15 Best Dog-Friendly Places in Chicago
Chicago is a very dog-friendly city. Photo by Tahnee Lacey.
By Marissa Del Mistro
Enjoy lots of pup time at these 15 best dog-friendly places in Chicago. No one wants to be left out or left behind, including our pets. For many of us, our dogs are more than a pet, they are our furry best friends with whom we want to go everywhere! Plus, bringing your dog out with you makes everything more fun, including in the Windy City.
The good news is that Chicago is an extremely dog-friendly place, and there are lots of activities for you and your pet to enjoy and explore. Chicago has the highest density of dogs of any major U.S. city, with 22 canine residents for every 100 people. With so many pups and places to explore, Chicago is a dog lover’s paradise.
If you want to run with your pooch, also check out the 15 best places to run in Chicago for more ideas on the top spots in the Windy City.
Photo by Tom Leddy.
15 Top Dog-Friendly Places in Chicago
Read on for the top 15 dog-friendly places in Chicago that will keep your pup’s tail wagging all day long:
Chicago Dog-Friendly Parks
1. Montrose Dog Beach
Give a dog some water and the chance to run free, and they will be one happy pup! At Montrose Dog Beach, you can let your dog off leash for a taste of sweet freedom and to let them burn off a ton of steam. They will also love the sheer amount of furry friend-making potential as the beach is crawling with loads of friendly pups.
697 Lawrence, W Wilson Dr, Chicago, IL 60640
2. The Lakefront Trail
The Lakefront Trail is an iconic Chicago destination that traverses 18 miles of pedestrian and bike heaven with a view of the lake. If you and your leashed dog decide to do the entire walk, you will get to explore Edgewater, Uptown, Lakeview, Lincoln Park, South Loop, Bronzeville, and Hyde Park — all the hottest spots of the city!
Our first Runstreet Chicago Dog Art Run and Walk. Photo by Tahnee Lacey.
3. Jackson Bark
There are many dog-friendly parks in Chicago. Photo by Erica Agran.
Open daily from 6 am to 11 pm, Jackson Bark is a trendy park in the city for your dog to test their agility skills and test them on Jackson Bark’s free agility course and enjoy running free.
5800 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637
4. Grant Park Dog Park
This 18,000 square feet fenced area located in Grant Park is heaven on earth for the city’s 4-legged residents! Here dogs can enjoy an off-leash frolic and meet furry friends.
500 S Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
5. Wiggly Park
This adorably named Wiggly Park was Chicago's first dog park and remains a favorite. Here you and your pup can enjoy a classic game of fetch as this park has plenty of space.
2645 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
Dog-Friendly Attractions in Chicago
6. Mercury Canine Cruise
Now, this is a Chicago must-do and one of the top dog-friendly places in Chicago for sightseeing. Leash your pooch up and hop aboard the Mercury Canine Cruise to enjoy an informative yet relaxing cruise of Chicago's iconic waterline. The boat is 100% dog-friendly, so it’s safe to walk around the boat with your dog, meet other doggos, or just chill out and take in the brilliant view. Tickets are $42 for human adults and $8 for dogs.
112 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
7. Temple of Dog
You get to go to the spa, why can't your dog!? Temple of Dog is an unparalleled experience for your furry friend to sit back and relax while the professionals offer nail clipping, special treatment, and gentle grooming including personalized therapies for dogs with skin or coat issues and elderly pups.
2526 N California Avenue Chicago, IL 60647
Runstreet Chicago Dog Art Run and Walk. Photo by Tahnee Lacey.
8. Doggy Paddle
Let your dog enjoy a fun splash at Chicago's iconic Doggy Paddle! This creative spot is located inside Wicker Park aquatic center and allows your dog to let loose and just have a great time with all the other pups. They also offer lessons to guide any dogs that may be a little nervous.
1430 West Willow Street, Chicago, IL 60642
9. Bosly's Backyard
Photo by Tom Leddy.
Weather not behaving? No problem, Bosly's Backyard is open and the perfect place to escape the elements! It is a one-of-a-kind dog-friendly indoor play space for dogs to get the exercise they need in an environment that has been carefully crafted to promote physical and cognitive development.
4011 N Ravenswood Ave # 108, Chicago, IL 60613
10. Epic Yoga Flow
Challenge yourself and your pup while having the ultimate bonding experience on a stand-up paddle board right on Lake Michigan! Epic Yoga Flow invites dogs of all sizes and ages to enjoy a one-hour lesson on the water!
$60-$120
1603 N Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60611
11. Van and Bellas
Want to celebrate your pup by getting them a timeless pet portrait? Allow the brilliant photographers at Van and Bellas in the East Village to help wrangle in your dog so you can frame a great image of your beloved pet.
112 N Ashland Ave #1F, Chicago, IL 60622
Chicago Dog-Friendly Bars and Eateries
12. Midwest Coast Brewing Company
No need to leave your best buddy at home when meeting pals out for a drink! The Midwest Coast Brewing Company is 100% dog friendly and allows doggies both indoors and outdoors!
2137 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60612
13. Alarmist Brewing and Taproom
Dogs love Alarmist Brewery and Taproom because they are welcomed in with friendly pats! Here you can even cheer your dog, as dogs are welcome to have their own drink from the bowls provided.
4055 West Peterson Avenue, Chicago, IL 60646
14. Sportsman Club
Your dog's tail will certainly wag when you mention a visit to the local haunt, The Sportsman Club which boasts a massive back patio for your pet to get comfortable with a massive cocktail list for you!
948 Western Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
15. Siena Tavern
Do you and your pup have a craving for Italian? Then make your way to Siena Tavern where you can pick from a range of human food and pair it with a dish from the “puppy ciao” menu which has options like grilled meats and dog-friendly ice cream! Located in the vibrant River North neighborhood, this upscale Italian eatery is the perfect place to dine with your sophisticated pooch.
51 W Kinzie Street, Chicago, IL 60654
Happy Tails
Have you been to any of the top dog-friendly places in Chicago? Always remember to keep in mind the unique personality of your pup so you can be sure that they will enjoy the adventures too. Share your fave spots to hang with your pup in the comments or tag @Runstreet on Instagram to share your adventures together.
Happy exploring to you, Wolf Pack! If you want to plan more urban travel adventures with your pup, check out our 20 Best Dog-Friendly Places in NYC. 🐕 Also, check out our sister website, Book of Dog, for lots more dog articles, resources, and adorable pics!
Related Posts: 15 Best Places to Run in Chicago, Canicross Guide to Running with Dogs, 20 Best Dog-Friendly Places in NYC, Best Dog Breeds for Running
Marissa Del Mistro is a writer, editor, and always on the hunt for the perfect workout. Marissa absolutely loves trail running, dancing, and cycling. When she’s not writing, Marissa loves cooking, podcasts, traveling, and exploring her home in the beautiful unceded Coast Salish Territory of the Lekwungen and W̱SÁNEĆ nations