Buddy loves the off leash area of Butler Park! Lots of open space, with plenty of things to sniff, including a wide variety of dogs big and small! Buddy is a small dog, but really prefers the large fluffy breeds and gets really excited if one of Austin's beautiful and well behaved Great Danes are there! 9ish am and 6ish pm tend to be the busiest times, small dogs find other small dogs , big dogs chase each other and it's labradoodles galore! A great place to bring energetic dogs, many chase balls or each other across the wide park. I would say 95% of the owners in this park are really great, Buddy is an old man, and he can yap instructions to the younger dots that plague him (but doesn't snap or take an offensive posture) and everyone is pretty cool with letting the dogs be dogs. There is NO fencing and the water is dangerous to dogs, so I would make sure your pups are good listeners. The park is actually quite wonderful for us humans too- gorgeous view of the west side of downtown and picnic tables or rocks under the shade to sit on! Absolutely recommend this place to enjoy the...
Read moreThis metro park is a fantastic spot for families with toddlers and small children! The playground is thoughtfully designed with plenty of activities to keep little ones entertained for hours.
The slides and climbing structures are fantastic, offering fun and safe challenges for kids to explore. The sandy play areas are a huge hit—perfect for digging, building, and just letting kids’ imaginations run wild. The equipment is in great condition as this is a new park from last year, and the whole space feels very child-friendly.
One of the park’s best features is how clean and well-maintained it is. Everything from the playground to the surrounding areas is spotless, making it a joy to visit. Plus, the people here are so friendly—there’s a great sense of community, and it’s easy to strike up a conversation with fellow parents.
Another huge plus is the onsite bathroom, which is clean and conveniently located—a lifesaver when you’re out with little ones!
Whether you’re looking for a quick outing or a longer day of play, this park is a fantastic choice. Highly recommend...
Read moreButler Metro Park is such a gem—like a smaller, more kid-focused version of Zilker. The open grassy fields are great for picnics, playing tag, or just relaxing in the shade. The playground (part of the Alliance Children’s Garden) is huge and super creative, with colorful equipment for all ages and a splash pad to beat the Texas heat.
It’s in a great spot too—right next to Auditorium Shores and not far from Barton Springs. One of my favorite things here is the gorgeous view of the downtown Austin skyline, especially during sunset. You’ll also find swings, shaded seating, and wide open space to just breathe and enjoy the outdoors.
Definitely recommend it for families, visitors with kids, or anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful green space with a great view of the city. That said, Like many public parks, you might see some unhoused folks around, especially at night, and the restrooms probably aren’t the cleanest (I didn’t use them, but others have...
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