Guide to The Best Parks in Amarillo, TX

Situated in the northern plains of Texas along the iconic Route 66, Amarillo is beloved by locals and embraced by newcomers. Amarillo is a growing metropolitan boasting beautiful wide-open spaces, gorgeous topography, Palo Duro Canyon, and stunning parks. Whether you are an Amarillo native or new to the city, taking time to explore the parks in Amarillo is a bucket list item that shouldn't be skipped.

Best Parks in Amarillo

One of the best ways to explore Amarillo and see what makes it unique is to visit one of the area's local parks. Parks in Amarillo offer a variety of activities and scenery. Whether you like to hike or love nature, flowers, or animals, Amarillo has a park for you.

Amarillo Botanical Gardens

While Amarillo Botanical Gardens is less than seven miles west of downtown Amarillo, you will feel lightyears away as you stroll this 4.4-acre garden. Your senses will delight in the scents and scenery as you take in the variety of trees, plants, and flowers overflowing this land. You can choose to take a guided tour to learn more about the garden's history and plants or walk the grounds at your own pace on a self-guided tour. Amarillo Botanical Gardens also regularly holds events, including summer concerts, festivals, and more, and if you are hosting an event or planning a wedding, the gardens are the perfect venue.

Medical Center Park

Amarillo Botanical Gardens is actually located inside the larger public Medical Center Park. This park was designed to be a green oasis, helping residents find peace in the city. There are walking and jogging trails, picnic areas, a children's playground, a splash park, and a lake where you can fish or relax and watch the ducks who call the park their home.

Sam Houston Park

The small park, Sam Houston Park, is located in the southwestern area of Amarillo. Although not large, it offers green grass, ample shade, quality playground equipment, and tennis courts. It is a great place to walk your dog, and there are weekly open-air concerts with food trucks in the summer.

Wildcat Bluff Discovery Center

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you will love the Wildcat Bluff Discovery Center. This gem is just eight miles west of downtown Amarillo and features 640 acres of rolling grasslands, canyons, and vistas. There are over seven miles of trails and five acres of accessible, paved paths to explore. During your visit, you can expect to see native flora and fauna, native animal tracks and sitings, a prehistoric dig pit, a geologic history wall, and much more. Best of all, the discovery center is dog-friendly so that you can enjoy your day with man's best friend.

Amarillo Dog Parks

Dogs are family, and Amarillo understands how important your furry companions are. That is why the city has several dog parks for your pup to get their energy out and explore. If you are looking for dog parks in Amarillo, they are available all around the town, and each offers its own personality and charm.

John Stiff Memorial Dog Park

Located in the Southwestern region of Amarillo is John Stiff Memorial Dog Park. Your dog will love running and exploring this large, grassy dog park. Although there isn't a separate section for different-sized dogs, there is plenty of room for everyone. The park provides water, waste bags, and tennis balls.

Dog Park at SouthEast Park

Although smaller than some other dog parks, SouthEast Dog Park is green and has benches for relaxing while your furry friend plays. There are separate sections for big and small dogs for your peace of mind, and while at SouthEast Park, be sure to take your dog on a walk around the lake, where you can enjoy the cool breeze and gorgeous views.

Thompson Dog Park

Located with the luscious, urban Thompson Memorial Park is the Thompson Dog Park. The dog park has separate areas for dogs under and over 25 lbs, waste bags, and water. It features a running tunnel and agility equipment for mental and physical stimulation as well, but what really makes this dog park special is its pond. Dogs who love water will love splashing and swimming in the dog-friendly water, especially on hot summer days.

Making Amarillo Your Home

Amarillo is a growing city with endless opportunities, and Palo Duro Place is the perfect place to make your home. Our pet-friendly complex offers one-bedroom and three-bedroom floorplans for different family sizes and desires. There are laundry facilities, a playground, a fitness center, a business center, and many more amenities for your convenience and needs. Best of all, Palo Duro Place is close to all Amarillo offers. Residents can be in downtown Amarillo or the Amarillo Botanical Gardens in less than ten minutes. The central location will save you frustration and make the most of your valuable time so you can have the freedom to explore the parks in Amarillo. To learn more or schedule a tour, contact us today.