Dog walking in South River

East Brunswick

In neighboring East Brunswick, you will find three little parks you can take your pup to for some outdoor fun. Country Lane Park is 28 acres of open space where you can play catch, throw around a Frisbee or play chase until you are both worn out! When you need a rest, there are picnic areas and toilet facilities here. Abraham Shalit Park is next door and features a lake to walk around, and is also just north of Tices Lane Park. All of these parks are connected with a walking path and follow the Sawmill Brook for a scenic view as you take a stroll. Bring water for you both, and your clean up bags.

Summerhill Road

Just below South River in East Brunswick are two pup-tastic places to eat. Stewart’s Root Beer has four outdoor tables that welcome furry friends and have a vast selection of classic American eats on offer. Tuck into some wings or fries, a burger, hot dog, a delicious steak, or a sandwich or wrap of choice. For something a little more exotic, head to Koi Turkish Grill and take a seat at one of their pet-friendly outdoor tables. Here you can enjoy scrumptious chicken kebabs, felafel, red lentil soup, or some baba ganoush. Can’t decide? Go for a combination platter and try a variety!

Newton Heights

The Great Oak Park in East Brunswick is another lovely little green space with some short walking trails to check out with your pup. There are water fountains on site, but bring a bowl for your thirsty companion. The park’s namesake, a great oak, is an impressive centrepiece and the perfect place to stop on the grass for a rest or something to eat. Adjacent to Oak Park is Butterfly Park, an 11-acre preserve with a cinder trail planted out to attract butterflies, a shorter meadow trail and woodlands trails as well. Your dog is permitted here, but must be kept on a leash. Come and enjoy some of Mother Nature’s finest works of art!

Fresh Ponds

Bicentennial Park in nearby East Brunswick is a 34-acre public park and a great place to take your pet for an on-lead walk. The 7-mile long lake provides a scenic view and the surrounding trails are an easy walk. Pack yourself a picnic and stop at one of the rest areas along the path to enjoy views out over the park and lake. Cook yourself and your pup a BBQ lunch or dinner at one of the grills on site. You will need to also bring your water and a drinking bowl for your dog, as well as clean up bags to keep the park in top shape for future visitors.

Red Lion

In Milltown, less than five miles from South River, is the spectacular Rutgers Garden, a must-visit if you are in the area. The incredible gardens here have been carefully created and maintained by Rutgers University. It has quickly become a popular place for walks, day trips and special events with locals and visitors alike. Dogs are very welcome here, and will love exploring the grounds and checking out the plantings with you, but you will need to keep your pup on a lead and bring some clean up bags. There are many places to sit and enjoy the scenery here, so pack your cooler bag and make a day of it!