Rogers Park’s premiere dog park is nestled in the northeast corner of Pottawottamie Park. It’s about .2 acres with asphalt and pea gravel. Amenities at this neighborhood favorite include a dog drinking fountain, a designated small dog area, two separate entrances and exits, benches, and lots of shade.

This .13-acre Northwest Side dog zone is tucked within Norwood Park, just across the street from the Metra tracks. It includes a dog drinking fountain, plenty of shade and benches. The area is manned by the Norwood Dog Park Association, who raise funds to maintain and clean the park, as well as plan community events.

Away from the L, highways, and the Metra, this Albany Park dog park is one of the quieter parks in the city and ideal for skittish pups. The park, also referred to as Paws Park, is situated within the idyllic River Park. It’s location within River Park, which has lots of trails and is near the new bike and pedestrian path, makes it an excellent destination for a day out with your dog.

This dog-friendly area was merely a patch of asphalt when it first opened, but has expanded into one of the largest dog parks. It is managed by the Portage Park Dog Park Committee, who keeps the park clean and plans community events at the park. There are benches and dog drinking fountains, too.

Chicago’s first dog park remains one of its most popular ones, too. The Lincoln Park dog-friendly area, situated adjacent to the CTA’s elevated tracks. The park is .37 acres in size, easily big enough for a game of fetch. There are a few mature trees, but the surface is mostly asphalt and gravel.

This dog park has long held its own as the center of the Wicker Park dog community. It is located in the southeast corner of the triangular of Wicker Park. Given its popularity and small size, it can get quite crowded in the morning and early evenings. There is a double gate entrance, dog drinking fountains, and plenty of seating.

This small oasis just north of Millennium Park is a perfect escape. The ground of Lakeshore East Dog Park is covered mostly in green turf, concrete sidewalks, and several trees that keep it nice and shaded. Additional features at this .1 acre park include a dog drinking fountain, a double gate entrance, and benches.

This .4 acre dog park is one of the most beloved and unique in the city. Skinner Bark Park’s surface is a combination of green turf, pea gravel, and concrete, and its large size easily allows for games of fetch. The West Loop park is maintained by a community group, who also puts on monthly (or semi-monthly) social events for dogs and dog-owners.

Want to give your dog the ultimate downtown experience? Look no further than the dog friendly area nestled right inside Grant Park. At .36 acres, this is one of Chicago’s larger dog-friendly areas with lots of space for romping and playing fetch. Features of the Grant Bark Park include a double gate entrance, dog drinking fountains, asphalt and pea gravel surfaces, and several trees in the park itself.

The first “unofficial” dog park on the South Side was created in 2014 on an unused tennis court. It remains one of the city’s most popular and unique and hosts a variety of structures and agility course obstacles including teeter-totters, tunnels, hoops, A-frame ramps, tire hills, and more. Jackson Bark is funded and maintained entirely by the Woodlawn dog owner community.

Located just north of Calumet Beach on the city’s Southeast Side, the newly-opened Calumet Bark is the first Chicago Park District dog park south of 18th Street. The 7,100-square-foot facility includes asphalt and pea gravel surfaces as well as trees, benches, and a water fountain for dogs. The opening of Calumet Bark was welcome news for the Southeast Side dog owners who worked for nearly four years to make the park a reality.

Just off the 606 Trail, this dog park offers hot dogs and tired owners a place to rest from a long walk or jog. There’s a drinking fountain and pools for dogs to cool off. Of course, you can play a game of fetch as well!

When it comes to dog parks, this one is a special treat. Montrose Dog Beach is 3.83 acres of fenced-in beachfront specially designated for canines. The zone is managed by a volunteer group called MonDog that cleans and maintains the area while also providing poop bags. As of 2017, this dog-friendly area boasts a deluxe, self-service dog washing station to rinse off sandy pups before getting back in the car.

A small little park located just north of the service yard on Avondale Avenue, this is a scenic place for your pet to socialize. There’s a drinking fountain, benches, poop bags, and it’s easy to find parking.

This park for pups opened just last year on corner of the park near Pershing and Western. It has about .27 acres of space that is fenced off for play and exercise. The perks of this space: it’s volunteer run, there’s grass, and its one of the only off-leash spots in the area.

This teeny patch of fenced-off beach is perfect for dogs who are overwhelmed by the big crowds at Montrose Dog Beach. At just .15 acres, this small sandbar allows pups splash around the still waters of Belmont Harbor. There is no doggie water fountain (so pack water for your dog), but there is a double gate entrance.