Exercise is important for all dogs, but especially those that live in Chicago’s pet-friendly apartments. While the City of Chicago and the nearby Villages of Oak Park and Forest Park welcome leashed dogs in all of their public parks, all three also have designated dog-friendly areas for your best friend to run, play and socialize with other dogs off leash. Learn more about the various dog parks and dog friendly areas around Chicago, and find the one that’s closest you!
Forest Park Dog Park
Located at the southeast corner of Circle and Lehmer, the Forest Park Dog Park features a fenced in area with a mulch surface, benches, clean up bags and a water fountain for dogs. The park is open from 8am until 8pm every day, and is maintained by volunteers and staff. A Dog Park Permit is required, along with a fee and proof of licensing and vaccinations. While the park is open to non-residents, the fees are significantly higher.
Maple Park Dog Park in Oak Park
Located at the corner of Maple and Lexington, the Maple Park Dog Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset. The dedicated off-leash site features 12,000 square feet of play space, a crushed granite surface, benches, a doggie water fountain and an electronic entry system. Dog Park Passes and access key cards are available to Oak Park residents and non-residents for an annual fee. To obtain a pass, dogs must be registered with the Village of Oak Park (or their town of residence) and owners must provide proof of vaccinations.
Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex (RCRC) Dog Park in Oak Park
Renovated in 2014, the RCRC Dog Park is located just south of Lake Street and Scoville Avenue in Oak Park. The 11,000 square foot space is open from sunset until 10pm, and includes a crushed granite surface, benches, water fountains for pets and their humans, as well as an electronic entry system. Dog Park Passes and access key cards are available to Oak Park residents and non-residents for an annual fee. To obtain a pass, dogs must be registered with the Village of Oak Park (or their town of residence) and owners must provide proof of vaccinations.
Norwood Dog Friendly Area
Located on Chicago’s northwest side, the Norwood Dog Park features more than 5,500 square feet of play space, a doggie drinking fountain, waste bags, benches and ample parking. Located just north of the service yard on Avondale Avenue, the park surface is a mix of gravel and concrete with plenty of trees. As with all Chicago dog parks and dog friendly areas (DFAs), an annual permit and tag is required. Permit applications can be obtained at participating veterinarian offices for a nominal fee.
Portage Park Dog Park
Re-opened in 2011, the Portage Dog Park is located on Chicago’s north side. What was once a ballfield is now two separate dog friendly areas – one for small dogs and the other for dogs over 35 lbs. The park is open from sunrise to sunset and features doggie water fountains, as well as canine kiddie pools in the summer. As with all Chicago dog parks and dog friendly areas (DFAs), an annual permit and tag is required. Permit applications can be obtained at participating veterinarian offices for a nominal fee.
Montrose Beach Dog Friendly Area in Chicago
Located on 3.83 acres of coastline, the Montrose Beach Dog Friendly Area provides plenty of space for dogs to run, play and splash around in Lake Michigan. The fenced-off area is separate from the neighborhood beach and includes a handicap accessible ramp. As with all Chicago dog parks and dog friendly areas (DFAs), an annual permit and tag is required. Permit applications can be obtained at participating veterinarian offices for a nominal fee.
Mary Bartelme Dog Friendly Area in Chicago
Located in Near West Side, the West Loop Dog Park is a city playground for dogs. The fenced-in area inside Mary Bartelme Park features a concrete surface with artificial grass, seating, steps, ledges, waste bags and doggie water fountains. As with all Chicago dog parks and dog friendly areas (DFAs), an annual permit and tag is required. Permit applications can be obtained at participating veterinarian offices for a nominal fee.
Pet-Friendly Places Around Chicago
Chicago is a pet-friendly city, with 20+ dog parks located throughout the western suburbs, eastern lake shore and north and south sides. If you’re looking for a pet-friendly apartment near Chicago, check out Oak Park Apartments. We allow dogs and cats in all of our Oak Park, Forest Park and River Forest apartment buildings, and cats are permitted in our Chicago apartments. Call us at (888) 512-8129, or search for available apartments online.
