Best Dog Parks & Off-Leash Areas in Manhattan

Looking for a Dog Walker in Manhattan


Where can dogs be off-leash in Manhattan, NY? And is this a dog-friendly city? If you're looking for the best dog parks in town, we'll give you all the insider information!


Manhattan is the most popular and most visited borough in New York City. It has incredible entertainment, shopping, and restaurants, plus tons of diverse cultures. And it's known for its finance, media, and global real estate. But did you know that this bustling city is also a dog-friendly city?

There are many dog-friendly places to visit in Manhattan, NY, such as dog parks, trails, and local hot spots. Some of the parks offer features like benches, shade, fences, and even water features!

And if you're looking for other dog-friendly activities in Manhattan, you can find plenty of pet-friendly restaurants with outdoor patios where you can dine with your dog. Some dog-friendly restaurants will bring your pup their own water bowl, treats, or even a doggy menu.

Plus, there are also many licensed and highly recommended pet care professionals in the area, such as dog walkers, cat sitters, and groomers, who will take excellent care of your furry best friend. Click here to find the best local pet care professionals in Manhattan, NY.

But if you're ready, let's explore some of the best dog parks, dog-friendly parks, and off-leash areas to take your dog in Manhattan, NY.

Manhattan NY Central Park from Sky

The 10 Best Dog Parks, Off-Leash Areas, and Dog-Friendly Parks in Manhattan, NY:

  1. Tompkins Square Dog Run
  2. Battery Park City Dog Run
  3. De Witt Clinton Park Dog Run
  4. Riverside Park & Dog Run
  5. Washington Square Park Dog Run
  6. Jemmy's Dog Run at Madison Square Park
  7. Central Park
  8. Sir William's Dog Run at Fort Tryon Park
  9. Carl Schurz Park Dog Runs
  10. Hudson River Park Dog Runs

Tompkins Square Dog Run — 99 1/2 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009

Located in the East Village, this fenced-in dog park is a popular spot for dogs to socialize and play. Tompkins Square Dog Run—the city's first dog run—features separate areas for small and large dogs, as well as a water station, waste station, and shaded seating areas for owners. The park is well-maintained and has plenty of space for dogs to run and play on a mulch ground covering. And it has a very friendly community of dog owners who regularly visit.

Battery Park City Dog Run — West Thames St, New York, NY 10280

Battery Park City Dog Run is a serene spot nestled in the bustling downtown area. It's known for its clean, well-maintained space and separate areas for large and small dogs. The surface is covered with gravel, which helps keep the pups clean. There are plenty of benches for owners to relax while their furry friends play. The park also offers stunning views of the Hudson River, making it a picturesque place for both dogs and humans. The community here is friendly, and you'll often find regulars who are happy to share dog care tips.

De Witt Clinton Park Dog Run — 11th Ave & W 52nd St, New York, NY 10019

De Witt Clinton Park Dog Run is located in Hell's Kitchen, right near the Hudson River, and offers a fenced-in area with plenty of space for dogs to run and play. It also has a separate small dog area, water stations, waste stations, and shaded seating for owners. The park is well-maintained and has a mix of grass and mulch surfaces for dogs to play on. And it is a trendy dog park for locals to enjoy with their pups and meet other dog-loving people.

Manhattan NY Dogs Walking to Park

Riverside Park & Dog Run — Riverside Drive at West 72nd, West 87th, West 105th, and West 142nd St, New York, NY

Riverside Park & Dog Park is located on the Upper West Side. It has a large, fenced-in area with separate sections for small and large dogs. This park has waste stations, water stations, and benches for owners to sit and watch their dogs play. This park also has a mix of grass and mulch surfaces and is located near the Hudson River, offering a beautiful view for owners.

Riverside Park itself has several designated off-leash areas where dogs can also play, as well as a dog beach at the 108th Street entrance. Plus, a number of dog-friendly trails and paths for you and your pup to explore together.

