Open spaces, happy pooches.
While fresh air, exercise, and the chance to socialize are a healthy blast for four-legged family members, they’re not always easy to come by in New York City. Fortunately, each of NYC’s five boroughs features dedicated dog parks where pups can run and frolic with their fellow quadrupeds.
Though your pooch will probably romp anywhere, some parks have more perks than others. Here’s a look at what we think are NYC’s eight best dog parks, based on their space, terrain, and amenities. Now grab your leash and get going!
Sirius Dog Run, Battery Park City, Manhattan
Located along the Hudson River in Battery Park City, Sirius Dog Run honors a Port Authority Police K-9 named Sirius. The four-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever, an explosives expert, perished during the Sept. 11 attacks.
This small but popular waterfront park can accommodate bigger dogs who love to run and chase off-leash. Shaded seating makes it a hit with owners. Another bonus is the self-timed dog wading pool, which drains and refills automatically. Asphalt ground cover means your pup’s paws won’t track mud home after your visit.
The pups run at Little Bay Park Dog Run in Queens. (Source: Yelp)
Little Bay Park Dog Run, Bayside, Queens
Dogs and their owners can enjoy views of the Throgs Neck Bridge while visiting Little Bay Park Dog Run. Located off Utopia and Cross Island parkways in Bayside, this park underwent a half-million-dollar remodel in 2010. Because the terrain is partially made of sand, it’s like a day at the beach (minus the traffic) for pooches who relish a little off-leash action.
Amenities include a water fountain just for dogs, separate areas for large and small pups, ample seating and parking, and baggies, in case you forgot your own.
Rockaway Freeway Dog Park, Far Rockaway, Oueens
At about 2.25 acres, this beloved Queens dog park is among the largest in New York City. Separate fenced-in areas allow man’s best friend to run around with canines close to his own size, while the doggy playground gives pooches an opportunity to practice their agility.
Featuring both grass and a paved walking track, Rockaway Freeway Dog Park offers water for dogs and bags so pet owners can keep the space clean. Benches abound, making the park a relaxing venue for all.
Tompkins Square Dog Run. Source: Yelp
Tompkins Square Dog Run, Alphabet City, Manhattan
Located in Alphabet City, Tompkins Square Dog Run, the city’s first official dog run, is open from 6 a.m. to midnight every day of the year. Thanks to a $450,000 renovation in 2008, the park features a state-of-the-art running surface made up of decomposed granite sand, which is easy on the paws. Other perks include three dog pools as well as bath areas where owners can hose down their pups before returning home. Underground drainage eliminates unpleasant puddles. Separate dog runs cater to both small and large doggies.
Best known for hosting its annual Halloween Dog Parade, which attracts hundreds of costumed dogs and thousands of spectators, the park contains picnic tables, benches, and shade trees that make it a hit year-round.
It’s a bench party for the dogs in Madison Square Park. (Source: Facebook)
Madison Square Dog Park Run, Gramercy, Manhattan
Though this Gramercy park isn’t as large as some others on the list, it’s big on charm. In fact, the Village Voice named the Madison Square Park Dog Run New York City’s best dog park in 2015.
Stately trees lend both character and shade, and the space, also known as Jemmy’s Run, features double-gated entrances designed to avoid quick getaways by curious pooches. Drinking taps accommodate thirsty pups. Poop bags and multiple scoopers encourage owners to keep the park pristine. It should be noted that while dogs can enjoy some off-leash fun in the dog run, they are not allowed on the grass — even when leashed. The nearby Shake Shack serves up the popular Pooch-ini, a dog-friendly custard made even more enticing by the addition of Shackburger biscuits and a dollop of peanut butter.
For pups that love to get wet, there’s Dog Beach in Prospect Park. (Source: Facebook)
Long Meadow and Dog Beach in Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Brooklyn’s Prospect Park is a water-loving dog’s delight. Dogs can splash around Dog Beach during Long Meadow’s off-leash hours, which run from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The area underwent a renovation in 2016 to ensure pups could truly enjoy the dog days of summer. Fencing, benches, and attractive stone slabs were added so owners could sit and watch without worrying about dogs running off.
Pooches at Silver Lake Park Dog Run. (Source: Facebook)
Silver Lake Park Dog Run, Staten Island
This Victory Boulevard off-leash dog run is home to three separate fenced-in sections so dogs of all sizes feel safe and comfortable. Open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Silver Lake Park is a grassy haven for pups who love to sniff new surroundings.
Owners will be glad to see drinking fountains just for dogs, as well as chairs and extra bags, should they leave home without one.
Canine Court, Van Cortlandt Park, Bronx
This Bronx dog run will have your pup jumping through hoops — literally. The off-leash grassy field in Van Cortlandt Park even boasts an agility playground with a seesaw, tunnels, hurdles, and a hanging tire made just for puppies, as well as a large open field. Separate fenced-in areas allow smaller dogs to cavort in a carefree setting.
Willow trees provide ample shade for owners, who can sit on a bench and watch their fur babies have a ball. And after enjoying Canine Court, visitors can stroll the 1,146-acre park, provided they keep their pooches on a leash.
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