Dog-Friendly Parks in Chicago
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