As the weather improves, it finally feels fun again to spend some time outside with your dog! But have you ever wondered if there are places that you can bring your dog to let them off of their leash, or if there are dog parks where you can socialize your pup? Wonder no more!
Dog Parks in the Western Suburbs
There’s a new dog park coming to Elmhurst! Construction is starting for Canine Corner in Spring 2024 and you can read more about the plan with drawings.
Lincoln Park Dog Park
259 S. Russell Avenue
Aurora, IL 60506
This dog park is located on the south side of Lincoln Park and has drinking fountains and plenty of trees. Dog tags are required for entry, with additional guidelines found on their website.
Phillips Park
1000 Ray Moses Drive
Aurora, IL 60505
Tip: Parking lot is on Pleasant Place just north of Parker Avenue
There are nearly three acres available for your dog at Phillips park – all fenced. The Mastodon Trail provides a walking path to the dog park, but dogs must be leashed on all trails. Open from sunrise to sunset, weather permitting. Find more details on rules and regulations on their website.
Batavia Bark Park
40W101 West Main Street
Batavia, IL 60510
The Bark Park, located in the southwest corner of the West Main Community Park, spans 3 acres. It is closed for a day in October for maintenance, otherwise, it is open from April 1st through the first measurable snowfall. No permit required. West Main Community Park itself consists of 58.4 acres and has picnic shelters, softball and baseball fields, basketball courts, a roller hockey court, a walking path and a large parking lot.
Karban Dog Park
3430 34th Street
Berwyn, IL 60402
Karban Dog Park has a separate small dog area, shade, benches, lights, and drinking water for dogs. Entry to the park requires a permit and you must be a Berwyn resident – find out more information on how to get a permit here.
Forest Bark Dog Park
632 Circle Avenue
Forest Park, IL 60130
Located at the corner of Circle Avenue and Lehmer, this dog park requires a permit. Visit this page for more information. This park is completely fenced and mulched and there are shady spots as well as a water fountain.
Spring Avenue Dog Park
185 Spring Avenue
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
This park is fully enclosed, has a card reader for secure swipe card entry, pet waste bags, picnic tables, benches, and free parking. A permit is required – get more information on the Glen Ellyn Park District website.
Katherine Legge Memorial Park
5901 South County Line Road
Hinsdale, IL 60521
Dogs are permitted for free without permits from 6:00am – 10:00am and 6:00pm – 9:00pm from April 1st through October 31st, and 6:00am – 10:00am and 4:00pm – 8:00pm November 1st through March 31st. The Village of Hinsdale has outlined guidelines for parking, rules and restrictions that visitors must follow when visiting Katherine Legge Memorial Park. Note that this park is not completely fenced.
Trantina Dog Park
15707 W 151st Street
Homer Glen, IL 60491
Trantina Dog Park is a free facility to visitors, where they will find approximately 2 acres of off-leash area. This space is divided for large and small dogs, and includes benches, as well as a trail loop around the facility.
Central Bark Dog Park
16300 Alba
Lemont, IL 60439
Visitors to Central Bark Dog Park will need to purchase a permit in advance, and will find separate areas for large and small dogs when they arrive. The permit will be valid for exactly one year from purchase date.
Gregory Island Dog Park
100-140 East Indian Trail
North Aurora, IL 60542
Gregory Island Dog Park has a fenced area for small dogs 35 pounds and under and room to roam for large dogs. Dog tags are required for entry, with additional guidelines found on their website.
James O. Breen Community Park
3795 Campton Hills Drive
St. Charles, IL 60175
The address listed above is for the Hickory Knolls Discovery Center, which is directly north of the dog park. Open from dawn to 10:00pm daily, this space offers 2.56 acres of fenced area for dogs to run, dog play equipment, and water fountains.
Stuart Sports Complex Dog Park
39W546 Baseline Road
Sugar Grove, IL 60554
As the newest dog park in the Fox Valley Park District, Stuart Sports Complex has 15 acres for dogs. There are separate areas for large and small dogs. Dog tags are required for entry, with additional guidelines found on their website. Note: This facility is usually closed during the winter months, so we’d recommend calling ahead to make sure it’s open. There are many other amenities for humans close by – concessions, restrooms, a playground with a splash pad, garden pots, and a lake (with disc golf).
Wiggly Field Dog Park
Located in the west end of Reed-Keppler Park
201 West National Street
West Chicago, IL 60185
This free dog park is fully enclosed and has an additional small dog enclosure (called Southpaw Dog Park) as well as dog agility equipment. Since it is located within Reed-Keppler park, there are other amenities that humans would enjoy nearby, including a sports complex with baseball, basketball, and softball courts/fields, a skate park, a splash pad, a nature sanctuary trail, two playgrounds, and a musical playground. Hours are sunrise to sunset.
Norfolk Dog Park
Norfolk Avenue & Devonshire St.
Westchester, IL 60154
Dogs are welcome to visit the Norfolk Dog Park from sunrise to sunset. All visitors must apply for a membership in advance, with fees varying by residency status. When visiting the park, members must have their dog pass.
