If Woof Woof had one wish, it would to always have time to play off leash. Luckily for him, New York dogs and dogs visiting New York, there are dozens of possibilities for dogs to run free. Each park offers its own experience.
Prospect Park in Brooklyn has acres for dogs to play but also has a dog beach for canines to jump in and go for a swim year round. However, in New York winters your dog may not be thrilled with the temperature. Woof Woof just dips his front paws in and not in the winter.
All dogs and owners interested in history should visit Ft. Greene Park in Brooklyn. In the middle of the park is a monument and tomb to Navy martyrs from the 1800s. The base is open to learn about history and is completely dog friendly. You can bring your dog on leash anytime, but you can go to the park off leash before 9a or after 9p. As with most parks with off leash hours, you can generally find 50 other dogs for your dog to play with. At night, you’ll want to have an LED glow collar. Woof Woof bought his on Amazon for about $10.
Then there’s Central Park. Most humans would say no one really explored NYC without a visit to Central Park in Manhattan. Dogs are offered guided tours called Hound Hikes with their owners and there are 23 areas to run free, climb on rocks and check out the pounds and bridges. To go on the guided hiking tours, you have to be a member, which is $50. There are also Bagel Barks, events with breakfast for owners.
One caution for bringing your dogs to New York, be warry of what’s on the street. There are strange people that throw chicken bones everywhere. It’s bane of every dog owner’s existence to constantly tell their dog’s to either leave the bones on the ground. While chicken bones should be taken away, sticks should not. Nothing makes dogs happier than finding a stick in the park. It’s a readily available treasurer that makes every dog feel like the best toy hunter that ever existed.
Woof Woof Travels
Woof Woof, a 6-month mini schnauzer, is our official travel blogger. He travels the world reviewing hotels, restaurants and his experiences. Check out his columns every Wednesday. The column is co-written by his dog parent, travel writer Reyna Gobel. Her travel articles have published in Costco Connection, Southwest Spirit, American Way, and Hemispheres.
