Splash & Play: Top Dog Parks and Water Fun in Middle Tennessee
Middle Tennessee is a dog lover’s paradise. With rolling hills, scenic parks, and a community that adores four-legged friends, there’s no shortage of places for pups to run, splash, and socialize. Whether you’re a local or just moved to the area, we’ve rounded up some of the best dog parks and water spots in Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, and Spring Hill—perfect for beating the heat and burning off some puppy energy.
🐾 Nashville: Shelby Dog Park & Two Rivers Dog Park
Shelby Dog Park in East Nashville is a fan favorite. With large, grassy areas and shaded trees, it’s great for active pups. It’s conveniently located inside Shelby Park, which also offers scenic trails and river access if your dog enjoys a splash.
Nearby, Two Rivers Dog Park is another gem, with wide-open space and a cool breeze from the nearby Cumberland River. There's also a dog-friendly greenway trail for walking.
🐾 Franklin: Harlinsdale Farm Dog Park
Located on the historic Harlinsdale Farm, this off-leash dog park offers wide fields, separate areas for large and small dogs, and beautiful views of Franklin’s countryside. While there isn’t a designated water play area, the pond on-site (when open) gives water-loving dogs a chance to dip their paws.
Franklin also hosts frequent pet events, so check local listings for splash days or pet-friendly festivals.
🐾 Brentwood: Tower Park Dog Park
Tower Park offers a lovely fenced-in dog park tucked behind the tennis courts. It’s smaller and quieter than some other options—perfect for dogs who may be shy or overwhelmed by big crowds. The area is shaded with room to roam, and you can walk over to nearby Crockett Park trails for a peaceful stroll.
Brentwood doesn’t have a dedicated dog splash pad yet, but nearby Radnor Lake offers leashed trails with great scenery (just no swimming for dogs due to wildlife rules).
🐾 Spring Hill: Port Royal Park & Beyond
Spring Hill is growing quickly, and so are its dog-friendly spaces. While there’s not a massive dedicated dog park just yet, Port Royal Park offers wide walking trails and grassy fields where leashed dogs can enjoy plenty of outdoor time. Local residents often organize dog playdates at the open fields.
And here's the exciting part: With more pet families moving into Spring Hill, there’s growing interest in water features and future dog parks—so keep an eye out for updates!
💧 Water Fun: Where Can Dogs Cool Off?
In the Middle Tennessee heat, cooling off is key. Here are a few great ideas for dog-friendly water fun:
Dog Splash Pads & Pools: Some pet stores and doggy daycares in the Nashville area (like Bark Public House and My Second Home Pet Resort) offer splash pads or dog pools.
River Walks & Greenways: Many greenways along the Cumberland and Harpeth Rivers have shady spots and gentle access points for dogs to wade in (on leash).
Backyard Kiddie Pools: Sometimes the best splash zone is in your own yard! Set up a shallow plastic pool and let your pup go wild.
🦴 Pro Tip: Pack Smart for Park Days
Wherever you go, bring:
Fresh water and a bowl
Waste bags (or let Pet Waste Hero handle it at home!)
Dog-safe sunscreen for short-haired breeds
Towels for drying off
Treats and a leash
In Conclusion
Middle Tennessee offers so many options for dogs to run, play, and cool off—whether you're in the heart of Nashville, the charm of Franklin, the quiet of Brentwood, or the growing community of Spring Hill.
Pet Waste Hero is proud to serve these communities with reliable pet waste removal that lets you focus on fun, not cleanup. After all, a clean yard is the best place to end a day of play. Visit PetWasteHero.com to book your first cleanup and spend more time making memories with your dog.