A trip to NYC with your pup isn’t complete without a stroll through Central Park. Without a doubt, it’s one of the most visited parks in the world. Central Park offers the perfect green escape from the stresses and busy streets of NYC. Your pup will love exploring this 843-acre park with lakes, waterfalls, meadows, and wooded areas right in the middle of the city! Strolling through Central Park with Gatsby on Sundays has become a routine and something we never get tired of. Here are the best 10 dog-friendly Central Park attractions to visit with your dog.
But first, here are rules and information you need to know before heading out to this iconic park.
Central Park Dog Rules
- Dogs must have an NYC license tag (if a resident of NYC) and a valid rabies tag.
- Leashes can not be more than 6 ft. long.
- Clean up after your dog.
- Dogs must not dig, chase, or harm wildlife, damage park property or interfere with other park visitors.
- Please respect signs, fences, and red flags that may indicate temporary closures due to restoration, maintenance, or weather conditions.
Off-leash hours in Central Park
- Off-leash hours are: 6:00am – 9:00am and 9:00pm – 1:00am.
- Dogs must remain on-leash from 9:00am to 9:00pm.
Dog leash areas of Central Park
Even during off-leash hours, dogs must always be leashed in the following locations:
- All lawns posted as 9:00 am areas
- Arthur Ross Pinetum
- Bridle Path
- Cedar Hill
- Children’s Glade
- Conservatory Garden
- East Green
- Kerbs Boathouse Plaza
- The North Woods and The Ravine
- The Ramble
- Shakespeare Garden
- Strawberry Fields
- Turtle Pond Lawn
Where are dogs NOT allowed in Central Park?
Dogs are never allowed at:
- Playgrounds
- Central Park Zoo
- Swimming Pool
- All ballfields and Recreational Courts
- East Green
- Elm Islands at the Mall
- Great Lawn Oval
- Hallet Nature Sanctuary
- Lilac Walk
- Reservoir Running Track
- Sheep Meadow
- Sand Volleyball Courts
- Bodies of Water
- Ornamental Fountains
Top 10 Dog-Friendly Attractions in Central Park
1. Balto Statue
This was the first spot in Central Park I took Gatsby to when he was just a tiny pup. Dedicated to one of the most famous Siberian Huskies in the world, it’s a must-visit! In 1925, a devastating diphtheria outbreak hit Nome, Alaska. The only way to get the desperately needed medicine to Nome was to have a team of sled dogs deliver it. Balto led this team of sled dogs and successfully delivered diphtheria antitoxin to save the people of Nome. The statue of Balto was made as a tribute to memorialize his heroic journey.
Although Balto received the credit for saving the town of Nome, did you know that Balto was considered the backup dog? Another dog named Togo started the 600-mile journey, and it was the longest and most dangerous before handing off the medicine to Balto, who ran the last 55 miles into Nome. Fortunately, Togo now has his own NYC statue in Seward Park on the Lower East Side. I think they need to add Togo’s statue right next to Balto’s at Central Park! You can read more about Togo’s story here.
Location: West of East Drive and 67th Street and North of the Zoo
2. Alice and Wonderland
Located just north of the Conservatory Water at East 74th Street, the Alice in Wonderland statue is another popular attraction. You’ll often see dogs and kids climbing on the mushrooms of this statue for a photo. Alice in Wonderland was a gift from the philanthropist and publisher George Delacorte.
Location: North of the Conservatory Water at East 74th Street
3. The Mall at Literary Walk
The Mall is a gorgeous wide walkway lined with American elms trees and historical statues that leads you straight to Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. You’ll often see local artists displaying their artwork on this path and musicians playing jazz on warmer days. Gatsby loves to listen to one guy who plays the saxophone every Sunday.
4. Bethesda Terrace and Fountain
Bethesda Terrace and Fountain are the most iconic and well-known features in Central Park. Emma Stebbins, in the 1860s, sculpted the Angel of the Waters statue atop the Bethesda Fountain. It was the earliest public artwork by a woman in New York City!
Movies like Romeo and Juliet, One Fine Day, Home Alone, and even the most iconic show, Gossip Girl, were filmed here.
5. Bow Bridge
My absolute favorite place in Central Park is Bow Bridge. This romantic little bridge tucked away in Central Park is one of the most popular places for wedding proposals and photoshoots. Gatsby and I walk through this bridge almost every Sunday.
6. The North Woods
Inspired by forested landscapes in the northeast, such as the Catskills and Adirondacks, your pup will love to walk through 40-acres of tranquility. Breathe fresh air in the quiet woods, hear the sounds of a waterfall and watch birds with your pup!
Location: Enter from the west side through the Glen Span Arch around 102nd Street and follow the moving water, called the Loch.
7. Loeb Boathouse
This American restaurant/bar is well known for being right next to a lake right in the middle of Central Park. Dogs are not allowed inside the restaurant, but they are allowed in the outdoor patio and cafe area. They are open for lunch Mondays to Fridays, from noon to 4 pm, and for brunch on the weekends, from 9:30 am-4 pm. You can make reservations at its website, thecentralparkboathouse.com. Make sure you call the restaurant before bringing your pup. Their pet policy may have changed due to COVID-19.
Location: Park Drive North, E 72nd Street
8. Wollman Rink
The ice-skating rink is open daily from early November to the end of March. You obviously can’t bring your pup to ice skate here, but you and your dog can enjoy listening to the music and watching people ice skate in the rink. Gatsby and I love coming here during Christmas time!
Location: Enter the Park at 59th Street and 6th Avenue, or 59th Street and 5th Avenue.
9. Conservatory Garden
Let your pup stop and smell the flowers during the Spring and Summer months at the Conservatory Garden. This six-acre European-style garden is the only formal garden in Central Park. It’s open daily from 8 am until dusk.
Location: Between 104th and 106th Streets, west of Fifth Avenue
10. The Reservoir
Personally, I think the best time to walk around the Reservoir is from mid-March to late April. This is where you can take your pup to see cherry blossom trees. With Yoshino cherry trees planted on the east side of the Reservoir and Kwanzan cherry trees on the west side, this is cherry blossom heaven and the ideal place for Spring photoshoots.
Location: Between 86th and 96th street.
Are you now excited to travel to NYC and visit Central Park with your pup? Let me know what your favorite dog-friendly Central Park attraction is!
Check out our Sunday Central Park routine below.
