7 Great Things to do With Your Dog in New York This Summer

Depending on who you ask, there are somewhere between 80,000 and 400,000 dogs living in New York City’s five boroughs. That’s a lot of pets. Dogs in NYC are never more visible than during the summertime. The snow is gone, Summer Fridays are in, and dog-friendly activities abound. Summer is an amazing season to own a dog in New York. We’ve put together a list of 7 great things to do with your dog in and around the city this summer. New Yorkers…let us know what you think in the comments! (We know you will.)

1. Participate in a New York Road Runners Open Run

New York Road Runners is a community-focused group organizing (free!) weekly runs in parks all over the city. The good news is, dogs are always allowed! Just be sure to keep your pooch on-leash and to comply with all city laws regarding cleanup and the like. And since it’s summer in sweltering NYC, also watch out for signs your dog is overheating. Lots of water and properly-timed runs will help.

2. Nosh on the Dog-Friendly Patio at Dog and Bone

“Founded by a group of food and dog lovers” in 2017, Dog and Bone is one of Kips Bay’s best-kept-secrets and one of our favorite dog-friendly patios in the whole city. Their huge corner patio offers plenty of room to dine al fresco with your dog, and the food is actually good. (Dog lovers, rejoice! No more suffering through bad food just so you can bring your pet.) And yes, before you ask…there’s brunch.

3. Double Up with Dumbo and Hillside Dog Park

Dumbo is one of the most ‘grammed neighborhoods in all of New York, and for good reason. Even if you don’t live in Brooklyn, getting there from the city is easy on the A, C, 2, 3, or F trains, or by taking a leisurely walk across the Brooklyn Bridge itself. After you ogle the views at Brooklyn Bridge Park, head over to nearby Hillside Dog Park in Brooklyn Heights. It’s of the largest off-leash dog parks in all five boroughs and it’s got a ton of shade once the day heats up.

4. Satisfy Your (Endless) Craving for Shake Shack

Did you know that Shake Shack has a whole menu just for dogs?! Okay, so it’s just two items, but the Pooch-ini, a vanilla custard and peanut butter cookie dessert, and the Bag o’ Bones, featuring 5 ShackBurger® dog biscuits from Bocce’s Bakery, are more than enough. For the full experience, we recommend grabbing your Shake Shack to go then chowing down under the shady tree cover of Madison Square Park.

5. Hike the Hill at Inwood Park

If you’re up for a little nature with your daily exercise, why not take your dog for a hike in one of Manhattan’s most undeveloped natural areas? The Inwood Hill Park Trail is an almost-3-mile loop that’s totally dog friendly…on-leash, of course. Elevation gain is under 400 feet so you don’t have to be a seasoned hiker, but be sure you bring plenty of water and that your dog is up for the distance.

6. River Breezes and Delicious Noms Near Pier 84 Dog Park

Hudson River Park is essentially a giant adult playground on the West Side. Lined with river-facing restaurants, cafes, and breweries (most with dog-friendly patios!) it’s a fantastic alternative to the High Line where dog are, sadly, not allowed. Our trip always ends with a play session at the Pier 84 Dog Park at 44th Street. There’s a great off-leash dog run open all year round and you’ll never hurt for company, either.

7. The Tribeca Trifecta

Okay, that’s not a real thing (yet!), but it should be. Spice up your weekend walk by hitting up some of downtown’s best treat shops for dogs. We’d start at Sprinkles Cupcakes on Liberty Street by the World Trade Center Memorial for a sugar-free, yogurt-frosted doggy “pupcake.” From there, walk north to Zoomies, an upscale pet supply store in the West Village for healthy dog treats, bespoke accessories, and more. Finish your walk just two blocks north at Milk and Cookies Bakery where you can grab a bag of homemade pumpkin dog bones for the road.