Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park Dog Park - Tampa, FL
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park Dog Park in Tampa, Florida
Located in downtown Tampa along the picturesque Hillsborough River, the Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park Dog Park is a convenient and popular spot for city-dwelling pet owners seeking a dog-friendly oasis. This compact dog park offers an inviting environment for both pups and their owners, with scenic views of downtown and easy access to the park’s many amenities. The park is particularly appreciated by locals for its handy location near major attractions and its relaxing riverside vibe.
The dog park features water fountains and bowls for your dog, shaded seating for owners, and concrete pads that double as informal agility-style platforms. Waste bags are available for convenient clean-up, and the park is typically well-maintained. While the park isn’t large and does not have separate areas for small and large dogs, it’s a great stop for a quick play session or a break during a walk around downtown. Families will also find a modern playground nearby, making this an ideal destination for both children and furry companions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are dogs allowed off-leash at this park? Yes, dogs are allowed off-leash in the designated dog park area.
- Are there water fountains or bowls for dogs? Yes, water bowls and fountains are available for dogs at the park.
- Is there shade or shelter available? There is some shaded seating, but not much natural shade mid-day.
- Are poop bags or waste stations provided? Yes, the park provides bags for cleaning up after your dog.
- Are there benches or seating areas for owners? Yes, benches and shaded seating areas are available for owners.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, restrooms are nearby, though their cleanliness can vary.
- Is the park wheelchair accessible? The park is wheelchair accessible.
- Is there a playground or activities for kids nearby? Yes, there is a modern playground with inclusive, accessible features nearby.
- Is the park regularly cleaned and maintained? Yes, the park is kept relatively clean and maintained.
Reviews
It’s a decent dog park that is kept relatively clean. Not much shade mid day so watch out if it’s hot. Has bags and a water fountain for the dogs. Nice place to stop by if you took your dog to a festival downtown.
Nice place along the river. Had the ice rink going this time.
Fairly small dog park but has a good area for them to run around. A bunch of little concrete pads that you can use to have them jump up on and sit.
Good seating area for humans that is shaded. They also have the typical water bowl fountains available for your dog so no need to bring a water bowl.
Smaller than I thought. In these days of Covid I would avoid if too crowded. The park is tucked back along the river behind the art museum. I would not go out of my way to go to this park unless I was down there with my dogs for some other reason. I can see where this is a nice resources if you live downtown.
When I recently visited Curtis Hixon Playground with the kids, I was impressed by how thoughtfully designed it is for families. The playground is packed with modern equipment that the kids absolutely loved. They spent hours on the slides, climbing structures, and swings, all of which are set on a soft, rubberized surface that made me feel at ease about their safety.
One thing that stood out to me was how the playground caters to different age groups. The younger kids had plenty of options that were just right for their size and ability, while the older ones found more challenging structures that kept them engaged. The bright, colorful design also made the whole area feel inviting and fun.
Safety was clearly a priority here. I appreciated how easy it was to keep an eye on the kids, thanks to the open layout and clear sightlines. The playground is also wheelchair accessible, which is great to see in a public space—it’s designed to be inclusive for all children.
The location within Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park couldn’t be better. While the kids played, I enjoyed the beautiful views of the Hillsborough River and the downtown skyline. There were plenty of benches nearby where I could relax and watch them, and the park itself had a lively but still peaceful atmosphere.
Another plus was the convenience of the nearby amenities. With restrooms, water fountains, and shaded areas just a short walk away, it made the visit much easier. We even caught a glimpse of an event setting up in the park, which added an extra buzz to the day. But be aware that restrooms are not at all clean.