There is more to the NYC dog life than long walks around the block and concrete filled dog parks. NYC is home to many outdoor adventures, and it’s been our mission to find them for you, and this time, we’re including our furry companions. Why have to decide between leaving your dog home to take on a new adventure, when you can bring them along with you? Below are ten of our favorite local adventures that your dog will love.

New York Road Runners - Open Run

New York Road Runners Open Run is a community based running initiative led by local volunteers. They offer free weekly runs throughout the five boroughs in over 19 local neighborhood parks. What we love about these runs is that they are open to anyone and everyone. Adults, experienced and novice alike, kids of all ages or strollers and our personal favorite, dogs! When asked if dogs were allowed on runs in the FAQ’s section they answered, “Absolutely! We welcome all dogs at Open Run, as long as they are on a leash to comply with NYC Parks regulations as well as for the safety of the other participants.” - NYRR

So next time you tie on the running shoes for your 5K don’t forget to grab your four legged friend and his leash of course.

Location: Find one near you

2. Manhattan Kayak SUP & PUP

One of the coolest ways to get your pup out on the water just may be on a Stand Up Paddle Board with Manhattan Kayak. No experience is needed to try this urban adventure, just pay $10 to rent a paddle board [or kayak] and your dog rides for free! Life jackets are included for you and your pup or if you become an avid paddler, consider getting your pup its own jacket. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle, sunscreen and a waterproof camera to take shots alongside the Intrepid.

Location: Pier 84 - W 44th Street & 12th Ave
Dog Friendly Bar Nearby: 44& X Hell’s Kitchen - Dogs are allowed at the outdoor tables

3. The Cliffs Climbing + Community

The Cliffs is an indoor climbing gym located in Long Island City, Queens and has a great open space for climbers and their climber dogs. We get that your dog won’t be climbing any rock walls with four paws and all, but there is something to be said about a space that allows them to hang while you do! So rope in, chalk up and let your dog soak in all the attention from the climbers with doggie fever.

Location: The Cliffs LIC - 11-11 44th Dr, Long Island City, NY 11101
Dog Friendly Bar Nearby: LIC Bar - Dog friendly outdoor garden

Check out some of the dogs at The Cliffs - #thecliffscanines

4. Kayak with LIC Community Boathouse

Long Island City Community Boathouse is an all-volunteer, non-profit that offers several open water programs, environmental education and stewardship on the East River. If that wasn’t generous enough they take it a step further and offer free public walkup paddles in Anable Basin and Hallets for you and your dog! Whether you’re a novice or experienced kayaker this is a fun way to introduce your pooch to NYC’s waterways. Oh, did we mention life jackets are provided for two legged and four legged paddlers?

Location: LIC Community Boathouse - 46-01 5th St, Long Island City, NY 11101
Dog Friendly Bar Nearby: Rockaway Brewing Company - Dogs are allowed at the outdoor tables

5. Swim At Prospect Park Dog Beach

Photo from: @photo.of.the.zae | Taken by: Caleb Freese

Prospect Park has so many amazing places for you and your dog to explore but one of our favorites is Dog Beach. Located near Long Meadow is a swimming hole surrounded by natural stone slabs and a non intrusive underwater fencing that acts as a barrier separating swimming dogs from Prospect Parks wildlife. Here you can let your dog swim, explore, run, play and socialize with their four legged companions.

Bonus tip: Show up on the first Saturday of every month from 7am - 9am where FIDO in Prospect Park hosts Coffee Bark - a monthly get together for dog owners to meet, socialize, and exchange information while enjoying coffee, pastries, and dog biscuits.

Harmful blue green algae has been found in water bodies across the country. When enjoying fresh water features in city parks try to avoid contact with any algae and observe NYS guidelines in identifying and preventing harm to you and your pup.

Winter Alternative: If you’re in the mood for a swim, take your dog to an indoor pool at Water 4 Dogs, where you can swim with your pet for up to one hour a day on weekends.

Location: Prospect Park Dog Beach - 95 Prospect Park West, Brooklyn, NY 11215
Dog Friendly Bar Nearby: The Owl Farm - Dogs allowed inside

6. Hike on Dog Friendly Trails Around NYC

Photo from: @daily_summit | Taken by: Shelby Saucier

What would an adventure list be without a good hike? Actually, a few good hikes, in a few different boroughs for you and your furry friend. Below is a list of on-leash dog friendly hikes found across the city that will inspire you to trade the concrete streets for dirt trails.

