Calumet Dog Friendly Area is a fenced off-leash space inside Calumet Park at 9801 South Avenue G in Chicago’s East Side community area. The compact dog area has a hard play surface, mature shade nearby and a single combined enclosure rather than separate small- and large-dog sections.
Plan your visit
- Official name: Calumet Dog Friendly Area.
- Address: 9801 S. Avenue G, Chicago, IL 60617.
- Hours: The Chicago Park District lists Calumet Park as open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Follow any temporary closure or narrower hours posted at the dog-area gate.
- Dog area: One fenced combined off-leash enclosure.
- Permit: Every dog needs a current Chicago Dog Friendly Area permit and registration tag.
- Parking: Calumet Park has parking near its lakefront facilities, but spaces can fill during beach events and warm weekends.
Find the dog park entrance
Use the official Calumet Park address on South Avenue G, then follow signs for the Dog Friendly Area inside the larger 181-acre lakefront park. Some directions may place the dog enclosure closer to South Crilly Drive. Keep your dog leashed through the larger park and until both of you are safely inside the fenced area.
Open directions to Calumet Dog Friendly Area. Because the street address serves the wider park, allow extra time on a first visit and follow posted facility signs.
Surface, fencing and water
Chicago Park District capital records show that the Calumet dog area was completed in 2018. The existing park photo shows a secure chain-link enclosure, gate, mature trees and shade over portions of the hard play surface.
Visitor sources report water access, but the official facility page does not publish a fountain operating schedule. Bring a bowl and backup water. Check the hard surface for heat, rubber pieces or debris before active play.
What park goers say
Park goers often describe Calumet as peaceful, clean, convenient and less crowded than many city dog areas. Visitors appreciate the neighborhood setting, mature trees and access to the wider lakefront park.
Other visitors note that the enclosure is small, the field house may not match posted building hours, and beach traffic can make parking difficult during summer events. One review also mentioned loose rubber pieces on the surface. These are visitor reports rather than a check of today’s conditions, so inspect the enclosure and bring your own water.
Rules before you enter
Chicago Park District rules require owners to remain with and watch their dogs, keep gates closed, clean up waste and leash dogs before entering and after leaving. Food for people or dogs is prohibited inside Dog Friendly Areas.
Each person may bring no more than three dogs. Puppies under four months, female dogs in heat and dogs with known dangerous behavior are prohibited. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Carry the required permit for every dog and keep the current registration tag on the dog’s collar or harness.
Before you go
Check the official Calumet Dog Friendly Area page, the Calumet Park page and hours, and the Chicago Dog Friendly Areas rules and permit page.
Last researched September 1, 2026. Posted hours, parking, water availability and surface conditions can change.
