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Cruisin' Canines

Source: Chicagonow.com

No matter what time of year it is, you want to make sure your dog is getting adequate exercise, and a dog park can provide the space for just that. Here are some of the most dog-friendly parks in Chicago for walking, running or any exercise you could imagine:

Arrigo Park

Arrigo Park
Neighborhood: Little Italy
Address: 801 S. Loomis St. Chicago, IL 60607
When you want to take your dog on a peaceful stroll, Arrigo Park is the place for you. Located near the University of Illinois – Chicago campus, this quaint area is ideal for students and faculty who can take their pooches out for a stroll before, in between or after classes for the day. While this park isn’t the biggest, it gets the job done when your dog needs to take a quick walk.

Challenger Playlot Park

Challenger Playlot Park
Neighborhood: Buena Park
Address: 1100 W. Irving Park Rd. Chicago, IL 60613
If your dog loves to be leash-free, Challenger Playlot Dog Park will be a great fit for it. This 4.66-acre park is big enough to roam about, but it also contains a .08-acre dog-friendly area where your dog can socialize and play with other pups. Just remember, though: If your dog is off its leash, you may need to prove you’ve obtained a permit from the city and that your dog is up-to-date on all its vaccinations. Challenger Park also has a doggy water fountain in case your dog ever needs to grab a quick drink.

Chase Park

Chase Park
Neighborhood: Ravenswood
Address: 4701 N. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL 60640
This smaller park is a popular summer location because of its community pools, but that doesn’t mean you and your dog can’t make a stop here when you’re in the Ravenswood area! Chicago dog walkers will love the rubberized track. Chase Park also has community gardens that make for great scenery as you stroll around the trails.

Churchill Field Dog Park

Churchill Field Dog Park
Neighborhood: Bucktown
Address: 1825 N Damen Ave. Chicago, IL 60647
This park is also a great place for your pup to make some new doggy friends! With dogs of all breeds congregating around Churchill Field Dog Park, your dog will definitely be able to interact with other animals. The park itself is half gravel and half asphalt, and it has dog bag areas for your convenience, too. This park also features a gated section where owners can take their dogs off their leashes for maximum roamability and mingling.

Clandestine Dog Park

Clandestine Dog Park
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Address: North Kedzie Avenue & Ainslie St. Chicago, IL 60625
Here’s another off-leash oasis for your dog to enjoy. Clandestine Dog Park is another mellow park where your dog can meet new friends—and you may, too. The park has grown in popularity, so you may be surprised who could become a new puppy playmate.

Clarendon Park Community Center

Clarendon Park Community Center
Neighborhood: Uptown
Address: 4501 N. Clarendon Ave. Chicago, IL 60640
Clarendon Park Community Center is an all-inclusive park for both dogs and people. Within this 8-acre park lies a .13 acre stretch of land designated specifically for dogs. Clarendon Park isn’t just a park, though; it’s a gathering spot for the whole community to play sports, attend meetings and more. Once you’ve taken your dog for a walk, you can come back alone to take advantage of the fitness center or any of the many other amenities.

Coliseum Park

Coliseum Park
Neighborhood: Near Southside
Address: 1466 S. Wabash Ave. Chicago, IL 60605
While Coliseum Park may not be the biggest area in the city, this little area can easily suffice for a space to walk around when necessary. The park has a dog run area, which is ideal for a quick stroll or jog. Unfortunately, this run area is also located almost directly underneath the El tracks, so if your dog startles easily, you may want to avoid this area. Overall, though, this off-the-beaten-track park is a great stop if you’re near the Southside and need to get your dog outside for a bit.

D’Angelo Dog Park

D’Angelo Dog Park
Neighborhood: The Loop
Address: 438 S. Franklin St. Chicago, IL 60607
D’Angelo Dog Park just opened in 2012, so it’s a little new to the area. Just because it’s new, though, doesn’t make it any less of a great area to hang out with your pup. When you’re in the South Loop and want to give your dog a little room to run about, D’Angelo Dog Park fits the bill. The park also comes with a drinking fountain just in case your dog needs a little refreshment.

Douglas Park

Douglas Park
Neighborhood: Lawndale
Address: 1401 S. Sacramento Dr. Chicago, IL 60623
For those living in the Lawndale and Pilsen area, Douglas Park makes for a gorgeous getaway. This park may be spacious (at 218 acres), but it still maintains a sense of serenity with its ponds, running trails and beautiful flowers. When you bring your dog to Douglas Park, you’ll be able to get in a great walking workout, all while enjoying the dazzling view.

