Annie’s Social in Bayside is one of two dog cafes in Queens where dogs can socialize indoors while their owners enjoy a drink and snack.
Photo by Iryna Shkurhan
Those looking to celebrate National Dog Day on Monday 26 August with their four-legged friends will find a number of dog-friendly spots across the borough, from expansive dog runs to all-inclusive cafes.
Most New York City parks require dogs to be on a leash at all times, but many parks allow dogs to run off-leash during certain times of the day when there is less foot traffic. In Queens alone, there are over 30 parks with designated off-leash areas.
And nearly a dozen more have designated dog runs that are fenced with a double gate for added security. Many also have separate areas for small and large dogs.
Queens is also home to two popular dog cafes on opposite ends of the borough. These spaces allow dogs to have fun indoors while their owners enjoy a drink or snack. They also sell dog treats and provide water for dogs.
Annie’s Social Bayside has a relatively new dog cafe, but it’s already become a popular community gathering place, offering special events for different dog breeds. The light-filled space on Francis Lewis Boulevard has a separate entrance to the dog area and another entrance to the cafe, which sells coffee, tea, beer and pastries.
Although dogs are not allowed in the cafe area, there is a pick-up window where you can conveniently order before heading to the dog room. Stay updated on their events on their Instagram page.
Château le Woof is an all-inclusive Long Island City eatery that has catered to dogs since it opened on Vernon Boulevard in 2015. It offers a full cafe menu of coffee, sandwiches, beer and wine, but what makes this spot unique is its weekend brunch, which features dog-friendly fare like peanut butter pancakes, fish and sweet potato chips with freeze-dried raw salmon skin.
The room also offers dog grooming by appointment and sells almost all important dog items such as food, cleaning products and toys.
However, if you want to give your dogs completely free space with fresh air and some amenities, there are a number of dog parks in Queens to choose from. And there are even more options if you’re willing to get up early so your dogs can run off-leash in the parks.
Dog Runs in Queens
Dog run in Cunningham Park
- Location 193rd Street, between Aberdeen Road and Radnor Road in Fresh Meadows.
Forest Park K9 Corral
- Located on Park Lane South in Woodhaven. There is a separate area for small dogs as well as benches for owners, water dispensers and free dog poop bags.
Barking Lot Forest Park
- Located behind The Overlook: Queens Department of Parks and Recreation, 80-30 Park Ln. in Kew Gardens. The space has been operated by volunteers in partnership with NYC Parks since 2015.
Dog racing in Hunter’s Point South
- Location Hunter’s Point South Park, at Center Boulevard and 51st Avenue in Long Island City. Separate entrances for large and small dogs with views of the water and Manhattan skyline.
Dog run with landing lights
- Location 78th Street in East Elmhurst, right next to LaGuardia Airport. Visitors report that the space is over 10,000 square feet. However, they say there are no dog poop bags and no water.
Dog run at Little Bay Park
- Located on the north side of Cross Island Parkway and Utopia Parkway in Whitestone, visitors report that the waterfront park offers shaded areas, benches, and sand for dogs to run around on.
Rockaway Freeway Dog Park
Dog run in Sherry Park
- Located at Queens Boulevard and 65th Place in Woodside, the course is mostly paved, with a hilly dirt area. In warmer weather, there are small pools where dogs can cool off.
Torsney/Lou Lodati Playground Dog Run
- Location 43rd Street and Skillman Avenue in Sunnyside, the place has two separate areas for small and large dogs.
Triborough Bridge Playground C Dog Run
- Location The dog park at Hoyt Avenue and 24th Street in Astoria offers separate areas for small and large dogs. There are also climbing equipment and dog-friendly drinking fountains.
Dog run at the playground under the bridge
- Location Grand Central Parkway Service Road, between 64th Avenue and 64th Road in Forest Hills. The two separate areas are covered with grass, which past visitors warned can become muddy after rain.
Dog racing at Veterans Grove
- Located at Judge Street and Whitney Avenue in Elmhurst, along the south side of the park. The paved dog area is rather small, but has benches and water fountains.
Most New York City parks also allow dogs off-leash from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. because there is less foot traffic. For a full list, visit NYC Parks.
