Dog-Friendly Activities in Highwood, IL

The Montrose Dog Beach is Chicago's first legal off-leash beach. Located on the Northwest corner of Montrose Beach, this area is fenced and offers free dog waste bags and a dog-wash area. Montrose Dog Beach is open during all regular Chicago Park District hours, but morning hours are the most popular. DFA tags are required for all dogs.

Lakewood Dog Park in Wauconda, IL, is a 66-acre fenced space where Fido can run and play off leash. Amenities include open meadows, mowed trails, parking, toilets, a water pump, and a shade shelter. A permit is required and can be purchased online. The park is closed until 11 AM on the first and third Thursdays from April to October.

Different from your average shopping mall, Deer Park Town Center in Deer Park, IL, is an open-air lifestyle center providing you with leisurely amenities in addition to some of the best shopping and dining in Illinois. Deer Park Town Center features a variety of pet-friendly stores, as well as outdoor space.

Skokie Northshore Sculpture Park in Skokie, IL, is a pet-friendly park featuring a variety of sculptures and art installations. Leashed dogs are welcome to join you for a walk on one of the trails or a picnic at the picnic shelters.

The Chicago Lakefront Trail is a multi-use trail that's a great place to walk Fido in Chicago! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Chicago Lakefront Trail. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has generously provided map data for this trail to Bring Fido for informational purposes only. For more detailed trail information, please visit TrailLink.com.

Techny Prairie Park and Fields in Northbrook, IL, is pet friendly. Bring your leashed dog along for a walk at this park district park which is within walking distance of Northbrook Metra and downtown. Here, you'll find a golf course loop and detention pond loop with beautiful prairie vistas. There are human toilets along the way. Don't forget to clean up any mess left behind by your pooch.

Printer's Row Brewing offers pet-friendly outdoor seating in Chicago, IL. Bring Fido along while you enjoy house-brewed ales in a variety of styles at one of the tables on the partially-shaded front patio. Popular options include the Bookbinder Blonde, 81 West IPA and Cannonball Porter.

Schiller Woods is a dog-friendly pond and park located in Schiller Park, IL, on the Des Plaines Trail. Fido is welcome to join you, as long as he remains on-leash at all times. This park offers multiple picnic groves, hiking, bicycling, and cross-country skiing. Please note that dogs are not allowed on the Model Airplane Flying Field, on the property.

Moraine Dog Beach and Park in Highland Park, IL, is a seasonal dog beach where Fido can run and play in the water. To visit Moraine Dog Beach & Park you must register at Heller Nature Center, 2821 Ridge Road, with proof of license and rabies vaccination. Be sure to check their website in advance for closures and alerts.

Belmont Harbor Dog Friendly Area is a small fenced beach for dogs in Chicago, IL. You can bring Fido with you to enjoy the sand and have a paddle. This pet-friendly area is popular among visitors to the area who want to enjoy a beach with their dog.

Community Bark West at Community Park West in Glenview, IL, is a 6-acre off-leash park with electronic key entry, benches, shade, and a separate small-dog area. Park passes are available to residents and nonresidents on a first-come, first-served basis until the 1,000-dog maximum is reached. Dogs are welcome in the surrounding park area, as long as they are leashed. The dog park is closed for maintenance on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

Bo's Run in Hoffman Estates, IL, is a fully fenced off-leash dog park that includes water, agility equipment, benches and a keypad entry. There are 2-acres of field for dogs to enjoy with 5-foot tall fences. The park also features separate areas for small and large dogs. Memberships are required for entry and can be purchased online.

Pets will love to play off-leash at Duck Farm Dog Park, a fenced dog park in Lake Villa, IL. The 48-acre park features wetlands, fields and grass trails. Toilets and drinking fountains are available for your convenience. A permit is required and can be purchased online.

Puptown at Margate Park in Chicago, IL, is an off-leash area that attracts a loyal local crowd. You can bring Fido with you to enjoy the area and socialize with other pups who are enjoying the fenced-in section. Make sure you clean up any mess that your pooch leaves behind.

Unleash a new adventure for you and Fido by visiting Bosly's Backyard, a dog-friendly indoor play space in the Ravenswood neighborhood in Chicago. Bosly's Backyard is a new concept in dog exercise designed to promote physical & cognitive development, and to strengthen the bond with your dog through a shared one-on-one experience. Private play sessions can be booked for a duration of 30, 45, or 60 minutes, allowing Fido uninterrupted off-leash exercise and enrichment in 2400 square feet of space. Bosly's Backyard has a variety of exciting and engaging agility equipment and toys for Fido to utilize during your session. You are also welcome to bring Fido's favorite toys or treats from home. Secure a buddy pass for Fido's best friend so they too can play in a safe environment. Start planning Fido's next birthday party at Bosly's Backyard, or schedule a time to celebrate your dog's gotcha day or other special occasion!

Buffalo Creek Brewing is pet-friendly. Located in Long Grove, a town settled by German immigrants, this brewery takes influence from Bavarian breweries, although they have a variety of modern brews on tap as well. Bring your leashed dog to the taproom, hang out in the biergarten, on the patio or on the lawn.

Macushla Brewing Co. is a dog-friendly brewery in Glenview, IL. Leashed dogs are welcome in the taproom and on the patio. There is a wide range of beers to choose from including lagers, blondes, IPAs, stouts, etc. Food can be purchased from Hackney's or Flaco's Tacos, both of which are next door.

Dogs are welcome indoors and outdoors at Harbor Brewing Company in Lake Villa, IL. This pet-friendly brewery and taproom offers a weekly rotation of craft brews on tap. Wine, cider and cocktails are also available. Outside food is welcome and food delivery is encouraged with to-go menus of local eateries available at the taproom. Follow their social media for updated events, including dog contests, current beer lists and visiting food trucks.

Mikerphone Brewing is a family-owned craft brewery in Elk Grove Village, IL. This pet-friendly taproom welcomes your furry friend both indoors and outdoors. Drawing inspiration from music and flavor, Mikerphone Brewing creates high-quality, small-batch beers—ranging from timeless classics to bold, boundary-pushing styles. Be sure to check their schedule for food trucks that are available on select days.

Prairie Wolf Dog Park in Lake Forest, IL is a 44-acre pet-friendly area which is ideal for off-leash play. The spacious fully-fenced park has different terrain and the surrounding area features walking trails and a pond for pups to enjoy during their visit. A Lake Forest County dog park permit is required to access Prairie Wolf Dog Park. This area can become muddy after heavy rainfall.