Eckhart Park

Eckhart Park
Neighborhood: Noble Square
Address: 1330 W. Chicago Ave. Chicago, IL 60622
When you want to take your pup to a smaller park, Eckhart Park could be a great stop for you two. At 8-acres, this Chicago park has the space dog walkers need for a quick stroll or a longer walk. While the park does not have a designated dog-friendly section, you’ll find that your pooch will thrive in this park. If you have a family, Eckhart Park makes for a great stop, too. You can relax with your dog while they play on the baseball field or the playground.

Grant Bark Park

Grant Bark Park
Neighborhood: South Loop
Address: 11th & Columbus St. Chicago, IL 60605
When you’re downtown with your dog and looking for a place to take your dog on a stroll, Grant Bark Park could be just the place for you two. This park comes with all the fixings you’d want when you’re out walking your dog—fresh water, dog bag dispensers, shady areas and a large area for walking or running about, right near the beautiful Chicago lakefront.

Hamlin Park

Hamlin Park
Neighborhood: Roscoe Village
Address: 3035 N. Hoyne Ave. Chicago, IL 60618
At eight acres, Hamlin Park is neither the smallest nor the largest park in Chicago, but it still makes for an excellent dog walking area for you and your pooch.
Chicagoans also frequent this park during the summer months because of its popular free pools. Your dog is sure to make a few friends when you two visit this happenin’ Roscoe Village park.

Harrison Park

Harrison Park
Neighborhood: Pilsen
Address: 1824 S. Wood St. Chicago, IL 60608
Harrison Park is a lively area in increasingly popular Pilsen neighborhood.
Your dog can join in on the fun in this 17.39-acre park. Take a stroll around to take in the sites of vendors selling food, children playing games and people just enjoying themselves in general. The National Museum of Mexican Art is right next door, too, if you ever want to soak in a day of culture.

Horner Park

Horner Park
Neighborhood: Albany Park
Address: 2741 W Montrose Ave. Chicago, IL 60618
At 55 acres, Horner Park has plenty of space for all the pooches in the neighborhood. This park isn’t just for dogs, though—the whole family can enjoy this area. Horner Park has baseball, soccer and basketball fields, as well as a playground for the younger kids. During the warmer months, Horner Park can be an oasis for the active crowd, and your dog will love it just as much.

Lakeshore East Dog Park

Lakeshore East Dog Park
Neighborhood: The Loop
Address: 411 E Benton Place Chicago, IL 60601
This gorgeous 6-acre park is perfect for those who want a walk with some scenery.
Voted as a best new park in Chicago, The Park at Lakeshore East is ideal for dog walkers and non-dog walkers alike. It’s complete with a line of fresh, clean water for your pup to stay hydrated. The park even has some gated-in areas so owners can watch from a close distance as dogs frolic around with other pooches. Who knows—maybe your dog will even make a new friend or two!

Loyola Park

Loyola Park
Neighborhood: Rogers Park
Address: 1230 W Greenleaf Ave. Chicago, IL 60626
Although Loyola Park is not restricted to university students and employees, it makes for a great spot to get out with your dog after a long day of class. In this 21.5-acre park located right on the lakefront, your dog can walk along the ⅔ mile trail. If you ever decide to come alone, you can take advantage of the large field house containing two gyms, a boxing center, clubrooms and more. The park is such a gorgeous spot to take your pooch, though, you may never want to go alone!

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Address: 2045 N Lincoln Park West Chicago, IL 60614
When your dog needs to trek without any limitations, Lincoln Park is the only spot you need to be in the city. This massive 1,2000-acre park is Chicago’s largest, making it the best option for pups who want a little extra space. That’s not to say if your dog hangs at this park it will be anti-social; plenty of pooches bond with one another in this historic park. The park also has the largest dog-friendly area (3.43 acres) in the city, too, so your dog can enjoy the scenery and hang out with its friends.

Mary Bartelme Park

Mary Bartelme Park
Neighborhood: West Loop
Address: 115 S. Sangamon St. Chicago, IL 60607
This park may be small in comparison to some other dog walking parks throughout Chicago, but it works wonderfully in a pinch. Pups at Mary Bartelme Park can take advantage of the .10-acre designated dog area, which is complete with faux grass, ramps, steps and ledges for a fun exercise routine. An added bonus? The Chicago skyline is right in site at this park.

