Looking to unleash some fun with your furry friends this summer? The warm weather and longer days make it the perfect time of year to visit a park with your pup.
Dog parks are the paw-fect place to enjoy fresh air, get some exercise, and meet new friends.
New York City is home to over (statistic) parks, and we rounded up some of our favorite dog-friendly parks and dog runs.
Before visiting, remember to read over the specific rules and regulations for each dog park. These can usually be found on the park’s website or social media pages.
Typical etiquette includes remaining alert and carefully watching your dog, having your pup wear a collar or harness, and staying with your dog the entire time they are in the park.
Most dog parks in the city are self-policing, meaning you are legally and financially responsible for any injuries caused by your dog. And don’t forget to clean up any messes to ensure the parks will remain a clean environment for everyone to enjoy!
Not every dog park is the same, and certain features make the parks on this list a favorite of people and pups alike.
99 1/2 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Paws down, Tompkins Square Dog Run is the coolest place to be on a hot summer day. The park features both a large and small dog run with a sand-like surface. Beat the heat by visiting the three swimming pools located at the park. Pet owners agree that the bath areas and hoses are a great addition, allowing you to spray off your dog before leaving.
52 Washington Square S, New York, NY 10012
At the heart of Greenwich Village is the Washington Square Park Dog Run. While Washington Square Park is dog-friendly, dogs can only be off-leash in the dog runs. The runs were recently renovated and are a great addition to the community.
Maspeth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211
At the intersection of Morgan Avenue and Sharon Street
Originally built and maintained entirely by local dog owners, the Cooper Park Dog Run is a great place for your furry friend to enjoy the outdoors. The park features a picnic table, water fountains (perfect if your pup gets thirsty), and lots of benches.
Adams St. & Plymouth St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The Brooklyn Bridge Dog Park Run has two locations - the Main Street Dog Run and the Pier 6 Dog Run. These unique dog runs feature a very comfortable rubber ground that your pups will make sure to love. No need to worry about mulch or dirt getting stuck in your pet’s paws! If your dog is sensitive to loud noises, be aware that the park is located under the Brooklyn Bridge.
Columbia Hts., Hicks St., Between Middagh St. and Vine St., Brooklyn, NY 11201
As the biggest dog park in Brooklyn, the Hillside Dog Park is a favorite spot for pups. The 1.4-acre park allows dogs to run freely, play a game of fetch, and enjoy the open space. Picnic tables are scattered around the park, a great place to sit down and relax before playing some more!
350 Coney Island Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11218
Home to over 7,000 square feet of fenced-in space, dogs easily fall in love with Kensington Dog Run. The dog run is located in the Parade Ground along Coney Island Avenue. One of the park’s most interesting attractions is its canine-friendly turf. The durable surface allows for superior drainage, meaning rainwater and dog waste can easily flow through the material. Prospect Park is also home to a dog beach, where dogs can run into the lake water and go for a relaxing swim during those dog days of summer.
North 12th Street & Driggs Avenue & Union Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11211
One of New York City’s newer dog parks, the McCarren Park Dog Run is a safe and friendly place for your four-legged friends to run around. The dog run is located at the asphalt lot near the tennis courts. On sunny summer days, visitors appreciate the shady park. Volunteers are actively making more improvements to this new park, which is sure to become a favorite spot.
After a day of tail-wagging adventures at the park, the best place for you and your dog to unwind and indulge in some well-deserved treats is at New York’s first dog-friendly cafe, Boris and Horton!
Stop in or walk up and order a delicious cup of coffee and some yummy treats off our menu - we have something for you and your pup!
Boris and Horton are now open at two locations, making us closer to even more dog parks in New York City. Come visit us at our East Village or Williamsburg location!
A day at the park is the happiest day of a dog’s life, and what better way to end it than a stop at the happiest place on Earth?
