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Discover the Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in St. Louis

The fresh air, the sight of excited dogs running around chasing each other, and their owners standing around holding their warm coffees and chatting excitedly with one another. This is the kind of scene you will come upon if you choose to venture into one of the various off-leash dog parks scattered throughout St. Louis. Both you and your dog can have a delightful experience at any one of these parks, and that is exactly why you need to know where the best off-leash dog parks in St. Louis are and what makes them so special. Just keep in mind that many of these dog parks requirea membershipto join, so be aware of this if you choose to take your pup to any of them. 

Here at Forest Woods, Valley Parks premier apartment community, we are BIG dog fans. Thats why we have one of the citys friendliest pet policies and two private, enclosed dog parks! Weve put together a list of our favorite dog parks throughout St. Louis so you and your furry friend can go on off-leash adventures. 


Shaw Dog Park 

Opened back in August 2003, the goal of this dog park was (and remains) to provide dogs with a safe place to exercise and socialize with one another in an off-leash environment.The park also intends to bring the community closer together and to serve as a meeting place for those who own dogs and want to see their dogs have the greatest opportunity possible to socialize and engage with other dogs. 

Shaw Dog Park touts itself not only as a place where dogs can run and play together but also as a spot where their owners can socialize and engage with one another as well. The shared bond of love for dogs helps bring people together who might not otherwise have ever met. 

If you choose to become a member, know that the membership fees are set based on the number of dogs you bring to the park as well as if you are a resident of Shaw or not. 

Distance from Forest Woods Apartments:23 mins 

Two dogs playing in a grassy field.

Creve Coeur Dog Park 

If you desire a dog park that is a little closer to your Forest Woods Apartment home, then the Creve Coeur Dog Park is an excellent choice for you. Located just 15 minutes from the apartments, it is another off-leash park with a great community atmosphere behind it. 

Located on 2.5 acres worth of land, Creve Coeur Dog Park has individual fenced areas for both small-breed dogs and large-breed dogs. The large-breed dogs get the large chunk of 2 acres of land, as they require more space to roam. However, you will still find an impressive half acre worth of space for your small breed dog to enjoy as well. 

This park is a membership-only park, but it is easy to get signed up. They even offer walk-up registration so that you can sign up to become a member the same day that you bring your dog to the park. Alternatively, you may also register by phone or mail if you wish. 

Distance from Forest Woods Apartments: 15 mins 

A woman playing with a dog in a park.

Tails and Trails Dog Park 

As one of the larger off-leash dog parks in St. Louis, Tails and Trails Dog Park offers a full 5 acres of space for dogs to run and play. This park offers a secure, double-gated entrance and exit so that all dogs can remain safe and secure within the confines of the park as other dogs enter. On top of that, there are other features that benefit you and your dog, including: 

  • A Water Fountain for Dogs - Your pup is probably going to get thirsty from all the running around and playing that he or she engages in at the park. An on-site water fountain makes it easier for them to remain hydrated and active. 
  • Four Agile and Skill Stations - Some dogs truly like to go for a workout of sorts when they are at the park. For those particularly active dogs, the four agility and skills stations located throughout the park give them the perfect opportunity to get their energy out. These stations are fixtures of the park and are available to your dog anytime they visit. 
  • Biodegradable Waste Bags - No one likes it when anyone leaves behind dog waste, but there are times when any one of us may be guilty of forgetting to bring our waste bags from time to time. Luckily, Tails and Trails Dog Park keeps them available on site. Plus, these bags are fully biodegradable, so you don't have to worry about the environmental impact. 

This park is a great choice for those who love to have all the amenities of an excellent off-leash dog park at their fingertips. 


Distance from Forest Woods Apartments: 12 mins 

Three people playing with dogs in a park.

Other Honorable Mentions 

Some other off-leash dog parks in the St. Louis area that you might consider checking out include: 

  • Forest Park Southeast - A centrally located dog park with positive vibes. 
  • Cherokee Dog Park - A casual and laid-back dog park that allows for off-leash play. 
  • Lucas Park - A small dog park that maintains a community atmosphere. 

These are all delightful places to take your dog to go exploring and see what adventures await you. 


Live in St. Louis Near Several Off-Leash Dog Parks 

If your dream is to find an apartment with a dog park that is also near several other dog parks in St. Louis, then Forest Woods Apartments is exactly what you are looking for. Not only are there two on-site dog parks where you can meet other residents and their dogs, but you will also enjoy the swimming pool, friendly staff, gym, and the spacious apartments that provide you with the opportunity to live the kind of life that you want to live. 

Schedule your tour today and discover your home among the woods at Forest Woods Apartments. 

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