Weekends in Houston, Texas, take on a whole new level of excitement, especially when your loyal canine companion is right there with you! Whether it's indulging in a relaxed brunch, embarking on a backyard brewery, or tackling an adventurous hike, Houston unfolds a tapestry of dog-friendly delights. Join us as we unveil the top pet-friendly activities in this dynamic Texan city, ensuring you and your furry friend have loads of fun in the heart of Houston!
Eat Your Way Around Town
Houston is not only an incredible dining and drinking destination for humans but also a pup paradise, thanks to numerous pet-friendly patios via the Paws on Patios movement, advocating for local establishments to embrace dog-friendliness within legal bounds. Here are some of the best dog friendly restaurants, breweries, and bars in Houston that you shouldn't miss:
- Monkey’s Tail. This Mexican-American bar and kitchen in Lindale Park welcomes in furry friends on their generous dog-friendly patio. In the mood to grab a burger and beer with your best bud? Good news, this creative and delicious spot offers daily specials from Weekend Brunch, Monday Steak Night, and Tuesday Dollar Dog Night!
- Truck Yard. Truck Yard is a “Come-as-you-are Beer Garden and Adult Playground,” and a perfect place to bring your furry friend. This sprawling outdoor beer garden has live music, flat screens, food trucks, and a boozy ferris wheel offering a $10 drink-and-spin deal – just make sure someone's on dog-watching duty!
- Cottonwood. Located in the heart of Garden Oaks and Oak Forest, get ready for a paw-some time at this Texan gem, where dogs might just outnumber humans! This ultimate hangout boasts a massive patio with live music, crawfish boils, and fireside chats, offering 42 beers on tap, a bourbon lineup, and must-try Crawfish Fries.
- 8th Wonder Brewery. Bring your air-bud into this Astrodome-inspired brewhouse with a cool vibe and a massive dog-friendly yard dubbed WonderWorld. Keep your pup on a leash while savoring classic brews and cocktails, and exploring the art-filled space with food truck treats, pop-up events, concerts, and seasonal delights.
- True Anomaly Brewing. True Anomaly Brewing is a craft brewery in Houston's East Downtown neighborhood specializing in sour and Belgian-style ales. This neighborhood spot welcomes pets and their parents inside and out of their brewery and taproom, as no food is prepared on the premises. Perfect for a rainy day!
- Powder Keg. With an expansive open-air bar, food trucks, sand volleyball courts, and an on-site dog park, Powder Keg is a dog-lover’s dream destination. Long day? Time for a drink from Powder Keg’s eclectic mix of canned beers and distinct taps, extensive wine portfolio, and unique specialty cocktail program.
Play the Day Away at a Park
Experience the ultimate doggy day out in Houston, Texas! Bask in the year-round sunshine as you pack a picnic, grab a frisbee, and explore the numerous pet-friendly parks that Houston has to offer.
- Dog Park at TC Jester Park. A well-known off-leash dog park in Houston, TC Jester Dog Park has ample running room for large dogs and a perfect play area for small dogs, too. With benches, dog drinking fountains, and trees for shade, the dog park is an awesome place to take your canines for some off-leash fun any day of the week.
- Congressman Bill Archer Bark Park. Win extra (dog-safe!) brownie points with your pup after a day at Congressman Bill Archer Bark Park. Play off-leash for fenced-in fun, take a turn with the agility equipment, a dip in the pond, and a break in the shade, for a day in doggy heaven.
- Willow Waterhole Greenspace. Discover the pet-friendly charm of Willow Waterhole Greenspace in Houston, TX – a spacious greenway with ponds, walking trails, and gazebos, creating a perfect haven for wildlife. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are warmly welcomed, ensuring a delightful experience for all.
Enjoy Mother Nature’s Beauty
Lookin’ to spend time outdoors while getting some exercise in? Check out these hot spots for dog-friendly fun.
- Kayak Shack. Experience Houston from the water with rentable kayaks and stand-up paddleboards–and invite your pup to hop in, too!
- Our ultimate guide to hiking in Houston. [link to blog]
Indulge in an Afternoon of Shopping
Whether you're on the hunt for the newest fashion trends or locally sourced goodies, dog-friendly Houston offers a fantastic array of shopping destinations that warmly welcome you and your furry companion.
- Rice Village Shops. Discover the pet-friendly vibe at Rice Village Shops in Houston, where you'll find a mix of trendy boutiques and global brands for all your fashion, beauty, and home needs. Leashed dogs are invited to join the shopping fun inside select stores and in outdoor areas – be sure to stop by Three Dog Bakery for a delicious treat for your pup!
- Heights Mercantile. Take your furry friend for a stroll in Houston's pet-friendly Heights Mercantile shopping district, where your pup is welcome to explore outside with you – just make sure to check with individual shops and restaurants for their specific pet policies.
- Urban Harvest Farmers Market. Open every Saturday 8AM-12PM, year-round, rain or shine, this dog-friendly farmer’s market is a bustling site offering local vegetables, fruits, prepared foods, dairy products, flowers & plants. What more could you want!
Local Experiences for You and Your Pup
Find a match for your creative side with a candle making endeavor. Join host, Andy, for a pet-friendly Airbnb Experience, 'Custom Candle Making in Heights boutique,' where dogs are warmly welcomed. Discover your creative side at the Forth and Nomad Maker Bar, crafting two unique candles in this one-hour session. Suitable for up to 8 guests aged 16 and above, rates begin at $55 per person.
In the mood for a unique cup of joe? Indulge in Mehmet's pet-friendly Airbnb Experience, 'Specialty Coffee Tasting,' where you'll dive into the History of Coffee before exploring roasting, cupping, and sampling. Small dogs are welcome with prior approval in this 2-hour session, accommodating up to 8 guests aged 18 and above.
Treat Yourselves to a Barkbus Pampering
After all the adventure and excitement running around H-town, find some relaxation on the couch while treating your pup to a soothing spa day at home! Your pup can enjoy everything from basic baths to deluxe grooming, all within the comfort of his own backyard. Book a Barkbus grooming session to secure a spot for your dog and turn your ordinary day into a soothing “spaw” day.
