Things To Do With Your Dog in NYC This Spring

Spring in New York City offers the perfect opportunity to explore the outdoors with your four-legged friend. As the weather warms up and the city blooms, there are countless dog-friendly activities to enjoy together. Here's a guide to making the most of springtime in NYC with your canine companion—with insights from a local dog owner who's explored the city extensively with their pup Koa.

Local Insights: NYC with Your Dog

As a lifelong NYC resident, Koa and his owner have discovered that while the official city policy prohibits dogs inside food establishments, there are plenty of outdoor options during the warmer months of April through October. This spring season is ideal for exploring the city with your furry friend, with patios and sidewalk seating abundant across Manhattan and beyond.

Getting Around

• Subway: Dogs are allowed on the subway, but must be in carriers
• Rideshare: Lyft offers a pet option for an additional fee
• Walking: The most dog-friendly way to explore NYC neighborhoods

Parks and Green Spaces

• ·      Central Park is a dog owner's paradise with designated off-leash areas available before 9 AM and after 9 PM. Like many local pups, Koa spends every morning here, enjoying the early off-leash hours and beautiful spring blooms. The 843-acre urban oasis offers plenty of walking paths and open fields. Koa’s favorite spots are Bethesda Fountain, visiting Balto statue, and the sea lions at Central Park Zoo
• ·      Riverside Park is another Upper West Side gem where Koa enjoys stunning sunset walks. The long stretch along the Hudson River provides beautiful waterfront views as the sun dips below the horizon. Stopping at the 92nd Street Garden is one of Koa's favorite local spots to visit on our walk
• ·      Dog Runs offer fantastic spaces for off-leash fun and socializing. Tompkins Square Dog Run, the city’s first and largest, featuring separate areas for small and large dogs, water stations, and a sand-like surface perfect for zoomies. On warmer days, Washington Square Park Dog Run is another go-to, where dogs can splash in the dog-friendly fountain while I sip coffee from a nearby café. For a more scenic adventure, head to Madison Square Park Dog Run, where dogs plays under the shade of historic trees before grabbing a treat from Shake Shack

Dog-Friendly Shopping

Many NYC shops welcome four-legged customers, particularly those that don't serve food:

• Department and Clothing stores: Macy’s, Bloomingdales, Zara, Theory, Lululemon
• Home goods stores: HomeGoods, TJ Maxx
• SoHo boutiques and many shops along 5th Avenue
• Liquor stores throughout the city (which often provide treats!)

Koa’s favorites are the Shops at Columbus Circle, Grand Central Station, and the Strand Bookstore.

Outdoor Dining

Many NYC restaurants open their outdoor seating areas in spring, welcoming four-legged patrons. Notable dog-friendly spots include:

• Crave Fishbar on the Upper West Side, a local favorite where Koa regularly enjoys outdoor dining
• The Wilson in Chelsea, which even offers a special dog menu
• Barking Dog on the Upper East Side, aptly named for its dog-friendly policies

Spring in New York City truly offers something special for every dog and owner. From blooming parks to outdoor cafés and dog-friendly shopping, it's the perfect time to strengthen your bond while exploring the city together—just like Koa and his owner have been doing for years, with their morning Central Park rituals, sunset Riverside walks, and regular visits to neighborhood gems like the 92nd Street Garden.

What’s your favorite spots to visit with your pup during spring time? Comment below.