Parks and outdoors · Parks · 2026
My favorite dog parks in New York.
In my order, from my own visits, updated September 2026. 12 places.
As a dog owner, I’m constantly on the lookout for the best dog parks in New York City. I have a sweet French Bulldog named Piper (pictured above) that has way too much energy for my tiny apartment, so most of my days start with a visit to a dog park.
Essential for my sanity, the parks on this list provide ample space for play, exercise, and socialization. Over the years, I’ve visited a ton of public dog parks in NYC and would like to share my personal list of favorites. Let’s dive right in!
- Washington Square Park Dog ParkPark · Greenwich VillageOn days that I’m feeling demotivated I make an effort to visit the dog run at Washington Square because it always brings me joy.
- Tompkins Square Dog RunPark · East VillageBest known for being the first dog park in New York City, Tompkins Square Dog Run has it all.
- Chelsea Waterside Dog RunPark · ChelseaChelsea Waterside Dog Run is a nice change of pace from the New York City dog parks mentioned so far on this list.
- Central ParkPark · Central ParkIt probably comes as no surprise that the best park in New York City is one of the best spots to let your pooch run wild.
- Sirius Dog RunPark · Battery ParkThis entire dog run is fully paved and comes equipped with a water fountain for dogs and a hose for cleaning.
- Jemmy's Dog Run at Madison Square ParkPark · Flatiron DistrictOffering two off-leash areas (to separate large and small dogs), my favorite thing about Jemmy’s Dog Run is the gravel surface.
- West 72nd Street Dog ParkPark · Upper West SideThere’s plenty of great spots to let my dog run, but my favorite is the 72nd Street Dog Run in Riverside Park.
- Little West Dog ParkPark · Battery ParkAs a dog owner I can appreciate the fact that this NYC dog park is always clean, requiring very little post-play clean up.
- Hillside Dog Park in BrooklynPark · Brooklyn HeightsSpanning 1.4 acres, Hillside is one of the larger dog parks in New York City, providing a lot of green space for large and small dogs alike.
- Carl Schurz Dog RunPark · Upper East SideLocated in the Upper East Side near the East River, this park has dog runs for large and small dogs alike.
- Domino Park Dog RunPark · WilliamsburgThe views of Manhattan are unrivaled and the peaceful waterfront vibes are a nice touch.
- Prospect ParkPark · Prospect Park/Park SlopeProspect Park is a favorite dog park in New York City among locals.
- 1
Washington Square Park Dog Park
Park · Greenwich Village
On days that I’m feeling demotivated I make an effort to visit the dog run at Washington Square because it always brings me joy.
- 2
Tompkins Square Dog Run
Park · East Village
Best known for being the first dog park in New York City, Tompkins Square Dog Run has it all.
- 3
Chelsea Waterside Dog Run
Park · Chelsea
Chelsea Waterside Dog Run is a nice change of pace from the New York City dog parks mentioned so far on this list.
- 4
Central Park
Park · Central Park
It probably comes as no surprise that the best park in New York City is one of the best spots to let your pooch run wild.
- 5
Sirius Dog Run
Park · Battery Park
This entire dog run is fully paved and comes equipped with a water fountain for dogs and a hose for cleaning.
- 6
Jemmy's Dog Run at Madison Square Park
Park · Flatiron District
Offering two off-leash areas (to separate large and small dogs), my favorite thing about Jemmy’s Dog Run is the gravel surface.
- 7
West 72nd Street Dog Park
Park · Upper West Side
There’s plenty of great spots to let my dog run, but my favorite is the 72nd Street Dog Run in Riverside Park.
- 8
Little West Dog Park
Park · Battery Park
As a dog owner I can appreciate the fact that this NYC dog park is always clean, requiring very little post-play clean up.
- 9
Hillside Dog Park in Brooklyn
Park · Brooklyn Heights
Spanning 1.4 acres, Hillside is one of the larger dog parks in New York City, providing a lot of green space for large and small dogs alike.
- 10
Carl Schurz Dog Run
Park · Upper East Side
Located in the Upper East Side near the East River, this park has dog runs for large and small dogs alike.
- 11
Domino Park Dog Run
Park · Williamsburg
The views of Manhattan are unrivaled and the peaceful waterfront vibes are a nice touch.
- 12
Prospect Park
Park · Prospect Park/Park Slope
Prospect Park is a favorite dog park in New York City among locals.
Antonina’s favorite dog parks in New York, 2026
The seal
The places on this list can show it. It links back here, so a reader sees the whole list and how it was made. No fee.
The full guide, with the ones that didn't make it and why: My 12 Favorite Dog Parks in New York City (Local’s List).