Best Pet-Friendly Halloween Events In Chicago
By Jessica Cage
Most families that have animals treat them not as pets but as a members of the family. And like any other member of your bipedal pack, you want to ensure that your furry members enjoy their time as well. With Halloween just around the corner, pet owners around Chicago are looking for events to share with their four-legged family. From parties to parades, Chicago offers plenty of Halloween thrills that the entire family can enjoy, including the ones that bark.
Howl-O-Ween Pooch Parade
Meineke Recreation Center
220 E. Weathersfield Way
Schaumburd, IL 60193
(847) 985-2143
www.parkfun.com
Date: October 13, 2012 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Admission: Resident $2 per person, $5 per dog. Non Resident $3 per person $7 per dog
The Meineke Recreation Center will be hosting its Pooch Parade where dogs can show off their best Halloween gear. Other activities will be offered as well such as the fun tricks competition and the costume contest. Bring your pup and give him a chance to receive a special Halloween treat!
Related: Best Dog Parks In Chicago
Boo-Palooza
Wicker Park Field House
1425 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
(312) 742-7553
www.wickerpark.org
Date: October 27, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Boo-Palooza is a Halloween event that is open to both humans and animals. Held in the Field House of Wicker Park, the event will include costume contests, a pumpkin patch, dancing and even and indoor haunted movie. The kids will love old-time activities like apple bobbing and finding needles in a haystack. And when the kids are happy, your pup is happy.
Howl-A-Ween Costume Bash!
Central Bark Chicago Avondale
3358 N. Pulaski Road
Chicago, IL 60641
(773) 736-3641
www.centraolbarkusa.com
Date: November 4, 2012 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission: $5 per person, kids and dogs are FREE
Central Bark Doggy Day Care will be hosting a fun-filled costume party for our canine companions. During its Halloween party, you will watch judges determine who has the scariest, cutest and most creative costumes. The three winners will receive a special prize. Also offered is a on-site pet photographer to capture your pups Halloween attire. Bring the memories home with a $20 photo package and dress up your pooch to go home with a winner.
Spooky Pooch Parade
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
(847) 835-5440
www.chicagobotanic.org
Date: October 20, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Admission: Advance tickets - Members $14, Non-Members $17; Day-of tickets - Members $20, Non-Members $23
At the Spooky Pooch Parade, costumed dogs will march in a parade and show off their imaginative designs on a route that travels throughout the Chicago Botanic Garden. At the end of the parade, an award ceremony will take place and five dogs will walk away with a prize for their costume. The pups will be judged in five different categories. There will be local pet shop supply vendors on site so even if your pooch doesn't win, he can walk away with a special treat.
Related: Best Places to Take A Doggy Park Day Trip Near Chicago
Jessica Cage is a freelance writer from Chicago. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