Washington Square Park Dog Run — 52 Washington Square S, New York, NY 10012

Located in Greenwich Village, this small but popular dog park features a fenced-in area for dogs. Washington Square Park Dog Run is well-maintained, has a mix of grass and mulch surfaces, and offers a water fountain feature for dogs to splash and play in. This park provides waste stations, water stations, a double-gated entry, benches, and plenty of shade trees. And you'll find the Robin Kovary Run for Small Dogs located nearby, in case your little pup gets too intimidated by the larger canines.

Manhattan NY Dog Having Fun at Park

Jemmy's Dog Run at Madison Square Park — Broadway, New York, NY 10010

In the Flatiron District, Jemmy's Dog Run at Madison Square Park features two separate fenced-in areas for large and small dogs to play. Plus, there is a double-gated entry, shade trees, and umbrellas around the perimeter to keep dogs cool, benches, waste stations, water stations, and even a water feature where dogs can splash and play. This beautiful dog run is popular with many locals.

Central Park — West 59th Street and 8th Avenue, New York, NY 10019

While not a designated dog park, Central Park is an excellent place for dogs to explore and play off-leash from 6 AM to 9 AM and again from 9 PM to 1 AM. This is a very dog-friendly park, as long as you follow the rules. There are specific areas where dogs are never allowed. And unless it's during the designated times, canines must be on-leash throughout. Central Park is a vast and beautiful green space with plenty of open areas for dogs to run and play. It also has a number of dog-friendly trails and paths for you both to explore.

Manhattan NY Balto Statue in Central Park

Sir William's Dog Run at Fort Tryon Park — Riverside Drive To Broadway, New York, NY 10040

In Washington Heights, Sir William's Dog Run at Fort Tryon Park is the largest public dog run in Manhattan, with an acre of land in the middle of the park. It features a fenced-in dog run with separate sections for small and large dogs and a beautiful view of the Hudson River. This park also has waste stations, water stations, and bench seating for humans. Plus, you can take your dog on a leash around the 8 miles of pathways throughout the larger park.

Carl Schurz Park Dog Runs — East 86th Street & East End Ave, New York, NY 10028

The Carl Schurz Park Dog Runs are located on the Upper East Side. This park has two fenced-in dog runs and a beautiful view of the East River. These dog runs offer bench seating for the humans, plus boulders for dogs to climb and jump on, and sand as the ground covering. Or you can take your dog on a walk throughout the rest of the park, as long as they remain on a leash.

Manhattan NY Arriving at Dog Park

Hudson River Park Dog Runs — 353 West St, New York, NY 10011

Hudson River Park is located along the west side of Manhattan. This park actually contains four different dog runs within it, in addition to being a dog-friendly park. This means you can walk your dog throughout the park on-leash or let them off-leash to play freely at one of the four fantastic dog runs listed below.

  1. Chelsea Waterside Dog Run was recently renovated, with 7,400 square feet of off-leash space and separate areas for large and small dogs. This dog run "features innovative canine-friendly water spray jets as well as mounds and boulders." There is also new tiered seating, benches, and shaded areas.
  2. Leroy Street Dog Run offers benches, waste stations, and water stations, plus a dog pool and a dog-friendly fountain for canines to play in. And this dog run is just a short walk from Piers 45 and 46.
  3. Pier 84 Dog Run was also recently renovated. This large dog run offers boulders for dogs to jump and climb on, benches for humans, double-gated entry, plus a spray shower water feature, and a water fountain with a pet drinking bowl.
  4. Tribeca Dog Run also offers excellent views of the river, shade trees and umbrellas, boulders to climb and jump on, and a doggy pool with spraying fountain features. All of these dog runs are fully fenced-in and offer numerous incredible canine amenities.

Manhattan Loves Its Dogs

Manhattan has a wide variety of dog parks, off-leash areas, and dog-friendly parks for pups and their pet parents to enjoy together. From fenced-in dog runs to designated off-leash areas and even dog-friendly trails, there is something for every canine and canine-lover.

Find Local Pet Care in Manhattan NY

For more articles about dog-friendly activities and pet parenting advice, check out the blog at LocalPetCare.com.

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