7 Dog Parks in New York City
Overview
A dog park or dog run is a great way for your dog to get some time outside off leash, allowing them to enjoy themselves and socialize with other dogs. This socialization time is crucial for the health and well-being of many dogs, meaning that regular visits can be very important. Plus, many of these dog parks and dog runs are in regular parks, allowing you to enjoy yourself in some of the greenery, even in the center of New York City.
Connect with an online vet in New York City1. Jemmy’s Dog Run
This dog run is situated in Madison Square Garden, immediately to the side of the Oval Lawn and just south of the entrance on West 25th St. It offers a water feature and a tree-lined perimeter, ensuring that dogs have enough water to drink and that they stay hydrated even in the middle of summer. Additionally, the run features double-entry and exit gates to ensure that dogs remain within the run, as well as dedicated areas for larger dogs and smaller dogs.
2. Chelsea Waterside Dog Run
With nearly 7,400 square feet of space, Chelsea Waterside Dog Run is a gigantic dog park that offers a variety of amenities. This includes separate areas for large and small dogs, double-gated safety vestibules, tiered shaded seating for dog owners, and a shallow water feature with fresh running water available between April and November. It is positioned where 11th Avenue and West Side Highway meet, with the dog run taking up the entirety of this corner.
3. Union Square Dog Run
Union Square Park, which was opened in 1839, is home to this dog park. This is an off-leash run that offers plenty of excitement for dogs. It is completely community-run, which means that members of the community are solely responsible for keeping it clean and ready for local dogs. You can find this large fenced-in area for your dog to exercise at 15th Street and Union Square West.
4. Stuyvesant Square Dog Park
This popular dog park is well-shaded and paved, so it’s less likely your dog will get dirty from playing. Although Stuyvesant Park is not an off-leash park for dogs, it does provide many beautiful flowers and fountains if you want to walk with your leashed dog before or after they’re done playing in the dog park section. You can find it at East 15th St., between 2nd Ave and Perlman Place.
5. Morningside Park Dog Run
The Morningside Park Dog Run, managed entirely by neighborhood volunteers, has been open since 2001 as a gathering place for dog owners in the community. It offers separate small and large dog runs. The run includes a holding pen where you can enter and exit, giving you a space where you can remove or reattach your dog’s leash. It’s located within the historic Morningside Park, on Morningside Avenue between 114th and 119th streets.
6. St. Nicholas Park Dog Run
Since 2006, St. Nicholas Park Dog Run has been actively creating a safe and enjoyable environment for dog owners to come together and let their dogs play. Not only does this dog run offer both small and large dog areas, lost dog alerts for local lost dogs, and enjoyable events year-round, but it also provides a welcoming community for all dog owners to make the best dog run possible. You can find this dog run between St. Nicholas Avenue and St. Nicholas Terrace, between West 128th and West 141st streets.
7. Leroy Street Dog Run
The Leroy Street Dog Run is in fact just one of four dog runs in Hudson River Park, and this particular park was rebuilt a few years ago to offer even more amenities. This dog run includes a dog pool, a dog-friendly fountain, and seating for humans who are bringing their dogs. Fresh running water can be found here between April and November. It’s on the east side of Pier 40, which is also home to ballfields and tennis fields.
Take Some Time Out with Your Dog
Dog parks are a wonderful way to enjoy time with your dog. If you have a dog who’s always full of energy, consider taking them to the dog park to run off some of that puppy power. It’s especially great to have a particularly green area to visit in New York City, which is primarily urban.
