Finding a place for your four-legged friends to let loose is no easy feat in Dallas. Although there are plenty of public parks, many don't allow off-leash roaming, which is essential to dog life.

Unless you've got an acre in your backyard, your poor pup is yearning to stretch out his legs. Thankfully there are leash-free dog parks strewn about Dallas-Fort Worth. Check out our favorites below.

Bark Park Central
The place to see and be sniffed in Deep Ellum is Bark Park Central. Located under an overpass within view of downtown, the park is a favorite of urban dwellers and offers a break from the concrete jungle. There are no human restrooms onsite, so plan accordingly.

Fort Woof
A 5-acre area located within Gateway Park in Fort Worth, Fort Woof is a pup’s paradise. The dog park is open until 11:30 pm and has night lighting, water fountains, benches and disposal bags at the ready. It has garnered national attention: It was named the best dog park in the nation by Dog Fancy magazine in 2006, and it was listed among the top five by Pedigree in 2008.

My Best Friend's Park
Why let humans have all the fun at Klyde Warren Park? The off-leash area allows your dogs to run free in the heart of downtown Dallas. There's even a fountain area where they can sip and saunter through the water. Once you leave the park, snap on a leash and take your dog for a jog on the cement path or through the grassy area. It's great to see Dallas embracing the fact that many downtown dwellers are dog owners, but we really feel like they missed out on the nomenclature: Klyde Warren Bark, anyone?

Irving Dog Park
As part of the Irving Animal Care Campus, Irving Dog Park has the luxury of rotating play areas, which give each dog run a recovery period. There is human seating available, as well as a combination dog/owner water fountain. Separate fenced-in areas for small and large dogs help keep the peace, and large rocks sprinkled throughout the park give people a front-row seat to watch the pups play. The Irving Dog Park boasts the earliest and latest hours of all the dog parks: 5 am-midnight.

North Bark Park
North Bark Park is the Cadillac of canine recreation. In addition to 5 acres of grassy, fenced-in play areas, there is a walking trail and pond. If your pup gets dirty, and that’s pretty much guaranteed, take advantage of the stand-up wash stations. For the humans, the park has four picnic tables, pavilion, observation deck, restrooms and ample parking. There is no night lighting at North Bark, so the park closes at dusk.

Wagging Tail
Wagging Tail is a 5-acre park low on frills and high on nature. There’s plenty for the pups to do, though, with fenced-in areas for large and small dogs as well as a trail that runs along the park’s perimeter. The park is open from sunrise to sunset and also offers human restroom facilities.

White Rock Lake Dog Park
White Rock Lake Dog Park was the first designated off-leash dog park in Dallas. The park opened in 2001 and has been growing ever since. In addition to typical dog park amenities, this place has lake access. Plus it’s lit after dark and stays open until 11 pm.

Wiggly Field
With a name like Wiggly Field, discerning dog owners may be worried this park is just a flash in the food bowl. But fear not: Wiggly Field packs a punch in the form of 3 acres of park, scores of trails and a nearby pond. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.

Dog parks give pups a chance to stretch their legs and wag their tails among friends.

Photo by Claire St. Amant

Dog parks give pups a chance to stretch their legs and wag their tails among friends.