New York City is a wonderful travel destination for the entire family—and when we say entire family, we do mean it: just because you’re planning a trip to the Big Apple, there’s no need to leave your beloved family pet back at home. From hotels to attractions and beyond, New York is an increasingly pet-friendly place, and perhaps nowhere in the city is that more evident than in the community’s tremendous assortment of pet-friendly parks and green spaces.
To help you go about putting together the perfect New York City trip that includes bringing along your pet(s), we’ve assembled a list of the best New York City parks for pets. Keep reading for more information.
Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park is another New York City park that has two distinct dog runs suitable for either small dogs or large dogs. The on-site facilities aren’t the biggest you’ll find among the offerings suggested throughout this list, but what they lack in space and size they make up for in ambiance, as it’s tough to beat enjoying some quality time with your pet in the midst of one of Manhattan’s most memorable public parks.
Madison Square Park
The dog run located within Madison Square Park has long been renowned for its double-entry gate system, which grants pet parents that extra bit of assurance that their beloved animal won’t scurry away amidst the hustle and bustle of this lively area. Madison Square Park’s dog run was expanded by some 200 square feet in 2022, and the recent renovation added new seating, better lighting, and fresh playing surfaces. Best of all, it has specially designated separate spaces for so-called small and large dogs.
Sirius Dog Run
This memorably named dog run located near Gateway Plaza in The Battery honors a brave Port Authority service dog who perished while rescuing people during the attacks on September 11, 2001. The play area here is asphalt—some will love that this means no mud, others might not like the rough surface on their pets’ paws—and the highlight is a splash pool that fills up regularly on a 15-minute cycle. As your pet plays, you can sit on a bench and enjoy views of the Hudson River not far from One World Observatory and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.
Prospect Park
Brooklyn’s quintessential public park is naturally a fantastic place to take your pet after you’ve explored the plethora of nearby attractions like Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, and of course, Prospect Park Zoo. Certain parts of the park allow dogs to go off-leash during certain times of day—check online for the most up-to-date information—and Prospect Park Dog Beach is a can’t-miss destination: there your dogs can swim and splash in a designated space without encountering any issues.
Fort Tryon Park
Within Fort Tryon Park, practically in the shadow of The Met Cloisters, you’ll find Sir William’s Dog Run, whose many pet-friendly amenities live up to its regal name. Billed as Manhattan’s largest public dog run, Sir William’s Dog Run covers a full acre of land and includes dedicated small-dog and big-dog areas. And if that’s not enough, you can also put your pet on a leash and set off to explore Fort Tryon Park’s eight miles of trails, many of which provide spectacular views of the Hudson River and Palisades.
Tribeca Dog Run at Pier 26
One of the newer dog runs located on the West Side of Manhattan, the Tribeca Dog Run at Pier 26 is another great addition to the beautiful Hudson River Park. This fenced-in area has multiple sprinklers and mini-fountains your dog is sure to love, and the facilities here are cleaned twice daily, thus guaranteeing a sanitary environment for your pet to play in.
Fort Greene Park
Another Brooklyn favorite, Fort Greene Park has sizable, fenced-in spaces perfect for letting your four-legged pal cut loose for a bit in a safe, welcoming setting. Some hours of the day here in Fort Greene Park are designated off-leash time, which will let your dog take full advantage of the green space’s famous rolling hills.
Saint Nicholas Park
For roughly a decade-and-a-half now, a good-sized dog run has been a standout element of Harlem’s Saint Nicholas Park. This charming space contains plenty of mature trees, making it nice and shady in the summer, and there are a lot of places to sit and unwind throughout, too. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly space within New York City that actually feels like you’re taking your dog for a brief walk in the woods, this is as good a bet as any.
Van Cortlandt Park
Just a couple miles northwest of the New York Botanical Garden and Bronx Zoo, Van Cortlandt Park is a treasure of The Bronx frequently overlooked by visitors to New York City. If you’re bringing your pet to town, though, you shouldn’t make that mistake, as Van Cortlandt Park literally contains a special area known as “Canine Court.” This well-regarded dog run even possesses an agility course, and the park itself is a good place to go for a pleasant walk together.
Hillside Dog Park
Situated near where two of Brooklyn’s finest neighborhoods (Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO) meet, the Hillside Dog Park is an outstanding, pet-friendly facility not far from the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and expansive Brooklyn Bridge Park. The entirety of this approximately 1.5-acre space is fenced-in, and you’ll love the drinking fountains and picnic tables almost as much as your pet will love frolicking across the gentle slopes of this triangular park.
Tompkins Square Park
The East Village’s Tompkins Square Park proudly bears the distinction of having been New York City’s first dog run, which opened here in 1990. Since it underwent a significant renovation project in 2008, the Tompkins Square Dog Run features a sand-based running surface, three swimming pools, and a bath area where you can hose down your furry friends before returning to the hotel or moving onto your next adventure.