When I first moved to New York from Miami, Queens was my very first home. It was a big change—trading palm trees for city blocks, year-round summer for actual seasons—but somehow, Queens felt like home right away. The diversity, the energy, the unbeatable food scene—it all pulled me in. And as a dog lover, I quickly realized that Queens had some of the best dog parks in the city.
At the time, Grimly wasn’t in my life yet. But if he had been, I know he would have been just as obsessed with these dog-friendly spots as I was. Whether you’re new to NYC, a longtime resident, or just looking for great places to take your pup, these five dog parks are among the best in Queens. Plus, I’ve included some Amazon must-haves to make your park visits even better!
1. Hunter’s Point South Park Dog Run (Long Island City)
📍 Location: Center Blvd & 51st Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101
This waterfront dog run offers stunning skyline views, plenty of room to zoom, and separate areas for large and small dogs. It’s a perfect place to relax while your pup gets their energy out, and the LIC neighborhood is packed with great dog-friendly cafes nearby.
🛍 Amazon Must-Have: Chuckit! Ultra Ball 🛒👉🏻https://amzn.to/3YdWWnR– The ultimate durable fetch toy!
2. Juniper Valley Park Dog Run (Middle Village)
📍 Location: Lutheran Ave & Juniper Blvd S, Middle Village, NY 11379
This hidden gem has a large, fenced-in play area with gravel, benches, and even a few trees for shade. It’s always buzzing with friendly dog owners, making it a great social spot for both pups and humans.
🛍 Amazon Must-Have: Portable Dog Water Bottle🛒👉🏻https://amzn.to/3DV49Ct – Stay hydrated during long play sessions!
3. Alley Pond Park Off-Leash Area (Oakland Gardens)
📍 Location: Union Turnpike & Winchester Blvd, Oakland Gardens, NY 11364
One of the largest parks in Queens, Alley Pond’s off-leash area is a dream for dogs that love to run. It’s more of a natural setting, so expect a bit of mud after rainy days, but that’s part of the fun.
🛍 Amazon Must-Have: Paw Cleaner for Muddy Paws🛒👉🏻 https://amzn.to/3FNqUsA– A lifesaver after a fun, messy day!
4. Astoria Park Dog Run (Astoria)
📍 Location: 19 19th St, Astoria, NY 11105
This dog run offers a great space for pups to play with a scenic backdrop of the Triborough Bridge. It’s a prime spot for morning walks or evening outings, and the surrounding park has plenty of space for leashed strolls.
🛍 Amazon Must-Have: LED Dog Collar🛒👉🏻 https://amzn.to/4l85A12– Keep your pup visible after sunset!
5. Cunningham Park Dog Run (Fresh Meadows)
📍 Location: 196th Pl & Union Tpke, Fresh Meadows, NY 11366
Spacious and well-maintained, this dog run has a wood chip-covered surface and even an obstacle course for more active pups. It’s a great place to let your dog burn off energy and practice some agility skills.
🛍 Amazon Must-Have: Dog Agility Training Set – Bring the obstacle course home!
Why Queens Will Always Feel Like Home
Moving to Queens was a turning point in my life. It was the first place I called home in NYC, and even before Grimly, I felt an incredible sense of belonging here. Whether it was exploring the parks, finding the best hole-in-the-wall food spots, or simply taking in the energy of the borough, I always felt connected.
Now, with Grimly by my side, I get to experience NYC dog life in a whole new way. If you’re looking for an adventure with your pup, Queens is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. So grab your leash, your dog’s favorite toy, and maybe a few treats (Grimly highly recommends the Zuke’s Mini Naturals Training Treats), and start exploring!
Got a favorite Queens dog park? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for new spots to check out!
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