Beat the Heat w/ These Water Features in NYC Public Parks

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When the New York summer hits, it’s not just us humans who need a break from the heat—our four-legged friends feel it too. Luckily, some of NYC’s best parks are stepping up with dog runs and swimming areas that include built-in water features. Whether your pup is into paw-dipping, sipping, or full-on swimming, here are four spots worth checking out for a cool-down session in the city.

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Madison Square Park Dog Run (Manhattan)

Water Feature: Trickling stream at the base of a grassy hill
Surface: Turf
A gem in the heart of Flatiron, the recently renovated dog run at Madison Square Park offers a shady, turf-covered play space with a playful twist: a gentle running water feature at the bottom of the hill. It’s the perfect place for dogs to dip their paws or get a quick drink on a sweltering day. The modern design and central location make it a city favorite for hot-weather hangs.

Hunter’s Point South Dog Run (Long Island City, Queens)

Water Feature: Running water feature at the base of the dog run hill
Surface: Concrete
What it lacks in turf it makes up for in skyline views. This Long Island City dog run has one of the best backdrops in NYC—think Empire State Building at sunset. Like Madison Square Park, it features a low-lying water stream where dogs can cool their paws or take a sip. Pro tip: the park also includes adorable bone-shaped plastic dog bowls cared for by the local community, which add to the charm.

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Tribeca Dog Park (Manhattan)

Water Feature: Dog pool and dog-friendly water fountain

Chelsea Waterside Dog Park (Manhattan)

Water Feature: Shallow water feature with spray jets and dog-friendly water fountain

Leroy Street Dog Park (Manhattan)

Water Feature: Dog pool and dog-friendly water fountain

Prospect Park Dog Beach (Brooklyn)

Water Feature: Actual dog swimming area
Surface: Natural (lakefront)
This is the ultimate splash zone for water-loving dogs. Located off the Nethermead in Prospect Park, Dog Beach is one of the few places in NYC where pups can fully swim. It’s a designated area of the lake just for dogs—but here’s the catch: it’s not fenced in. If your dog doesn’t have solid recall skills, this one might be better for watching than participating. That said, it’s a Brooklyn classic and an unbeatable spot for early-morning or late-afternoon swims.

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Domino Park Fountain (Williamsburg, Brooklyn)

Water Feature: Walk-through fountain jets (yes, for dogs too!)
Surface: Concrete
Not technically a dog run—but absolutely worth the trip. The walk-through fountain at Domino Park was designed for humans, but tell that to the dogs who dash, dance, and cool off in its playful water jets. It’s a pup paradise on hot days, and if you're okay with your dog getting soaked (and possibly muddy), it’s a fun and photogenic spot with epic views of the Williamsburg Bridge.

Bonus Mention: Tompkins Square Park Dog Run (East Village, Manhattan)

Water Feature: Doggie splash pool in summer
Surface: Gravel
While smaller in scale, Tompkins Square earns an honorable mention for its seasonal kiddie pools set out in the summer. It’s a lively scene full of city dogs making the most of shallow water on hot days. You’ll also find plenty of shaded benches for pup parents to cool off too.

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