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Perfect for summer days, for you - and your little dog too

By Lauren Johnston | lauren.johnston@am-ny.com

May 20, 2008

Five-month-old Golden Retreiver Queso stands in line at the Shake Shack at Madison Square Park with his owner Ross Weinstein, 34 of Manhattan. Madison Square Park Shake Shack offers dog owners the option of getting a snack, beer or glass of wine after the Madison Square Park Dog Run. (RJ Mickelson, RJ Micklson / April 24, 2008)

If you're a dog owner in New York City - and as there are more than half a million in this demographic, it's likely you are - then it's also likely you're looking for fun in the summertime for both you and your four-legged friend.

Well, there's good news. In this hound-loving town, where many dogs live and eat as well as their human counterparts, there's no shortage of outings that dog and owner can enjoy together. Here we offer six perfect summer days spread across the five boroughs designed especially for you and your pooch.

MANHATTAN

Madison Square Park Dog Run + Shake Shack

It's a perfect pairing: a play date for your pup and lunch for you at star chef Danny Meyer's ode to the American fast food joint. First, treat your dog to a lively romp in the run. It's one of the larger pooch parks in the city, coated with sand and gravel, shaded by leafy trees and furnished with wooden benches. Afterwards treat your pup to a Shake Shack "Pooch-ini" - a special peanut butter custard for your dog - while you nosh on the scrumptious selection of burgers (Portobello for the veggies), relish-heaped hot dogs and, of course, the custard. Flavors rotate daily between chocolate pistachio, rosy rhubarb, lemon verbena and more. (See the full custard calendar at www.shakeshack.com; Madison Ave. between E. 23 to E. 26th streets)

Tompkins Square Dog Run + Community Gardens + Esperanto
This is a classic outing for dogs. Tompkins Square's dog run was the city's first and is still its most flamboyant - hosting an all sorts of themed dog events. Start your day at the run, then stroll eastward to the 9th Street Community Garden and Park. Its whimsical fence is topped with pinwheels and tin flower sculptures crafted by local artists from recycled cans. Pause to relax beneath the weeping willow tree, or continue to the opposite corner for a mojito or caipirinha at the Latin bistro Esperanto. For lunch, we like the plantain crusted goat cheese and fried fish cakes with spicy mayo. (Esperanto, 145 Ave. C at E. 9th St.)

BROOKLYN

McCarren Park Dog Run + Events at McCarren Park Pool
It's easy to make a day of it in Williamsburg. Head out for the shopping and hipster-watching on Bedford Avenue and continue north to McCarren Park Dog Run. It's big and friendly and coated with a paw-friendly covering of fresh mulch. Grab sandwiches and a fresh-squeezed juice at the nearby Urban Rustic café. It's all earthy, organic and there's a convenient dog corral outside where your pup can wait while you order. Finally, amble over to McCarren Park Pool, where there's sure to be something arty going on, usually an outdoor movie or concert. So far the summer line-up includes: M.I.A., Death Cab for Cutie and Ween. (For full park event listings, go to: www.mccarrenpark.com All in the vicinity of Driggs Ave. at N. 12th St.)

Prospect Park Dog Beach + Grand Army Plaza Green Market
Warning, this one is for early-risers. Prospect Park is known for the success of its off-leash area near the Long Meadow - and of course for Dog - the pond area where your pooch is free to frolic in the water. But, the off-leash fun ends at 9 a.m., so after that we suggest a long, winding walk through the park to Grand Army Plaza and the weekend Greenmarket. Buy some fresh fruit, bread and cheese, then head back to the park for a midday picnic. The Greenmarket will also host a series of events this summer from market tours with local farmers, to cooking classes. (For Dog Beach, enter Prospect Park at 9th St., walk toward the Tennis House; more info at www.fidobrooklyn.com)

QUEENS

Socrates Sculpture Park
There's no separation of dog and owner here. This Long Island City art garden was once an abandoned landfill until local artists took over in 1986 and transformed it into a combination community park and exhibition space. The intention of the place is to create space for people (and dogs!) to interact with art. The park hosts creative events and has a full calendar of summer cinema. The sculpture park is a unique experience for cultural wanderers of all species. (Long Island City, 32-01 Vernon Blvd., 718-956-1819)

BRONX

Van Cortlandt Park Dog Run + The John Kieran Nature TrailMbr> This is a trek intended for high-stamina dogs and nature buffs. You can start off the day in the dog run so your pup has a chance to socialize, then head for the nature trail and a tour of the park's many historical landmarks. The trail is named for John Kiernan, a Bronx native and local reporter in the early 20th century, who loved Van Cortlandt Park. Not only does it lead trekkers through a stunning variety of flora and fauna, it offers views of Van Cortlandt Lake, the historic tracks of the New York Central Railroad and the Van Cortlandt House, built in 1748. (Dog Run at W. 251st St. and Broadway; more information at www.nycgovparks.org)