Manhattan’s Inwood Hill Park Trail

Location: 22-90 Payson Ave, New York, NY
Distance: 2 Miles [Easy]
Time: 1 Hour with your dog
Highlight: Hike through the only natural park in Manhattan
Rules: Dog must be on-leash, no longer than 6 feet

Staten Island Greenbelt Trail

Location: 416-498 Rockland Ave, Staten Island, NY
Distance: 3 Miles [Easy]
Time: 2 Hours with your dog
Highlight: Dense forest, grassy meadows
Rules: Dog must be on-leash, no longer than 6 feet

Bronx’s Hunter Island Trail

Location: Park Dr, Bronx, NY
Distance: 2.5 Miles [Easy]
Time: 1 Hour with dog
Highlight: Salt marshes, forests, shoreline & meadows
Rules: Dog must be on-leash, no longer than 6 feet

Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Trail

Location: Prospect Park W & Eastern Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY
Distance: 3.25 Miles [Easy]
Time: 2 Hours with your dog
Highlight: 60 acre lake, dog beach, and a beautiful large lawn
Rules: Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet

Queens’s Alley Pond Park Loop

Location: 67-70 230th St, Flushing, NY
Distance: 3.2 Miles [Easy]
Time: 2 Hours with your dog
Highlight: Dirt trail and forests
Rules: Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet

No matter the season always remember to bring water and treats for your dog on the trail and consider your dogs age and abilities before embarking on long hikes.

7. Canoe on the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn

Self-guided canoeing tours of the Gowanus Canal is hosted by the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club. They empower + inspire people to care for the Gowanus Canal through advocacy, conservation, and education. They hope as people experience and enjoy the Brooklyn waterfront they become advocates for its revitalization. What’s even cooler is their voyages are free and not just for its human advocates but it’s canine ones as well!

Bring a furry friend and they will outfit you both with a life jacket, familiarize you with the equipment and give quick navigational instruction at the dock. Paddles are usually generous with time but on busy days can be limited to 20mins. Either way make sure to bring some water and treats for your dog on his Brooklyn canoeing excursion!

Location: Gowanus Dredgers Community Boat House - 165 2nd St, Brooklyn, NY 11231
Dog Friendly Bar Nearby: Strong Rope Brewery - Dogs are allowed inside

8. Stretch with your dog at Heal Me

Get into a flow with your dog at a Doga class. Yes that’s right, Doga, a Yoga class meant for you to take with your dog. Heal Me has certified Doga instructors who will guide you through a gentle slow-flow, allowing your dog to join in once they’ve become comfortable with the space, the people and other dogs in the room. Along with supporting you in your flow, they also help your dog achieve several standing and resting yoga poses. Other benefits to Doga is meeting new like-minded friends, a decrease in stress and an increase in positive energy.

After the class, you’ll have time to mingle, take photos and your dog gets a free treat.

Location: Heal Me - 44-02 23rd St Suite 516, Long Island City, NY 11101
Dog Friendly Bar Nearby: LIC Bar - Dog friendly outdoor garden

Other Dog Friendly Yoga Classes: Doggy Noses & Yoga Poses

9. Bike With Your Dog Around NYC

It’s no secret that biking through New York City can be an adventure for you and your pup. It’s fun, fast and offers access to our most diverse city landscapes and viewpoints. Although it does require a piece of gear we think it’s worth every penny. With a K9 Sport Sack you can strap your pup to your back and ride across the Brooklyn Bridge, from Prospect Park to Coney Island or along the Hudson River Parkway. Your biking options are nearly limitless in NYC so tuck the leash away, strap your helmet down and let your dog’s tongue fly in the wind as you ride out.

Location: Check out the NYC Bike Map

10. Hike & Hound with Discover Outdoors

Discover Outdoors is a New York City based premier guide company for hiking, camping, and backpacking. They offer full-day escapes with your dog at least once a month, weather permitting. Their Hike & Hound event takes your pup on the Pine Meadow Lake Trail just outside of NYC and is perfect for first time hikers (both human and canine), and well-behaved pups of all ages. “There will be plenty to sniff along the trail as we hike up craggy rises and past marshes before our lunch break at a beautiful lake.” If you do not have a dog, but wish you did, you’re more than welcome to join, or hop on their other hike with adoptable dogs!

Dog-Friendly Tips & Resources

Dogs in NYC Parks - Dogs are allowed off-leash when the Park is open from 6:00 am to 9:00 am and from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am when the Park closes. Dogs must be on-leash at all times from 9:00 am until 9:00 pm. Hours may vary by park. To find park information, head to the NYC Parks Page

Dogs on NYC Beaches - Dogs are not allowed to enter any bathing facilities, including New York City beaches. However, as a courtesy, leashed dogs are allowed on the sand at Wolfe’s Pond Beach, South Beach, Manhattan Beach, Midland Beach, Cedar Grove Beach, Coney Island Beach, and Brighton Beach from October 1 until May 1. Dogs are not allowed on the sand and boardwalk at Rockaway Beach from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Dogs are not allowed on the boardwalk at Orchard Beach from May 20 to October 1. Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk/promenade at South Beach, Midland Beach, Brighton Beach, and Coney Island Beach. Leashed dogs are allowed on the boardwalk at Manhattan Beach from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m only.

Resources

NYC Parks - Park rules and regulations for you and your dog

Waggle - Find the pet-friendliest events and places to eat and drink

Local NYC Dog Outings - dedicated to letting fellow dog lovers know about dog friendly spaces in the city

10 Adventures To Do With Your Dog in NYC

New York Road Runners - Open Run