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Thinking about moving to Chicago, but worried about how well your four-legged family member will like the new location? You might have visions of this big city, concrete, lots of nightlife but not a lot of nature for your dog to run around in, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Chicago has some of the best parks throughout the city and that includes some really fantastic Chicago dog parks. Whether you’re just starting your search or have narrowed down a few Chicago neighborhoods you’re looking to move to, there’s probably a great park nearby for your dog to get out and socialize. Some have spots to let your dog off the leash to better play with the other dogs at the park and one great thing our residents love is getting some time out in the nice whether with other dog moms and dads and their favorite fur babies. There are dog parks all over the city and suburbs, as well as dog walkers, groomers, great vets, and awesome pet stores that cater to every type of owner. Some parks offer more in fun, exercise, and socializing, so we’ll include the best of the best on our list.
1. Wiggly Field Dog Park
Noethling Park at 2645 N. Sheffield
The name Wiggly Field is obviously a fun play at the north side ballpark, Wrigley Field, right near the area. This dog park is fantastic for north side dog owners, especially those who like to socialize when they take their dog to the park. Wiggly Field is very popular with local residents and for good reason – the park has some of the best amenities for dog lovers in the city. There’s a lot of space for your dog to run, play fetch, and get time off the leash. The park has a doggie fountain, pools, and bags are available at the park. To add to its allure, Wiggly Field has been featured in a number of magazines, including Chicago Magazine, InStyle, and Bark Magazine. Dog Fancy magazine named Wiggly Field one of the best dog parks in the United States. As if that wasn’t enough acclaim, Wiggly Field has also been featured on the television show Animal Planet. It’s not the fame that draws residents to this park, though. There’s an active, thriving community of dog lovers who frequent this park. People who live in the neighborhood love to get to know the other dogs and their owners and great friendships are formed here, both for the dogs and their two legged friends. If you live anywhere near the area and your dog likes to socialize with other animals, Wiggly Field will become one of your favorite hang outs.
2. Challenger Playlot Park
Uptown at 1100 W. Irving Park Rd.
There are a number of dog parks in Uptown to choose from but Challenger is great for larger breed dogs. Smaller dogs sometimes get skittish here because there are a lot of larger dogs and because there’s a CTA track running overhead which sometimes frightens the more high strung breeds. Challenger Park has a fenced in area, so dogs get plenty of time for unleashed play. This park was created in 1990 and named in memory the Space Shuttle Challenger Disaster. The park also offers parking for commuters and the area is well lit, maintained, and monitored by security.
3. Anderson (Fred) Park
1611 S. Wabash
They offer a dog friendly area which residents enjoy. The park gets a lot of visitors and has open hours from 6 am – 11 pm. Anderson keeps the dog park well lit at night and many locals take their pets to play in the evening and after-dinner hours. Anderson offers a lot of benches and seating for owners to relax. There’s a sculpture with a doggie pool area and, rather than grass, they have Astroturf so owners can avoid muddy paws with a little more ease. This park has separate areas for large and small breeds.
4. Churchill Field
1825 N. Damen
Churchill Field Playlot Park is a fantastic play land for your four-legged friend. There are two entrances to the park with fencing all around. The fencing goes all the way to the ground and is reinforced so that balls and toys don’t roll outside the play area, and also to keep the smallest of the breeds from getting out under the fence. Churchill offers plenty of seating for dog owners to relax while their pups play. There are dog pools, kiddie pools, and toys are scattered around the park for your dog to play by himself or with his canine friends. Many owners come here regularly, and there’s a great community feel to this park. Churchill has gravel and asphalt surfaces.
5. Lake Shore East Doggy Park
450 E. Benton Place
Lake Shore East Doggy Park proves that a dog park can be just as scenic and beautiful as it is functional. Most dog parks are, well not particularly well landscaped. After all, there’s no reason to take great care of flowers or trees in an area meant for dogs to run, play, and stomp through everything. Lake Shore East Doggy Park is fairly secluded and completely fenced in, so your dog can run and play off-leash. There’s plenty of seating and the surface area is both concrete and K-9 Grass, making it easy to keep paws clean. There are trees and foliage all around the park, making it a nice landscape for owners to enjoy as well.
2 Point Highlight
Chicago has some of the best parks throughout the city and that includes some really fantastic Chicago dog parks.
People who live in the neighborhood love to get to know the other dogs and their owners and great friendships are formed here, both for the dogs and their two legged friends.
