Best Places To Take Your Friendly Dog In Chicago

Are you tired of walking your dog around the block? Do you feel bad leaving your dog at home sulking when you go out to meet up with friends on a warm summer day? Here are some of the best places to take your dog in Chicago:

Attractions

Mercury Canine Cruises

Michigan Ave. & Wacker Dr., Chicago
(312) 332-1353
www.mercuryskylinecruiseline.com

Every Sunday at 10 a.m. during the summer months, Mercury Skyline Cruiseline offers a cruise for dogs and owners. The cruise is about 90 minutes long and highlights downtown landmarks. Tour prices are $23 per adult, $10 per child 12 and under, and $7 per dog.

Chicagoland Canoe Base

4019 N. Narragansett Ave., Chicago
(773) 777-1489
www.chicagolandcanoebase.com

Customers can get an education of fun and unusual sites along the Chicago waterways, along with a watercraft rental. Dogs are allowed on canoes and kayaks for no additional fee.

Restaurants

Plenty of Chicago restaurants welcome well-behaved dogs at outdoor tables. Below are just a few that offer a little something extra, just for your pet:

Joe's On Weed St.

940 W. Weed St., Chicago
(312) 337-3486
www.joesbar.com

Every Wednesday during the summer, Joe's hosts Doggy Happy Hour from 5 to 9 p.m. with drink specials, and various vendors, trainers, and pet store personnel on hand.

Scoozi

410 W. Huron St., Chicago
(312) 943-5900
www.leye.com/restaurants/directory/scoozi

This Italian eatery welcomes canine guests with their own doggy menu. Dogs are allowed at outer tables, but must be leashed at all times.

Cucina Bella Trattoria

1612 N. Sedgwick St., Chicago
(312) 274-1119

Dine on lasagna, while your dog enjoys his own complimentary bowl of pasta.

For Dog's Sake

1757 N. Kimball, Chicago
www.fordogsake.com

This doggy café does not serve people food, but has plenty of toys and treats for your dog.

Beaches*

The Lakefront Trail:

Enjoy the Chicago skyline along 18 miles of paved paths along Lake Michigan with your furry friend.

Montrose Beach

(Montrose and Lake Shore Drive): Dogs can run leash-free on this beach. Bring your own waste bags.

Dog Parks*

Hamlin Dog Park

(3035 N. Hoyne Ave.): This fenced, off-leash, gravel-covered dog park is a favorite among locals.

Wicker Park

(1425 N. Damen Ave.): This park is located on Damen, near North Avenue and Milwaukee. The dog area is located in the park's southeast corner.

Wiggly Field

(2645 N. Sheffield Ave.): This public dog park boasts doggie water fountains, waste bags and a double gate to prevent runaway canines.

*Beginning in Sept. 2005, all dogs that use the dog parks and beaches are required to have an annual permit, which costs $5 per dog. Proof of certain vaccinations are also required.