Houston has several dog parks, from tiny, private "for residents use only" parks in gated communities to huge sections of wooded acreage. In deciding what makes a good dog park, we looked at amenities and features that are attractive to both dogs and humans. Ponds and pools were a big draw (got to cool off in this Texas heat), beauty not so much. Safety, for both dogs and humans, was also an important factor. Here's our list of Houston's top 10 dog parks; see who made the list and who didn't.

10. Baytown Bark Park at Jenkins Park 4334 Crosby Cedar Bayou)

It was location that pushed the Baytown Bark Park at Jenkins Park so far down our list. Baytown is a bit of a trek just to visit a dog park, but if you're in the area, it's certainly worth a visit. The five acre park (four acres for large dogs, one acre for small dogs) was designed with the help of the Baytown Kennel Club and includes large grass and bark-covered lawns, walking trails, agility equipment, benches, drinking fountains and shaded areas.