Dog-Friendly Activities in Oakland, NJ

Enjoy the great outdoors with your pet at the beautiful and pet-friendly Ramapo Mountain State Forest in Oakland, NJ. Pups are welcome as long as they remain on a leash.

Jill Schwertfeger Memorial Dog Park is a members-only dog park in Oakland, NJ. This dog park is separated by size so that dogs are able to play safely with others their size. Proof of dog/s being licensed in your home municipality is required to complete your registration and receive a code for the gate. You can email a copy of your current dog license to the Recreation Department, or you can mail a copy to the Borough of Oakland, 1 Municipal Plaza, Oakland, NJ 07436, Attn:Oakland Dog Park. Please note that dogs must be at least 5 months old to visit the park, and must be spayed or neutered.

South Mountain Reservation in West Orange, NJ is dog-friendly. This nature reserve coverers 2,112 acres in portions of Maplewood, Millburn and West Orange. The woodland park features a variety of hardwood trees, and tall hemlocks towering above streams, creeks and ponds. The west branch of the Rahway River flows through the valley, and a 25-foot waterfall at Hemlock Falls is a dramatic feature. It is also a Revolutionary War historic site. Leashed dogs are welcome on trails and the South Mountain Dog Park is located within the Reservation.

No trip to New York, NY, with your dog, would be complete without a stroll through the dog-friendly Central Park. Pets must remain on-leash in the park except during designated off-leash hours in 23 areas of the park. Off-leash hours are before 9:00 AM and after 9:00 PM. There are over 15 dog fountains throughout the park. Visit the website for specific information on dog-friendly areas. Make sure to always clean up after your pet.

Warwick Drive-In Theater in Warwick, NY, is dog friendly. Three giant screens show the latest movies at this seasonal theater. There is ample grassy space to walk your leashed pet before or after a film. Please note that the ticket booth and concession stand only accept cash.

The Vernon Dog Park in Vernon, NJ occupies two acres of fenced grasslands. Visitors will find plenty of room for Fido to run and play, and shaded seating areas for pet owners.

Apple's Dave's Orchards in Warwick, NY is dog-friendly! Bring Fido along to stroll the trails, listen to live music, have a picnic, and of course, pick apples and pumpkins. Don't forget to pick up some apple cider donuts before you leave too!

Paddle with your best friend at summer Splash for Dogs, a dog-friendly activity run by Manhattan Kayak Co. in New York, NY. No experience is necessary when bringing Fido aboard a kayak or paddle board during this fun lesson for beginners. Get outfitted, learn basic strokes, and launch at the Pier 84 Boathouse. After you've found your sea legs, set out on a 45 minute cruise of the cove. Staff are on-hand and positioned in the water to supervise this exciting excursion and ensure you and your pup stay safe. Dogs weighing up to 50 lbs can join their owner on a single kayak, double kayak, or paddle board. Dogs over 50 lbs are assigned to the the big easy boards so you can both sit comfortably, and dogs under 15 lbs can ride together.

Fifth Hammer Brewing Company is a dog-friendly, 15-barrel brewery located in the heart of Long Island City, NY. Dogs are welcome to join their owners inside and out at the popular taproom. Dogs can refresh themselves with a bowl of water while humans try an IPA or another interesting brew.

Bring Fido for a trip with Seastreak Ferries in New York, NY! This pet-friendly company welcomes leashed pets on the outdoor decks and small pups in carries inside the vessel. Note that dogs are not permitted on any special event trip or the NJ/NYC service to Martha’s Vineyard/Nantucket.

New Jersey Beer Company is a dog-friendly brewery in New Bergen, NJ. Leashed dogs are welcome both inside and outside the taproom. They brew a variety of beers such as pale ales, stouts, pilsners, golden ale, wee heavy, saison, and Hefeweizen, as well as seasonal specials.

Check out the pet-friendly Morristown National Historic Park in Morristown, NJ. The area is historically important due to the amount of American Revolutionary War sites located nearby, including Jockey Hollow, the Ford Mansion, Fort Nonsense and the New Jersey Brigade Encampment. There are 27 miles of foot and horse trails to explore with your pooch and the beginning of a two-mile auto loop tour. Dogs must be on a leash under six feet and all mess cleaned up after them. Pets are not permitted in park buildings.

Loantaka Brook Reservation is a pet-friendly destination that covers over 850 in Morristown, NJ. Your four-legged companion is welcome to tag along as you explore the area. Amenities include about 10 miles of trails, picnic areas, fitness stations and a 5-acre pond for fishing. Restrooms are also on site.

Bark ‘n Brews in Nanuet, NY, is a dog bar and cafe featuring local beers, NY wines, hand-crafted coffee, and non-alcoholic drinks. Guests can enjoy small plates, tacos, paninis and pet-friendly treats. Dogs can romp off-leash in supervised, temperature-controlled play areas or relax on the leashed front enclosed patio with their humans. Please note that proof of vaccinations is required.

Bring Fido to explore the pet-friendly Mills Reservation in Cedar Grove, NJ. This 157-acre recreation area features trails of varying difficulty for different levels of dogs and hikers. Your leashed pup is welcome to join you, but please remember to clean up after him.

Explore the pet-friendly Franklin Lakes Nature Preserve in Franklin Lakes, NJ. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you to explore the various trails at this recreation area, but please remember to clean up after them.

Visit the pet-friendly Branch Brook Park in Newark, NJ. This 360-acre community recreation area features an off-leash dog park, walking trails, tennis courts, softball fields and much more. Your pup must be leashed at all times when not in the dog park.

Jemmy's Dog Run is a popular NYC dog recreation space in Madison Square Park. Double-entry/exit gates help ensure your dog's safety when anyone enters or leaves the park. Water is available for dogs during the late spring, summer, and early fall, but bring your own, just in case. Plenty of seating and shade are available. Ensure Fido is leashed until inside the designated off-leash area.

Red Barn Cidery is a dog-friendly cidery in Congers, NY. Bring Fido with you while you enjoy ciders made with their own farm-grown apples and food from rotating food trucks. They even have seasonal festivities, including apple picking, a pumpkin patch, live music, and lots of space to sit and relax with your pup.

Offering a variety of stores, services, restaurants and entertainment options, The Mall at Short Hills in Short Hills, NJ is a pet-friendly destination for small dogs contained in a pet carrier. Individual store policies on pets vary, and pets are not permitted in any food establishment. Complimentary dog strollers for pups weighing 20 pounds or less can be rented at mall security, concourse level, during all mall hours.