fancy magazine in 2006 and the best dog park in the Metroplex by City Voter in 2009. Its two areas — 3.4 acres for large dogs and 1.6 acres for small — each have agility courses, water fountains and shaded shelters.
- Closed every Thursday for scheduled maintenance.
- Can close after rain if the ground is too saturated.
Because the two big parks close on different days, you can always reach one of them: go to Fort Woof on Wednesdays and ZBonz on Thursdays.
The neighborhood dog runs
The other four parks are small fenced areas inside neighborhood parks:
- Bark Park at First Flight, near West 7th, is about 3,200 square feet — the city recommends it for small dogs only because of the limited space.
- Calhound Dog Park in Calhoun Park, near South Main, has covered seating.
- Fire Station Dog Park in Fairmount sits next to a skatepark, playground and community center — expect noise and activity.
- Palmilla Springs serves the far west side.
Fort Worth dog park rules
Your dog
- Licensed, with current rabies vaccination on the tags. Dogs owned by Fort Worth residents must have city license tags from Animal Services.
- No puppies under four months.
- Aggressive dogs must leave immediately.
- Keep your dog under voice control at all times.
Small-dog areas
The small-dog areas are for dogs under 40 pounds only. Small dogs may go into the large-dog area, but the city doesn't recommend it.
Leashes
- Keep your dog on a secured leash until you're inside the double-gate entry, and leash up again to leave.
- Don't hang your leash on the fence — you must have a visible leash on you at all times.
People
- Stay inside the park and within view of your dog.
- Children must be under strict supervision, and children under 12 must be with an adult.
- Repair any damage your dog does, such as filling holes.
- Users assume all risk related to dog park use.
Outside dog parks, Fort Worth's general park rules apply: dogs must be leashed, pet waste must be picked up, and parks are open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. unless posted otherwise.
Fort Worth weather tips
- Heat: North Texas summers are long. Go early; ZBonz's irrigated turf and ponds make it the most comfortable choice on hot days.
- Rain closures: both big parks can close after rain when the ground is saturated. After a storm, call the Park & Recreation Department at 817-392-5700 before driving.
- Storms: spring thunderstorms and hail build quickly — leave when you hear thunder.
How Fort Worth's rules compare
We compiled the posted dog park rules of 20 large US cities. Here's how Fort Worth stacks up against some of them — useful if you've just moved, or if you travel with your dog.
| City | Children | Max dogs per person | Food and treats | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Worth | Under 12 with an adult | No limit posted | No rule posted | Free |
| Dallas | Under 12 strongly discouraged | 3 | No food or treats | Free |
| Houston | 12 and under not allowed | 2 | No food or treats | Free |
| Austin | No city age limit posted | No limit posted | No rule posted | Free |
| Phoenix | Under 12 asked not to come | No limit posted | No food | Free |
From each city's official dog park rules as published in 2026. "No limit posted" means we didn't find one in the city's rules — the sign at each park can still add limits.
Fort Worth sits in the middle of the Texas pack. It's less restrictive than Houston, which bars children 12 and under entirely, and it doesn't cap the number of dogs per person the way Dallas and Houston do. Its signature rule is the 40-pound cutoff for small-dog areas — most cities just say "small dogs" and leave it to owners to decide.
Beyond the dog parks: the Trinity Trails
Fort Worth's best on-leash walking is along the Trinity Trails, the paved and crushed-granite trail system that follows the Trinity River through the city. It's flat, long and popular with dog owners, cyclists and runners.
- Keep the leash short — the trails are shared and busy near downtown and the West 7th area.
- Bring water. Much of the trail is exposed to the sun, and summer afternoons are brutal.
- Keep your dog out of the river after storms, when currents and debris make it unsafe.
Your first visit checklist
- Fort Worth resident? Get your dog's city license tag from Animal Services, and make sure the rabies tag is current.
- Check the day: ZBonz is closed Wednesdays, Fort Woof on Thursdays.
- Check the weather: both big parks can close after rain.
- Weigh your small dog honestly: the small-dog areas are for dogs under 40 pounds.
- Bring a leash you'll keep on you — hanging it on the fence isn't allowed.
Frequently asked questions
How many dog parks are in Fort Worth?
The City of Fort Worth lists six dog parks: ZBonz, Fort Woof, Bark Park at First Flight, Calhound, Fire Station and Palmilla Springs.
What is the biggest dog park in Fort Worth?
ZBonz Dog Park, at 10 acres, with a 7-acre large-dog area and a 3-acre small-dog area.
Which days are Fort Worth dog parks closed?
ZBonz closes on Wednesdays and Fort Woof on Thursdays for maintenance. Both can also close after rain.
How big can a dog be in the small-dog area?
Under 40 pounds.
Do I need a Fort Worth dog license?
If you live in Fort Worth, yes — your dog must have city license tags from Animal Services, plus a current rabies tag.
Sources: City of Fort Worth Park & Recreation — Dog Parks, Fort Woof and ZBonz pages, dog park rules and park rules & regulations (2026). Closures change — check before you go.
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