Dog-friendly Brooklyn, NY: Things to do in Brooklyn with a dog

Looking for dog-friendly Brooklyn adventures? From zoomie-inducing parks to dog-friendly restaurants Brooklyn locals love, this guide has you covered — read on to discover the best spots to eat, drink, and play with your furry companion.

Aerial view of Prospect Park with green lawns, walking paths, and dogs playing

Best dog parks in Brooklyn

When it comes to dog-friendly activities, nothing beats a trip to the park! Here’s a curated list of Brooklyn’s best outdoor spaces where pups can run free (mostly off-leash) and enjoy serious playtime.

Prospect Park Dog Beach

The perfect spot to cool off and practice some doggy paddle, this area features an off-leash zone where dogs can frolic both on land and in water. A fence at the back of the pond helps keep pups and local wildlife safe — but the rest of the space is unfenced, so strong recall skills are essential.

Location: 95 Prospect Park W, Brooklyn, NY 11215

Hillside Dog Park

Calling all zoomie champs! Hillside Dog Park offers generous open space, picnic tables for pet parents, and a dedicated section for smaller dogs. Wooded trails wind through the park, and splash pools provide refreshing relief during summer months.

Location: Vine St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

McCarren Park Dog Run

This popular dog run features plenty of shaded spots and separate enclosures for small and large dogs. While the ground can get muddy after rain, it’s a vibrant hub for socializing — both human and canine!

Location: North 12th Street & Driggs Avenue &, Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Brooklyn Bridge Park Dog Run

Perched right along the East River with sweeping views of the Brooklyn Bridge, this shaded dog run combines scenic beauty with practical play space. Keep in mind that subway trains pass directly overhead — so while it’s picturesque, it can get noisy at peak times.

Location: Adams St & Plymouth St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Domino Park Dog Run

A compact, well-maintained fenced area within Domino Park invites relaxed play. Benches line the perimeter — ideal for pet parents who want to unwind while watching their pups romp against the backdrop of the East River and Manhattan skyline.

Location: 15 River St, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Blossoming tree in McCarren Park with dogs playing beneath

Dog-friendly restaurants in Brooklyn

After all that playtime, you and your four-pawed pal are bound to work up an appetite! These Brooklyn eateries offer delicious food and welcoming outdoor seating — just call ahead to confirm pet policies before you go.

Habana Outpost, Fort Greene

Savor vibrant Mexican and Cuban flavors — think shrimp tacos, hearty Cuban sandwiches, and frozen margaritas — all served in a lively, dog-friendly patio setting. It’s the perfect post-park refuel spot.

Location: 757 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217

Otis, Williamsburg

Named after the founder’s beloved dog, Otis lives up to its reputation as a true dog-lover’s destination. Enjoy evening dishes like braised pork pasta, roasted beets, and clams with grilled squid — paired with craft cocktails — on their cozy pet-friendly patio.

Location: 18 Harrison Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11206

Hole in the Wall, Williamsburg

This down-to-earth gem serves creative eats day and night — from kimchi scramble and stuffed cheesecake waffles to spicy shrimp vodka rigatoni and crispy char sui pork. Their intimate outdoor section warmly welcomes furry guests.

Location: 292 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249

Sun-drenched Brooklyn street with sidewalk café tables and leashed dogs resting nearby

Fun dog-friendly activities in Brooklyn

Need some organized fun? These engaging, pet-inclusive experiences will keep tails wagging and memories building.

Brooklyn Scavenger Hunt

Grab your phone and explore historic 19th-century Brooklyn alongside your furry Sherlock Holmes. This self-guided adventure leads you through riddles, hidden landmarks, and charming neighborhoods — all at your own pace.

  • Cost: $12.99
  • When: Anytime
  • Start point: Brooklyn Heights

Industry City

This dynamic, pet-friendly hub brings together artisanal food vendors, independent boutiques, and rotating art installations. While many spaces welcome dogs, always check with individual shops or restaurants before entering — policies vary.

  • Cost: Free to explore
  • When: Open daily, 9am–9pm
  • Location: 220 36th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232

McNally Jackson Books

Book lovers and their canine companions unite here! Browse thoughtfully curated titles across genres in this indie bookstore — just remember to let Fido set the pace (and maybe nudge you toward the cozy reading nooks).

  • Cost: Free
  • When: Open daily, 10am–9pm
  • Location: 76 N 4th St Unit G, Brooklyn, NY 11249
Person walking a happy dog along a tree-lined Brooklyn sidewalk at golden hour

Best dog-friendly walking trails in Brooklyn

Take a leisurely stroll or an energizing walk with your pup along these scenic, accessible routes — all designed with dogs (and their humans) in mind.

Brooklyn Bridge Walk

Step onto the iconic Brooklyn Bridge Promenade for unforgettable skyline views stretching from Lower Manhattan to Brooklyn Heights. Keep your dog leashed and stay alert — bikes and pedestrians share the path.

Location: Brooklyn Bridge Promenade, New York, NY 10038

Brooklyn Queens Greenway, Highland Park

This peaceful loop winds through lush greenery and is ideal for morning jogs or sunset walks with your pup. A designated off-leash area is expected to open soon — making it even more appealing for active dogs.

Location: Jackie Robinson Pkwy, Brooklyn, NY 11208

Prospect Park

Head to the official off-leash dog run for high-energy play, then leash up for a scenic lakeside walk along paved trails circling the park’s 60-acre lake. With over 500 acres of meadows, woodlands, and waterways, Prospect Park offers endless exploration — all within FurPetVo’s recommended Brooklyn itinerary.

Location: Prospect Park, Brooklyn, NY