Introduction:
Hey, everyone! To all the dog lovers out there who are worried about being bored this summer, do not fret! People aren’t the only ones to get bored, though. Dogs do, too! That’s why this article will have some great spots for owners to take their dogs to. Many of these locations are in Chicago; thankfully, the Metra is within a two mile radius of everyone that lives in Elmwood Park, so for no more than seven dollars anyone can be right on their way to Union Station! Dogs deserve a fun lifestyle filled with surprises! Read on to learn more about these special spots.
State Parks
On a nice windy but warm day, it’s always a nice idea to go on a hike! Not only does one get their steps in, but they get to experience nature’s finest, whether it’s trees, hills, rocks, or rivers! Not only are these hikes fun for people, but dogs are welcome as well! Everyone’s precious puppies love getting out into the wild and stretching their legs. Starved Rock, Shawnee National Forest, Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, Thatcher Woods Forest Preserve, and Schiller Woods are some great places to go on hikes with dogs!
Dog Parks
Remember going to the playground as a child, playing fun games, meeting new people, and just having a great time? Well dogs can have that exact same experience! Meeting other playful pups, running around playing fetch, or experimenting on the dog park equipment can all be fun! Some lovely dog parks near Illinois are Jackson Bark, Prairie Wolf Dog Park, Lakewood Dog Park, K-9 Dog Park, or even Fred Anderson Dog Park!
Beaches
On those hot summer days, what better activity to do than jump into the cool lake water at the beach?! Get some sun rays on the sand, build castles, or swim around! This doesn’t only have to be a human activity, however. Montrose Dog Beach is the absolute perfect spot to take a dog for a swim!
Stores
Sometimes, the best way to relieve stress is a nice trip to the mall! Dogs are also a great stress reliever, so why not bring them with? Nordstrom in Chicago and Oak Brook mall are two dog friendly places to shop! While Oak Brook the dogs aren’t allowed inside the stores, they can still come and window shop. Yorktown and Deer Park are another couple of malls where you can “Bring Fido”!
Restaurants
Food is always fun, so why not bring a fluffy friend along as well?! There are plenty of dog friendly restaurant options such as Big Star, Wishbone, The Bad Apple, Adobo Grill, and Tapas Valencia. Also, a dog friendly drive through is Starbucks and they even serve free Puppuccinos for dogs to enjoy. Yum!
Conclusion
Whether it’s just a nice day for the park, the sun is shining and the beach is calling, dinner’s approaching and stomachs are growling, the weather is cool and perfect for hiking, or even a little shopping spree is necessary, there are always places for a puppy pal to come with! Hopefully the dogs of Elmwood Park get to stretch their legs on these fun adventures. Enjoy and have a great summer!
Works Cited
https://www.bringfido.com/restaurant/city/chicago_il_us/
https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/city/chicago_il_us/
https://www.bringfido.com/attraction/trails/state/illinois/