Montrose Beach

Montrose Beach
Neighborhood: Uptown
Address: 4400 N Lakeshore Drive Chicago, IL 60640
While this one isn’t technically a park, dogs won’t mind the difference. This is the hotspot for your dog during the summer months; dogs of all ages and breeds interact with one another once the temperatures are warm enough. Your dog can run up and down the beachfront, completely enjoying itself.

Norwood Park

Norwood Park
Neighborhood: Norwood Park
Address: 5801 N Natoma Ave. Chicago, IL 60630
With .13 acres for your dog, Norwood Park is an ideal location for a day of fun. Dogs aren’t limited to just this section, though; they can move about the entire 14-acre park. You can also take advantage of the fitness center and outdoor running track for your own fitness needs.

Park No. 551

Park No. 551
Neighborhood: Near West Side
Address: 601 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
At 1-acre, Park No. 551, also known as Fulton River Park, may be one of the smaller areas on the list, but it still has plenty of perks that make it pawesome for your pooch. The park’s smaller size allows makes it more intimate, so dog owners can get to know one another as their pets play in the .07-acre dog-friendly area. The park also hosts movie nights during the summer for added enjoyment.

Portage Park Dog Park

Portage Park Dog Park
Neighborhood: Portage Park
Address: 4100 N Long Ave. Chicago, IL 60641
Still relatively new to the scene (the city first opened it in 2010), Portage Park’s Dog Park has everything you need for a relaxing day with your dog. Here in the park’s .09-acre dog-friendly area, dogs can walk around off-leash, so they can run about and play with other dogs as they please. They can enjoy the rest of the 36.5-acre park on a leash, too, giving them a full range of everything else the park has to offer.

Pottawattomie Park

Pottawattomie Park
Neighborhood: Rogers Park
Address: 7340 N Rogers Ave. Chicago, IL 60626
When you and your dog find yourself in the more northern area of Chicago, Pottawattomie Park makes a great stop for dog walkers. In 2012, the park owners added a .20-acre dog-friendly section to the area for dogs to enjoy themselves. This park is quieter and less crowded, perfect for the introverted pup.

Puptown Park

Puptown Park
Neighborhood: Margate Park in the Uptown neighborhood
Address: 4921 N Marine Drive Chicago, IL 60657
If you’re looking for a spacious park for your pup, Puptown Park may be the perfect place. At 16,230 square feet, this park isn’t lacking on space by any means—which just means there’s more room for your dog to play!

This park has some seasonal benefits, too. Every Halloween, the park hosts a costume contest called “Howl-o-Ween” for the pooches—start thinking of those costumes already! Once the warmer months hit, the park puts a sprinkler out for the dogs (and maybe even you) to cool off. Complete with a doggy drinking fountain, this park has everything dog walkers in Chicago could need for a relaxing day of strolling or running.

Ohio Place Dog Park

Ohio Place Dog Park
Neighborhood: River North
Address: 350 W. Ohio St. Chicago, IL 60654
Ohio Place Dog Park is a haven for larger-breed dogs that need a little more legroom. The park is also ideal for high-energy dogs that like playing with one another—and don’t mind getting a little rowdy while they’re at it. The park is off-leash, so make sure your dog is up-to-date on its vaccinations. When dogs aren’t playing with one another, they can wander about the concrete and sand terrains, exploring the park in its entirety.

Ohio Street Dog Park

Ohio Street Dog Park
Neighborhood: River North
Address: 630 N. Kingsbury St. Chicago, IL 60654
This .15 triangular-shaped gravel dog park is big enough for pooches to have their space, but they can also socialize with one another if they want to, too. Ohio Street Dog Park is great for dogs that need an area to run. The only downside to this park? The lack of doggy water fountain. Just remember to bring a water bottle to keep your pup hydrated.

Oz Park

Oz Park
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Address: 2021 N Burling St. Chicago, IL 60614
For dog-lovers who are also old-school movie-lovers, Oz Park is a must-stop spot. Yes, you guessed it—this park is themed around the classic 1939 movie “The Wizard of Oz.” Your dog be its own little Toto (bonus points if your pooch is the same breed—Cairn Terrier—as the iconic dog!) as you two walk around this entertaining Chicago park, observing the statues of Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion. Don’t forget to bring your camera for this one!

