The 4 Best Dog Parks in Newark and Around The Area

Newark, New Jersey, is a small, highly populated city located along Newark Bay. Due to its smaller size, there aren’t many dog parks in Newark, but the surrounding areas have a few good parks for your pup to play at as well. When taking your pooch to an off-leash dog park, there are certain rules every city has to make sure the parks stay safe and fun for their patrons.

Rules for Newark dog parks include;

• Vaccination and tags are required.
• 3 dogs per person.
• No puppies under 4 months.
• Pay attention and clean up after your dog.
• No children under age 10 are allowed. 
• Dog owners must be 16 years or older.

 Expect each park to have its variation of what is required from visitors and their pets. 

When you own a dog, it’s essential to properly exercise and socialize your dog to keep it happy and healthy. Dog parks are the perfect place for dogs to meet new friends and get out all their extra energy. If you live in the area or you’re just passing through, take a look at the 4 best dog parks in Newark and surrounding areas. 

1. Watsessing Dog Park

Located just outside north Newark in the Bloomfield region is Watsessing Dog Park. This off-leash dog play area may be small, but it has lots to offer you and your pooch. There are two separate sections of the park, one for small dogs and one for large dogs. The area is mostly dirt with some grassy patches, so it can get pretty muddy during the rainy season. 

Both the large and small dog sections have agility equipment like tunnels and A-frames. There are a few benches along the edges of the park, so owners have a place to sit while their pooch plays. A dog water fountain is available inside the off-leash area. Doggy poop bags are not provided, be sure to bring yours.  

2. South Mountain Dog Park

Outside of west Newark, in the South Mountain Nature Reserve, you can find the South Mountain Dog Park. The off-leash area is split into two separate fenced areas, one for small dogs and one for large dogs. The landscape for both areas of the dog park is mostly dirt with gravel and a few grassy patches.

Benches are placed all over both sections of the park, giving owners the option to sit and relax while their furry friends play. Agility equipment like tunnels and ramps are also available for dogs to learn and play on. Doggy bags are supplied by the park, and trash cans are easily accessible inside and outside the off-leash dog park. 

Dogs can stay hydrated with the water fountain that’s inside the dog park, and owners can clean off their pooch with the connected water hose. Most of the week is pretty slow for South Mountain Dog Park, but weekends can get pretty busy. Typically, the park is busiest in the early afternoons and evenings. 

3. Kearny Dog Park

Right outside Newark, right across the Passaic River, is Kearny Dog Park. Two separate fenced areas, one for large dogs and one for small dogs, make up this off-leash dog area. The landscaping inside the dog play areas is mostly gravel, which may not be fun for your pooch to play on during the hot weather. Some small trees located in and around the park provide a good amount of shade. 

Two or three benches are in both fenced sections and along the outside of the dog park. Doggy poop bags and trash cans are provided by the park, so visitors can help keep it clean. A water fountain with a small spout to fill up dog bowls is located inside the off-leash area. Dog bowls have been donated and are available by the water spout. 

This recently built mid-sized dog park is a great place for your pooch to socialize with other dogs and get some exercise. During the week, the park stays pretty empty, though evenings can sometimes get busy. Weekends are usually busy from early afternoon to late evening. 

4. Essex County Branch Brook Dog Park

The Essex County Branch Brook Dog Park is the only dog park actually located in Newark. You can visit this dog park in northern Newark at Branch Brook Park. Small pea-sized gravel covers the ground in the off-leash dog area. The park has two separate fenced areas, one for small dogs and one for large dogs.

Both dog play areas have their own double gated entrance for easy leashing. Agility equipment is in the large dog area and the small dog area, so all dogs can exercise or learn a new trick. Doggy bags are supplied by the park, and visitors have access to trash cans inside and outside the off-leash areas. 

Branch Brook Dog Park is one of the less visited dog parks in the Newark area. There are still plenty of dogs for your furry friend to play with when you visit this dog park. Weekends are the busiest, especially in the evenings.  

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