The City’s Best Dog Run Just Got Better
If you haven’t visited the Chelsea Waterside Dog Run since its renovation, you’re in for a surprise. The Hudson River Park dog park at West 23rd Street and 11th Avenue has more than doubled in size — from 3,500 square feet to 7,400 square feet — and the upgrades go well beyond the extra room to run.
The expanded park now features separate areas for large and small dogs, innovative canine-friendly water spray jets for cooling off, new mounds and boulders for climbing and play, and tiered seating that gives dog owners five times the seating capacity they had before. There are also new shade structures and water stations to keep both you and your pup comfortable on warmer days.
Address: West 23rd Street & 11th Avenue, Manhattan
Hours: Open daily, 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM
How to get there: Take the C or E train to 23rd Street, then walk west to 11th Avenue. The M23 crosstown bus drops you right at the door.
Contact: (212) 639-9675 or info@hrpt.ny.gov
Off-Leash Hours You Should Know About
Beyond dedicated dog runs, NYC Parks allows off-leash time in most parks during designated hours. Your dog can roam free in Central Park, Prospect Park, and dozens of other parks every day from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM and again from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM. These early-morning off-leash sessions are some of the most social hours in the city — you’ll meet more of your neighbors at 7 AM in Prospect Park’s Long Meadow than you will in years of elevator rides.
Safety note: Dogs must be under voice control at all times during off-leash hours, and aggressive dogs must be leashed immediately. Carry a leash even during off-leash time — it’s required by NYC law.
Bark at the Park — Mets Games This April
Want to take your dog to a ballgame? The New York Mets are hosting Bark at the Park nights at Citi Field this season, and the next one is coming up on Tuesday, April 22 when the Mets face the Minnesota Twins at 7:10 PM.
You and your dog both need tickets in the designated Coca-Cola Corner section, and a portion of each ticket benefits North Shore Animal League America. Gates open two hours early so dogs can participate in the pre-game Dog Parade around the warning track (weather permitting).
How to get there: Take the 7 train to Mets-Willets Point. Arrive through the Bullpen Gate with your game tickets.
What to bring: Water bowl, waste bags, a leash (required), and treats for the inevitable photo ops. Note that your dog must be comfortable in crowds and around loud noises — the stadium environment isn’t for every pup.
Three More Dog Parks Worth a Visit This Spring
Hillside Dog Park (Brooklyn Heights) — Located at Columbia Heights and Vine Street between Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO, this 2-acre park is one of the largest dog runs in New York City. It features separate areas for large and small dogs, water stations, and a dog-wash tub for muddy pups. Take the A/C to High Street or the F to York Street.
Washington Square Park Dog Run (Manhattan) — Located behind the Park House between Thompson Street and Sullivan Street on the south side of the park, this run is open to dogs of all sizes from 6 AM to midnight. There’s also a separate small-dog run (25 pounds and under) between Thompson Street and LaGuardia Place. Take the A/C/E/B/D/F/M to West 4th Street.
Prospect Park Dog Beach (Brooklyn) — At 95 Prospect Park West, just north of the Long Meadow Ballfields, Dog Beach gives dogs a place to swim in the lake during off-leash hours (6 AM–9 AM and 9 PM–1 AM). A chain-link fence with underwater fencing keeps the area safe. Take the F/G to 15th Street–Prospect Park.
Pro Tips for Spring Dog Park Visits
Temperatures this week are sitting around 50°F — comfortable for dogs, but bring water anyway. As we head into late April and the mercury climbs, carry a collapsible water bowl on every outing. Watch for signs of overheating even on mild days, especially in brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs, boxers).
Spring also means tick season is starting. If you’re visiting parks with wooded areas or tall grass, check your dog thoroughly after each outing. Talk to your vet about tick prevention if you haven’t already.
For more ways to enjoy the city with your four-legged friend, check out our guide to the best dog-friendly weekend activities in NYC. And if you’re heading to the parks yourself, our secret spring parks guide has five under-the-radar green spaces worth exploring.
