10 Awesome Off-Leash Dog Parks in Chicago, ILĀ (2024 Update)
By Jessica Kim
Updated on
Chicago is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the US. It has about 22 dogs per 100 people1, and you can find plenty of dog-friendly establishments in every city neighborhood.
The City of Chicago has built over 20 dog parks all across the city. Dog owners must complete registration for a Dog Friendly Area (DFA) tag2 annually to get into these parks. Fortunately, DFA tags are just $10 a year, and it grants access to all of the cityās dog parks.
Chicago dog parks all have unique designs, and some have better equipment than others. Here are some of the best dog parks to explore in the city.
The 10 Off-Leash Dog Parks in Chicago, IL
1. Bartelme (Mary) Dog Friendly Area
| šŗļø Address: | š 115 S. Sangamon St, Chicago, IL |
| š Open Times: | Year-round, 6 AM ā 11 PM |
| š² Cost: | DFA tag required |
| š Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Drinking fountains onsite
- Kiddie pools available in summer
- Has small patches of fake grass
- Small pet shop located across the street
2. Bronzeville Dog Park #591
| šŗļø Address: | š 3906 S. Lake Park Ave, Chicago, IL |
| š Open Times: | Year-round, 6 AM ā 11 PM |
| š² Cost: | DFA tag required |
| š Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Has separate areas for large and small dogs
- Has areas lined with mulch and artificial turf
- Drinking fountains onsite
3. Edgewater Dog Park
| šŗļø Address: | š 5800 Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL |
| š Open Times: | Year-round, 6 AM ā 11 PM |
| š² Cost: | DFA tag required |
| š Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Surfaces are grass and mulch
- Large trees provide a lot of shade
- Holds several community events throughout the year
- Limited seating and no onsite water fountains
4. Grant Bark Park
| šŗļø Address: | š 1000 S. Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL |
| š Open Times: | Year-round, 6 AM ā 11 PM |
| š² Cost: | DFA tag required |
| š Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Surfaces are mostly pavement
- Ample seating areas
- Onsite drinking fountains
- Kiddie pools available in the summer
5. Horner Park Dog Park
| šŗļø Address: | š 2770 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL |
| š Open Times: | Year-round, 6 AM ā 11 PM |
| š² Cost: | DFA tag required |
| š Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Separate areas for large and small dogs
- Some surfaces have mulch
- Has onsite water fountain
- Kiddie pools available in the summer
- Active community keeps dog park clean and offers volunteer opportunities
6. Lakeshore East Dog Park
| šŗļø Address: | š 450 E. Benton Pl, Chicago, IL |
| š Open Times: | Year-round, 6 AM ā 11 PM |
| š² Cost: | DFA tag required |
| š Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Located in a secluded, quiet neighborhood in downtown area
- Close to entrance to Lake Front Trail
- Has onsite drinking fountain
- Mostly asphalt surfaces and some small patches of grass
- Many large trees provide shade
7. Pottawattomie Park Dog Friendly Area
| šŗļø Address: | š 7466 N. Clark St, Chicago, IL |
| š Open Times: | Year-round, 6 AM ā 11 PM |
| š² Cost: | DFA tag required |
| š Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Spacious park with a lot of room for dogs to run
- Mostly asphalt and pea gravel surfaces
- Doesnāt have a lot of seating
8. Skinner Bark Park
| šŗļø Address: | š 1358 W. Monroe St, Chicago, IL |
| š Open Times: | Year-round, 6 AM ā 11 PM |
| š² Cost: | DFA tag required |
| š Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Large park with asphalt, pea gravel, and artificial turf surfaces
- Onsite water fountain
- Ample seating and a lot of trees provide shade
- Has a small, roofed shelter for rainy days
9. Walsh Park Dog Friendly Area
| šŗļø Address: | š 1722 N. Ashland Ave. Chicago, IL |
| š Open Times: | Year-round, 6 AM ā 11 PM |
| š² Cost: | DFA tag required |
| š Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Located at the end of the 606 Trail
- Separate areas for large and small dogs
- Has pea gravel and artificial turf surfaces
10. Wiggly Field Dog Friendly Area
| šŗļø Address: | š 2645 N. Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL |
| š Open Times: | Year-round, 6 AM ā 11 PM |
| š² Cost: | DFA tag required |
| š Off-Leash: | Yes |
- Has mix of asphalt and pea gravel surfaces
- Plenty of room for dogs to run around
- Has onsite drinking fountains
- Kiddie pools are available in the summer
- Can get noisy with CTA Brown and Purple lines
Conclusion
You can find many different dog parks located all throughout Chicago. Visiting each one is a great way for you and your dog to familiarize yourselves with the city. Once your dog is registered and has a DFA tag, you have access to all the dog parks in Chicago. So, make sure to obtain one from the city right away so that you and your dog can enjoy many fun days exploring all the dog-friendly areas that the city has to offer.
Read Also:
Featured Photo Credit: Skyler Ewing, Pexels
