8 of best dog parks in Chicago

Four-legged walkies are probably your pooch pal’s favourite time of day, so it’s well worth doing your research on dog-friendly areas in your local city. When it comes to dog parks, Chicago’s got its fair share of grassy spots, concrete playgrounds, and even a doggy beach to choose from. Whether you’re a puppy parent looking for a new social stomping ground or you’re pet sitting in Chicago in search of a field for a game of fetch, we’ve mapped out eight of the best off-leash dog parks Chicago has to offer. 

Before you visit one of these dog parks, Chicago Park District and the volunteers who run many of the dog parks in the city have a few rules you should follow. 

• Whether you’re a local or not, your pooch pal must wear a Dog-Friendly Area tag (DFA) to identify they’re healthy and up to date with vaccinations. 
• Keep an eye on your furry friend at all times, even if they’re well-trained. 
• Always clean up after your four-legged friend and be sure not to leave any rubbish. 
• Come prepared with your own poop bags and water (even if users report they are provided). 
• Only take your pooch off the leash in dog-friendly areas if you know they get on well with other dogs. 

Now the boring bit’s over, let’s dig into some of the best dog parks Chicago, Il has to offer.

Jackson Bark: 6000 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637 

Four unused tennis courts have been turned into an exciting puppy playground filled with an assortment of structures and agility course obstacles made up of scrap and donated materials. There are ramps, tunnels and tires piled high, plus hoops to jump through and balancing beams to keep your pooch pal occupied for hours. A bulletin board gives information about dog-friendly businesses and local vets, and the Woodlawn dog owner community keeps this Chicago dog park looking its best by providing poop bags (but we always recommend bringing your own!). We think this puptopia is one of the best dog parks in Chicago! 

Wiggly Field: 2645 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

As the very first dog park Chicago established, Wiggly Field opened its gates to the “puplic” in 1997 and has remained popular ever since. There’s ample space for zoomies and games of fetch and a separate area provides a bit of time out for small dogs. Benches give dog owners and pet sitters a bit of a rest and the park is conveniently located next to the underground, although users report that it can get a little bit noisy when trains go past. 

Montrose Dog Beach: 4697 Lawrence, W Wilson Dr, Chicago, IL 60640

Fur-get dog parks, Chicago’s got a beach area specially dedicated to doggies! This three-acre fenced-in area is the biggest dog-friendly spot in Chicago so there’s plenty of space for beach volleyball or a sandy game of fetch. Volunteers at MonDog provide poop bags and help keep the beach clean, so make sure you do your part and always pick up after your pooch pal. Take note, although the beach is fenced on three sides, there are a number of holes that your pooch pal doesn’t have to be a bonafide Houdini to wiggle through. Discover tips, activities, and essential advice for a sensational time by the sea here.

Puptown Dog Park: Northeast corner of Lawrence &, N Marine Dr, Chicago, IL 60640

Appropriately named due to its location in the neighborhood of Uptown, this off-leash area is a favorite amongst locals with a furry friend in tow. Maintained by the Uptown Dog Owners Group, the 0.4-acre area is fully enclosed and features benches and lots of shaded areas. Take note that most of the area is paved, so it’s not one to visit on particularly hot days. 

Lakeshore East Dog Park: 450 E Benton Pl, Chicago, IL 60601

If you’re looking for a dog park, downtown Chicago has lots of great choices. Keep your furry friend on a leash as you walk through Lake Shore Park before letting them loose in the small area fenced off for doggies. There’s no shortage of opportunities to socialize with friends of the furry variety here, and this beautiful spot is surrounded by blooming flowers, tall trees, and water features to quench your pooch pal’s thirst after playtime.

Portage Park Dog Park: 4100 N Long Ave, Chicago, IL 60641

Run by the Chicago Park District, this enclosed area for dogs is surrounded by beautiful parkland where you can extend your outdoor adventure with Fido securely on a leash. The park is big enough for your best bud to find some other furry friends to play with but still small enough for you to keep an eye on them at all times, plus the double-gated entrance makes this park extra secure. Kiddie pools and a water fountain are often found to be in action at this park, but users report the paved floor can be a little rough on their pooch pal’s paws. 

Norwood Park Dog-Friendly Area: 5850 N Avondale Ave, Chicago, IL 60631

This spacious dog-friendly area is nestled amongst the trees in Norwood Park. Maintained by Norwood Dog Park Association, the park provides users with a doggie drinking fountain, benches for pet parents, and poop bags for when nature calls (although we recommend bringing your own provisions). 

Bosly’s Backyard: 4011 N Ravenswood Ave Suite 108, Chicago, IL 60613

Sure, all these open-air dog parks seem like a good idea when the sun’s shining, but if the weather’s taken a turn for the worse you might be looking for some indoor dog parks in Chicago. Your four-legged friend will be in tennis ball heaven at Bosly’s Backyard, where they can zoom through tunnels, clamber up ramps, and hop, skip, and jump over any number of obstacles. If your pooch pal prefers playtime away from other wagging tails, you can book a one-on-one session at this Chicago indoor dog park. 

If you've worked up a bit of an appetite strolling around the dog parks in Chicago, why not take a pit stop in one of our favorite dog friendly restaurants?

Has this list of Chicago dog parks got you thinking about some adventures of your own? Dog sitting is a great way to see the world on a shoestring and make some new furry friends along the way! Find out more about how to become a member here.