Pet Friendly Things To Do In Chicago
What's a vacation without the company of man's best friend? When you visit Chicago, you don't have to leave anyone behind. There are a variety of pet-friendly activities and attractions to see in the Windy City, as well as plenty of pet-welcoming lodging options. Don't forget these simple tips for planning the perfect metropolitan vacation with pet in tow.
Where to Stay From budget -friendly hotels under $100, including the Crowne Plaza Hotel Chicago, Oakwood Lake Michigan, and the Holiday Inn Chicago-O'Hare Kennedy, to the more luxurious rooms at places like Hotel Burnham, House of Blues Hotel, and Allegro Chicago, pets are made to feel right at home. A list of nearly 50 Chicago area hotels are pet-friendly, though most do require a pet deposit, usually around $25.
If you're looking to spoil your pet with amenities, we suggest checking out the W. Chicago Lakeshore and W. Chicago City Center, which both offer lots of pet services including toys, treats, bedding, dog-sitting and dog walking. Double check with your hotel for weight requirements and added fees.
Activities For Pets From public beaches and walking paths to local businesses and stores, your pet is greeted with open arms all over Chicago.
Montrose Dog Beach: Montrose Dog Beach is a dog lover's paradise. This off-leash dog beach is located in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood at Wilson Avenue and Simonds Road. Fenced off, for the most part, the beach allows pet owners to bring their friendly and well-behaved dogs to play and socialize with others. Accessible trash bins are located throughout the premises, but owners must bring their own "clean up" supplies. Tip: this is not a beach for young puppies, dogs should be trained and know how to get along with other animals.
Chicagoland Canoe Base: One of the Midwest's largest canoe and kayak specialty shops, Chicago Canoe Base allows you to bring your pet aboard their water vessels. They will also recommend hundreds of unusual trips in the area, as well. Visit Chicago Canoe Base at 4019 N. Naragansett Ave.
Lakefront Trail: Nothing is more satisfying than a free walk with Spot. The Chicago Lakefront Bike Path is a multi-use trail, perfect for dog walks. The trail runs from Hollywood Avenue on Chicago's North End to 71st Street on the city's South End, and stretches over 18 miles of land overlooking Lake Michigan. Featured along the trail are parks, beaches, gardens, statues and amenities for people and pets!
Shopping: Shopping is a favorite pastime for Chicago locals and tourists, and certain retail shops in the downtown area and on the Magnificent Mile encourage you to bring your pets into their stores. Both Nordstroms at 55 East Grand Avenue and Eddie Bauer at 600 North Michigan Avenue are considered "pet-friendly retailers."
Dog Parks The more obvious and preferred place to take your pet is the good old dog park. Chicago is home to 23 dog parks that offer plenty of open spaces and eye-catching scenery for you and your pet to enjoy. Listed below are five of our favorite Chicago dog parks.
Challenger Playlot Dog Park at Gill Park: Pets love to run wild and free at this off-leash, fenced-in Chicago dog park. Registration from a participating vet is required. The park is located at 1100 W. Irving Park Road.
Grant Park Dog Park: Downtown's Grant Park features 18,000 square feet of fenced-in fun for your dog. No leashes are required, but make sure you bring your pet permit along. The park is located at 500 S. Columbus Drive.
Wiggly Field: This public dog park boasts fencing, doggie water fountains, waste bags, and a double gate to prevent attempted escapes. Wiggly Field is located at 2645 North Sheffield Avenue.
Chopin Dog Park: Chopin is dog-friendly throughout, but has separate areas for leash walking and off-leash frolicking. The park is located at 3420 North Long Avenue.
Walsh Playground Dog Park: Chicago residents love this long, spacious, shady dog park, located at the North End of Walsh Park. Please note, the concrete pavement may be hard on extra-tender paws. The Walsh Playground Dog Park is located at 1722 N. Ashland Avenue.