White Oaks Dog Park
111 South Wood Dale Road
Wood Dale, IL 60191
White Oaks Dog Park has a separate section for small dogs and large dogs as well as some agility equipment. The park is near The Woodlands, and there is also a White Oaks Nature Trail for walking, jogging, or biking. Passes must be purchased in advance before visiting White Oaks Dog Park.
Dog Parks in the Northwest Suburbs
Canine Commons Dog Park at Melas Park
1500 W. Central Road
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Bark Park
280 Kuhn Road
Carol Stream, IL 60188
Small and large dogs will find separate areas with agility courses at Carol Stream’s Bark Park. All guests must apply for an annual membership in advance, with rates decreasing beginning September 1. There is no drinking water available for dogs, so please remember to bring your own.
Bo’s Run Dog Park
3600 Lexington Drive
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
Bo’s Run is one of two off-leash dog parks in the Hoffman Estates Park District and has some dog agility equipment and water service for your dogs. This park is on the north side of Hoffman Estates at the Willow Recreation Center, which has various sports courts (racquetball, volleyball, wallyball, basketball), a fitness center, a skate park, and party rooms. Dogs must be registered – find more information on their website.
Freedom Run Dog Park
6150 Russell Road
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192
This park is shared between Elgin and Hoffman Estates Park District. Freedom Run is open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset. There is an area for small dogs and is fully fenced. Dogs can also enjoy agility equipment and water for dogs as well as waste disposal bags and picnic tables for human companions. This is a members-only park, and information about fees can be found on their website.
Canine Commons Dog Park
1500 W. Central Road
Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Canine Commons Dog Park, which is open daily from sunrise to sunset, is situated in Melas Park. It spans 1.82 acres and is shared with both Mount Prospect Park District and Arlington Heights Park District. Members must apply in advance, where they will receive a key fob for entry. There are designated areas for both large and small dogs.
Plum Grove Reservoir Park
2501 Arlingdale Drive
Palatine, IL 60067
The 2.2 acre has areas designated for large and small dogs. Plum Grove Reservoir Dog Park is open daily from dawn to dusk, with maintenance closers on Wednesdays from 7:00am – 12:00pm.
K-9 Dog Park
120 Remington Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173
All dogs must have a membership which includes an electronic fob for entry at the gates. The dog park is open from 6:00am – 11:00pm daily, except for late openings at 9:00am on Mondays and Thursdays. Agility activities, a water fountain for dogs and owners, swimming area, designated areas for small and large dogs, as well as a gazebo are all included at K-9 Dog Park.
Off-Leash Forest Preserve Dog-Friendly Areas
Many areas of Forest Preserve offer large off-leash areas for dogs. Read below for more information on permits, as rules vary by county.
Cook County Forest Preserve
Dog owners that wish to use these off-leash areas must register for an annual membership online, in-person or by mail. Memberships are valid from October 1st to September 30th of the following year.
Beck Lake Dog Park
Central Road and East River Road
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Beck Lake is a very large park, 40 acres, with a large pond and shelter. This park is connected to nine miles of trails (leashes required on trails). The off-leash area requires a membership.
Miller Meadow Dog Park
2175 South First Avenue
Forest Park, IL 60130
Miller Meadow South features seven acres of land and an outdoor shelter and is connected to two miles of trails (leashes required on trails). The off-leash area requires a membership.
Bremen Grove
159th and Oak Park Avenue
Tinley Park, IL 60477
Bremen Grove is three acres and features separate areas for small dogs and large dogs. There are water fountains available, and this park connects to 33 miles of trails (leashes are required on trails). The off-leash area requires a membership.
DuPage County Forest Preserve
There are six off-leash areas in DuPage forest preserves, all of which require permits. You can get permits for all of the dogs you own, but can only bring a maximum of three in a single area at one time. Dog owners can purchase daily or annual permits online, and annual permits are valid from January through December of the given year. Daily hours are from one hour after sunrise until one hour after sunset.
Hawk Hollow
1099 Bittersweet Drive
Bartlett, IL 60103
Hawk Hollow has a fenced 34 acres with two, 2.1-acre fenced areas for dogs of all sizes and 0.7 acre for smaller dogs. Closed Tuesdays until 10:00am. Permits are required for off-leash areas.
Oldfield Oaks Forest Preserve
Lemont Road and Cheese Road
Darien, IL 60516
6-acre fenced field, a separate .6-acre fenced area for small dogs, and a trail that will connect to the forest preserve’s existing looped trail. Closed until 10:00am on Tuesdays. Permits are required for off-leash areas.
East Branch Forest Preserve
On Swift Road, 1 mile north of North Avenue
Glendale Heights, IL 60148
In addition to 60 acres of off-leash area, there is also a training pond at East Branch. Closed Mondays until 9:00 am. Permits are required for off-leash areas.
Greene Valley Forest Preserve
Greene Road, between Hobson Road and 75th Street
Naperville, IL 60565
Greene Valley has 1.5 acres fenced for small dogs and 14.5 acres fenced for large dogs. There are water fountains and shaded benches. Closed Wednesdays until 10:00 am. Permits are required for off-leash areas.