River Park

River Park
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Address: 5100 N Francisco Ave. Chicago, IL 60625
The city designed River Park for dogs who love to roam. This sprawling park has approximately 30 acres of land for your dog to run, walk or just relax. River Park is also a refuge for dog owners who want to interact with one another; the popular park usually has a friendly face or two with whom you can chat while your dog has the time of its life.

Skinner Park

Skinner Park
Neighborhood: Near West Side
Address: 1400 W Adams St. Chicago, IL 60607
After a long day in downtown Chicago, you’ll want to unwind by taking your dog on a walk around the park. Once you’re at your home on the Near West Side, Skinner Park is a perfect option for this walk. Its 7.32 acres houses a field house, as well as various courts and a community garden. Your pup will love soaking in everything around him!

Walsh Playground Park

Walsh Playground Park
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
Address: 1722 N Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL 60622
Whether your pup is looking for a grassy area to stretch its legs and run around, or a harder concrete pavement for walking, Walsh Playground Park has the right space. Dogs here must stay on a leash, but they can still socialize with one another in the designated .10-acre dog-friendly area of the park. This Chicago park also has a drinking fountain in case your dog needs to rehydrate before and after a long day of walking.

Warren Park

Warren Park
Neighborhood: West Rogers Park
Address: 6601 N Western Ave. Chicago, IL 60645
At 90 acres, Warren Park is the largest park in the Northern area. Here, your dog can stroll about without worrying about stepping on any other pooches’ toes. While you’re there, you can check out the community garden during the warmer months or the ice rink during the colder times of the year.

Welles Park

Welles Park
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Address: 2333 W Sunnyside Ave. Chicago, IL 60625
This park doesn’t have a specified dog area, but, at 15 acres, it has all the space you and your pooch will need for a great day of dog walking in Chicago. Welles Park has everything you need for a day of fun for you or your family, too. The park hosts a baseball, football and soccer fields, plus picnic tables, playgrounds and a fitness center. You and your dog will have so much to do, you’ll never want to leave!

Wicker Park Dog Park

Wicker Park Dog Park
Neighborhood: Wicker Park
Address: 1425 N. Damen Ave. Chicago, IL 60622
Because of the increase in residents in the area, Wicker Park Dog Park has grown in popularity over the past few years. During the summer months, this .14-acre park is an attractive area for pups to socialize with one another and get a good workout in for the day. Since this park is so popular, you may need to pay extra care to your dog and the dogs around it. Still, Wicker Park’s Dog Park is a must-see.

Wiggly Field Dog Park

Wiggly Field Dog Park
Neighborhood: Wrigleyville
Address: 2645 N Sheffield Ave. Chicago, IL 60614
According to the Chicago Park District, “Wiggly Field,” officially known as Noethling Field, was the first official dog-friendly park in the city. The park has gravel and asphalt sections, a dog drinking fountain and doggy bags. During the warmer months, Wiggly Field is full of happy pups socializing with one another. Sometimes, on the especially hot days, volunteers will fill kiddy pools in which the dogs can cool off. Don’t worry about your dog being too crowded, though; this .43-acre park has plenty of room for all the pooches in town.

Winnemac Park

Winnemac Park
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Address: 5101 N Leavitt St. Chicago, IL 60625
Winnemac Park is an ideal location in Chicago if you’re looking for a space that your pup will enjoy for some quality dog walking. This park not only has ample space and trails for dogs to get their walking or running groove on, but it also hosts playground equipment, tennis courts and running trails for you. During the summer months, you and your pooch could spend hours frolicking around and not get bored. No matter what time of the year it is, though, you both will love this 40-acre park of fun. Don’t forget this is a leash-required park, though!

What are your favorite dog-friendly parks? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook!

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2 Responses

  1. Jackson Bark
    Location: Hyde Park
    Address: 5980 S. Lake Shore Drive http://www.JacksonBark.com
    This off-leash .56-acre dog park is full of agility features and photo ops, has three double-gated exits/entrances, an optional mid-gate when closed turns the dog park into two separate parks, a time-out section, water/bags/toys, lights (come on at dusk), free-parking lot

    Fred Anderson Dog Park
    Location: South Loop
    Address: 1611 S Wabash Ave
    Has a designated separate small-dog (.2 acre) and big-dog (.3 acre) area. Very unique water features and synthetic grass sections. Parking available on surrounding metered streets.

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