In this post, we’ve featured 10 of the best dog parks in or near New York City. You should be able to find a dog park that works well for you and your dog, depending on where you’re located.
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1. Hillside Dog Park
Hillside Dog Park is a 1.37-acre park located in Brooklyn Heights. You can find this dog park just over and south of the Brooklyn bridge.
The park features a dog run where dogs are able to go off-leash. In the rest of the park, dogs must be kept on a leash a maximum of 6 feet long. All parks in NYC require that dogs be well behaved, be licensed, and have proof of vaccinations.
The run has several benches where you can sit, and plenty of shade for hot summer days. There is a hose available, as well as a water fountain that has a lower tap for dogs making this dog park ideal for a quick stop when you don’t have your pup’s water bottle.
There is no parking at the park, but there are several lots nearby.
Check out this popular Brooklyn dog park on your next outing.
2. Chelsea Waterside Dog Run
You’ll find this dog park next to the Hudson River in western Manhattan, New York. Dogs are allowed in the dog run off-leash, but they must be trained and have their vaccinations and license.
There are climbing structures for dogs, and seating areas for the humans. There is fresh, running water available for dogs at the park, and the park itself is cleaned twice a day.
You can find parking in the Hudson River Park at Pier 40.
Be sure to visit this dog run next time your dog needs to burn off some energy but be sure to wait until after it reopens in the later half of 2022.
3. Brooklyn Bridge Park
Brooklyn Bridge Park is a dog friendly park spanning a vast 85 acres with over 3000 trees in western Brooklyn, New York. While in the park, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times unless at a designated dog run.
Dogs visiting the park should be vaccinated, licensed, and under control at all times, and should be leashed unless in one of the off leash areas.
Bring your dog to either the Main Street Dog Run or the Pier 6 Dog Run. Both dog runs are shaded to help keep dogs cool during hot summer days. There are bathrooms available for dog owners, and parking is also available at various lots by the park.
Head down to this large tree-filled dog park for your next adventure!
4. Sirius Dog Run
This dog run is a fenced area located in Battery Park City where dogs are able to play off leash. Dogs must, of course, be properly trained, and need to have proof of their license and vaccinations.
The run features secure fencing, seating for owners, and a concrete ground to prevent dogs from rolling in the dirt and getting dirty. There is also a doggie pool during the summer months so dogs can cool off, plus a hose to clean them if they do get dirty.
There is seating available for owners to relax on while their dogs play.
Visit this dog park for a great afternoon with your pup!
5. Madison Square Park
Madison Square Park is located in Central New York City with multiple entrances off 23rd, 5th ave., 26th, and Madison Ave. It’s a dog-friendly park that also features its own dog run. The park itself is 7 acres. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times unless they are in the dog run.
To help keep your dog safe and healthy, this park has double-entry and exit gates, areas dedicated for large vs small dogs, and loose, smooth pebbles on the ground that are easy on your dog’s joints.
In the run, there is plenty of shade and seating available for dog owners. During the spring, summer, and fall, water is available for dogs to keep them cool.
There are parking lots located close to the park, making this park convenient for someone with multiple dogs. A new dog run is opening in the summer of 2022 called Jeremy’s Dog Run so be sure to check it out.
6. Saint Nicholas Park
This 22-acre dog friendly park is located in New York City between Hamilton Heights, Manhattanville, and Harlem. It allows dogs on leash throughout the park. There is a dog run within the park where dogs can be let off leash and play.
Dogs need to be watched while they’re in the run and need to be properly trained and vaccinated. The dog run is covered with wood chips, which are gentle on dogs’ feet.
The run also offers events, so be sure to check them out to see if there are any of interest to you and your pooch!
There is no on-site parking, but there are parking lots and garages near the park.
7. Leroy Street Dog Run
You’ll find this lovely dog run running 4 miles along the west side of Manhattan. There is paid parking available at Pier 40. Dogs visiting the park need to be well behaved, and have their vaccinations and license.
Dogs are allowed in the park on-leash, but there are 4 dog runs in the park where dogs can play off leash. The Leroy Street Dog Run is fully fenced in, and from April to November there is fresh running water available for dogs to drink, as well as a pool during the summer.
There are benches and trash cans available for humans visiting the run making this an ideal park to relax while your dog gets exercise.
8. Prospect Park
Located in Brooklyn, this 585 acre dog park is a great place to bring your dog. The park has special hours for dogs to be off-leash.
Like all parks in New York City, dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet during the on-leash hours, and should be well-behaved and have their vaccinations. During the off-leash hours, check out the Dog Beach in the summer, where your dog can jump in for a dip to cool off!
There is parking available around the perimeter of the park, making it ideal for dog walkers with multiple dogs. There are also several facilities around the park for humans, including picnic tables and sport areas. Prospect Park can, therefore, be ideal for the entire family.
9. Union Square Park
This landmark New York park is small but bustling with 9 acres. Dogs are allowed on leash throughout the park but the park features an enclosed dog run where dogs are allowed off leash.
As with all the parks here, dogs need to be supervised, well behaved and have all their shots and be licensed before entering the run.
For humans, the park has bathrooms, a restaurant, and even playgrounds for children visiting the park. There is also parking nearby, along with many places to grab a picnic and even a dog bakery or two.
10. Rockaway Freeway
This 9.4-acre park is the only dog park listed here in Queens, New York. It is dog friendly, and dogs are allowed on leash throughout the park.
There is a dog run available, where dogs can be off leash. As usual, they must be well-behaved and need to have their vaccinations to be allowed to use the run. The run is made up of grass, making it easier on your dog’s feet than concrete or brick. It’s also much cooler during the summer months.
There is no parking directly attached to the park, but there are lots nearby.
Dog Parks in New York Summary
Now you have several ideas where you can take your dog for some fun and exercise.
Evelyn is a writer and dog lover living with her roommate and their foster dog Bacon. In her spare time you can find her curled up with a book, out for a jog, or listening to true crime podcasts.