Springbrook Prairie Forest Preserve
29W128 83rd Street
Naperville, IL 60564
Springbrook Prairie has 37 acres, fenced. Closed Thursdays until 10:00am. Permits are required for off-leash areas.
Mayslake
3400 St Paschal Drive
Oak Brook, IL 60523
This park has 3.5 acres fenced for large dogs and a half acre for small dogs. There are also covered picnic tables and a portable restroom. Closed Thursdays until 10:00 am. Permits are required for off-leash areas.
Blackwell Forest Preserve
South Side of Mack Road, .25 miles east of Route 59
Warrenville, IL 60555
Blackwell has a fenced 10 acres and is closed Mondays until 9:00am. Permits are required for off-leash areas.
Kane County Forest Preserve
For Kane County off-leash dog areas, no permits are required, but there is a list of rules and regulations. Off-leash hours are from sunrise to sunset.
Aurora West
40W032 Hankes Road
Aurora, IL 60506
The entire Forest Preserve is 715 acres, which is mostly designated for off-leash dog areas. Please note the off-leash areas on the map before visiting.
Schweitzer Woods
16N690 Sleepy Hollow Road
Dundee, IL 60118
This property has meadows and marshes, part of which is approved as an off-leash dog area.
Fox River Bluff West
5N753 State Route 31
St. Charles, IL 60175
This portion of Forest Preserve lines the Fox River – you can bring up to three dogs to this area, and dogs can be off-leash except while crossing the bicycle bridge over the river.
Regole
3790 Commerce Drive
St. Charles, IL 60174
This preserve is 20 acres and has a specific area for off-leash dogs, which is hosted by the St. Charles Park District, as it is a part of the East Side Sports Complex. Other features of this site include a pond with fishing, paved walking trails, a shelter, a playground, and parking.
Tekakwitha Woods Forest Preserve
35W076 Villa Maria Road
St. Charles, IL 60174
This 65-acre site, which is managed by the St. Charles Park District, is a part of the River Bend Community Park. The off-leash area has a dog water fountain inside the 0.75-acre space.
Will County Forest Preserve
Dog owners can purchase permits for up to three dogs (requires an up-to-date rabies vaccination), and dogs must be at least six months old to use dog parks. Get more information on permit timing and pricing from their website. Will County parks are open from 8:00am to sunset daily.
Forked Creek Preserve
Ballou Road Access
20563 W. Ballou Road
Wilmington, IL 60481
This park features a 9-acre area with a 3-acre area for dogs under 35 pounds. A permit is required for the off-leash area.
Hammel Woods
DuPage River Access
23435 Black Road
Shorewood, IL 60431
Hammel Woods Dog Park has an 10.8-acre off-leash area, including a 2.3-acre area for smaller dogs. A permit is required for the off-leash area.
Lower Rock Run Preserve
McClintock Road Access
22827 West McClintock Road
Channahon, IL 60410
This park is 7.5 acres, including a 2.5-acre enclosure for dogs 35 pounds and under. A permit is required for the off-leash area.
Messenger Marsh
South Bell Road (South of Route 7/159th Street)
Homer Glen, IL 60491
Messenger Marsh has a 10.25-acre off-leash area including a 1.25-acre enclosed area for dogs under 35 pounds. A permit is required for the off-leash area.
Plum Valley Preserve
Route 394 and E Burville Road
Crete, IL 60417
Plum Valley Preserve Dog Park has 3 separate sections, totaling 9 acres of space for dogs to run. A permit is required for the off-leash area.
Whalon Lake Dog Park
1480 Royce Road
Naperville, IL 60565
Whalon Lake Dog Park is an 11.9-acre fenced area, which includes a smaller 1.9-acre park for dogs under 30 pounds. The park features an outdoor shelter and benches. A permit is required for the off-leash area.
If you feel like an adventure…
Mercury’s Canine Cruise
Chicago River and Lake Michigan cruise
Some of Mercury’s cruises in Chicago on Lake Michigan are dog-friendly! Their dog cruise boat offers safe outdoor seating, water bowls, and a special newspaper-lined restroom for dogs. Their website includes information on dates and pricing for dog-friendly cruises, including their Howl-O-Ween Canine Cruise. Dogs can also cruise aboard Seadog boats when leashed.
Montrose Beach
4400 N. Lake Shore Drive – at W. Lawrence
Chicago, IL 60640
Montrose Beach is Chicago’s main off-leash dog beach, features a fenced-in area (the water is not enclosed) and free dog waste bags. Morning hours tend to be the most popular, though this park is open during normal Chicago Park District Hours (6:00am – 11:00pm). The Chicago beach season is typically from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Starved Rock
Visitor Center
2668 East 873 Road
Oglesby, IL 61348
Not only is Starved Rock State Park dog-friendly (on-leash), they also offer dog-friendly rooms at their lodge for dogs under 50 pounds if you are staying overnight (additional $40 per pet, per stay). There is a dog-friendly menu and dogs are welcome on the outdoor veranda. Check out more tips for hiking Starved Rock with kids here.
