Will you have any problems bringing your pup with you in Newark, NJ? Absolutely not. Newark, New Jersey, is a very pet-friendly place with plenty of outdoor spaces for you to get some exercise with your furbaby.
If you are looking to relocate with your furbaby—or just looking for things to do with your pup—in Newark, NJ, you’ve come to the right place. In addition to sharing some of our favorite local parks, we can help you find the best local pet care professionals and dog-friendly restaurants.
If you love the late-summer weather and you’re itching to be out and about before the flurries come, we’ve got a list of the best off-leash areas, dog parks, and dog-friendly parks in and around Newark, NJ. We’ll share what we like about each one and what you might want to know before showing up for the first time.
Some of these dog parks are fenced-in, and some are not. Some provide water and waste stations, and other dog parks do not. Some off-leash areas have water features for your dog to play in or canine agility equipment. So before you and your pup show up to one of these dog parks, check out the details below.
Were you looking for other dog-friendly activities around Newark? How about a night on the town with your pup? That’s right! There are plenty of pet-friendly patios, restaurants, bars, and breweries for you to hang with your dog.
And of course… you need to be in the know about the best local pet care businesses in town. If you’re in need of someone to walk your pup or even a pet sitter, click here to type in your zip code, and we’ll show you the best pet care professionals in your area.
But if you’re ready to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine with your furry best friend—before the snow flies—let’s check out this list below.
The 6 Best Parks, Dog Parks, and Off-Leash Areas in Newark, NJ:
Echo Lake Park Dog Park
South Mountain Reservation Dog Park
Essex County Branch Brook Park Dog Park
Brookdale Dog Park
Vailsburg Park
Woodbridge Dog Park
Echo Lake Park Dog Park — 1028 Springfield Ave, Mountainside, NJ 07092
About 10 miles southwest of downtown Newark, you’ll find a dog park in the middle of Echo Lake Park. The Echo Lake Park Dog Park is a 3-acre, fenced-in, off-leash dog park. It has separate areas for small breeds and large breeds. This park also offers access to those with physical disabilities. You can access Echo Lake Park from Mountain Ave or Springfield Ave. And please note that the dog park is centrally located inside the park.
One of the best things about this off-leash dog park is its location inside such a beautiful park. If you show up and your pup isn’t feeling the rambunctious play—or can only handle it for so long—this is a great park to walk your dog around on a leash. There are plenty of improved walking trails—both paved and unpaved. There is a water wheel and a beautiful lake.
This is definitely one of those parks you can walk through again and again and not get that feeling of… been there, done that.
South Mountain Reservation Dog Park — Bear Ln, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Another dog park located about 10 miles outside of downtown is South Mountain Reservation Dog Park. The park is open daily from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM. And when you take your furbaby to this park, you’ll feel like you are the pet parent of the year. It has beautiful statues of dogs that create a vibe that this space is for dogs and dog lovers.
This park has separate areas for both small and large breeds. It has a double-gated entrance, pet waste stations, and a seasonal water fountain for canines and humans alike. Along with benches and large rocks for you to sit and watch your pup at play, there are several mature trees to keep you out of the hot summer sun.
When you bring your pooch to run around, you might notice several trainers at this park utilizing the canine agility course. Don’t be afraid to try your hand at this. Who knows, you may even find a new way to connect with your pup at this beautiful off-leash dog park.
Essex County Branch Brook Park Dog Park — Branch Brook Park Dr, Newark, NJ 07107
At the north end of Branch Brook Park, you’ll find Essex County Branch Brook Park Dog Park. This off-leash dog park was the first dog park in the city of Newark. And not only was it the first but it was primarily established because a neighborhood association pushed to make it happen, which shows you what can happen if pet parents band together. This park opens every day at 8:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM November through March and 8:00 PM April through October.
Inside Essex County Branch Brook Park Dog Park, you’ll find plenty of benches to sit and watch your pup and pet waste stations to clean up after them. You’ll also find obstacles for your dogs to run and climb on. Overall, this is another excellent off-leash dog park in the Newark area.
Brookdale Dog Park — W Circuit Dr, Montclair, NJ 07043
Brookdale Dog Park is an off-leash area within the picturesque dog-friendly Brookdale Park. This park is located about ten miles north of downtown Newark, NJ. The park has space for both active and passive nature activities. It has lush lawns, plenty of trees, and a beautiful rose garden. There are walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, and even an archery range. Something dog lovers and dog trainers will love is the off-leash dog park.
The off-leash dog park is on the west side of Brookdale Park. It is fully fenced-in with separate areas for both small and large breed dogs. There is canine agility equipment, pet waste stations, and running water for your favorite canine to stay hydrated.
The park is well-maintained and heavily used. If your dog gets overwhelmed easily, this might be a park to visit early in the morning. And the weekends can get quite hectic with dogs. However, there is always space for you to take your pup for a walk on a leash around beautiful Brookdale Park.
Vailburg Park — 694-736 S Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07106
Vailsburg Park is a large park with plenty of open space for dogs to explore. It’s known for its beautiful trees and well-kept grounds. The park features walking trails that are perfect for a leisurely stroll with your pet. It’s a great spot for dog owners who enjoy a quieter, more natural setting. The park is spacious enough to accommodate both active and relaxed dogs. It’s a favorite among locals for its peaceful atmosphere.
Woodbridge Dog Park — Woodbridge Dog Park, 597-699 Cliff Rd, Sewaren, NJ 07077
Woodbridge Dog Park is a bit more of a drive from downtown. However, this could be a great park for you if you live south of downtown. If you are a regular at this place, you will quickly find human and canine friends. There is an evident love of furbabies at the Woodbridge Dog Park, and the humans always seem pretty attentive.
This park is located in Woodbridge and is about 20 minutes from downtown Newark, NJ. The park has a fenced-in, off-leash area for dogs to run and play. There are pet waste stations, water stations for canines and humans, and even canine agility equipment.
For the pet parents, there are benches, accessible parking spots, a gazebo, and hassle-free gravel mulch, which makes it super easy to clean up after your pup. There is an active Facebook group too. This is one of those dog parks that creates a community for dog lovers.
Are Dogs Allowed at Newark, NJ Parks?
Now that you’ve read our list above, you know the answer is a resounding yes! There are many dog parks and off-leash areas in Newark, NJ, making this city a pet-friendly place to live! In fact, dogs aren’t just allowed; they are welcomed with enthusiasm. So, which dog park will you try out first?
For more great articles about dog-friendly activities and pet-parenting advice, check out the Blog at LocalPetCare.com.
