pup on the Hudson getting some relief from the heat

Summer in NYC means more outdoor time, extra long walks more time in the park. But in NYC it also means that there will be a lot of heat on the streets and a lot of time that you and your pup need a break from the sun!

Unfortunately, many of NYC’s popular dog parks are full-sun with little to no shade. This might be great in October but not so much in July, when are all trying to get a break from the heat! So we put together a short guide to the best dog-friendly spots with shade and/or water features where we bring our own pups to help them (and us!) to stay cool while still having fun.

Upper West Side

1. Riverside Park Dog Runs (87th & 105th Streets)
These parks are favorites to us locals for good reasons. Both the 87th Street Run (aka “Eleanor’s Run”) and 105th Street Run offer tree-lined surroundings and a slight breeze from the Hudson. While there aren’t built-in sprinklers, locals often bring jugs of water to fill bowls, and there’s usually an open spigot nearby.

walks on the shaded paths in Riverside Park

2. Bull Moose Dog Run (81st & Columbus, behind the Museum of Natural History)
This compact run is surprisingly shady thanks to surrounding trees. It's small but cozy, and perfect for a short off-leash romp when the temps climb.

3. Riverside Park General (not a run, but shady)
Leashed walks through Riverside Park’s shaded paths and stairways can be a cooler alternative to a hot and sunny dog run. The area near 91st Street has some grassy knolls and shaded benches too.

Upper East Side

1. Carl Schurz Park (84th & East End)
Possibly the most beloved run on the East Side, Carl Schurz has separate areas for large and small dogs, and several trees providing intermittent shade throughout the day. Plus, you’re just steps away from the East River Promenade where you can usually (fingers crossed) catch some much needed breeze. There isn’t an off-leash run for dogs in this park, but plenty of opportunities for a shaded stroll.

2. John Jay Park (76th & East River)
Like Carl Schurz Park, there’s no official run here but John Jay Park does have plenty of shady walking paths and a more relaxed vibe than the larger parks. Plus, when temps reach 80 degrees and above, the city turns on the park’s station near the playground. While there are no specific rules against dogs partaking in these misting stations, note that many children are around so your pup must be on-leash and well behaved toward children, adults, and other dogs.

3. St. Catherine’s Park (67th & 1st Ave)
While small, this park has a partially shaded dog run and is often quieter than Carl Schurz. It’s ideal for early morning or later evening outings when the temps cool down a bit.

Harlem

pup Kingston getting a drink from the fountain

1. Morningside Park Dog Run (114th & Morningside Ave)
This is one of our personal favorites, as it is usually quieter, offers a good amount of space and has an abundance of shade! Nestled beneath the hill of Morningside Heights, it stays a bit cooler and more protected from sun and noise. Plus, the surrounding park has winding paths under tree cover—great for cooling off on leash.

2. Marcus Garvey Park (Madison Ave & 120th Street)
The dog run here is in full sun, but the shaded walking trails and inner paths of the park offer great alternatives. This park is especially good for dogs who aren’t great off leash and need a nice, shady walk to release some energy.

3. St. Nicholas Park (135th to 128th between St. Nicholas Ave & St. Nicholas Terrace)
This is a great spot for shaded 0n-leash walks. While the actual dog run is a bit exposed, the wooded paths above it offer relief from the heat and great smells for your dog to explore.

Cool Spots in Other NYC Areas

Once in a while, it's worth taking a field trip. If you're looking to explore beyond your home turf, here are a few notable shady or splashy dog spots across NYC:

Tompkins Square Park Dog Run (East Village): Newly renovated with sprinklers, kiddie pools, and well-shaded benches. A popular hang for dog people—and dog paparazzi.
Fort Tryon Park (Washington Heights): The park itself is very shaded and peaceful. While the dog run is small and in partial sun, the scenic trails and breezy Hudson overlook make this a wonderful escape from the concrete jungle.
Prospect Park Dog Beach (Brooklyn): A true water feature! Dogs can splash, wade, and swim in a designated off-leash area near the lake. It’s a summer favorite—but arrive early, it gets packed!
Hillside Dog Park (Brooklyn Heights): Shady, hilly, and full of trees. Great for active dogs that love a little adventure.

Final Tips for Hot Days

Try morning or evening visits to avoid peak heat.
Bring a collapsible water bowl and fresh water.
If your pup overheats easily, skip the run and stick to a shady stroll instead.
Keep an eye on paws—dirt paths and grass are kinder than hot pavement.
Check out our other blog about how to keep your pup safe and cool in the NYC heat

And remember: playtime should never come at the expense of your pet’s comfort or safety. If it’s too hot for you, it’s probably too hot for your pup. Need help keeping your dog cool and happy while you’re at work or out for the day? Our dog walkers know all the best shady routes and summer-safe strategies to keep tails wagging all season long.