Dog-Friendly Activities in Newark, IL

There are 33 dog-friendly activities within 40 kilometers of Newark. Use the links below to get an overview of each one, see pictures, print directions, and even read reviews from other dog owners. Coming from out of town? Get a discounted rate on pet friendly hotels in Newark.

Shabbona Lake State Park

Shabbona, IL

Shabbona Lake State Park Open year round, Shabbona Lake State Park is a dog-friendly natural attraction located in Shabbona, IL. The very best activity for Fido is accompanying you on a scenic hike along 8 miles of trail throughout the park. Shabbona Lake contains a 15 acre seasonal nesting area for migratory waterfowl, and hunting also takes place seasonally, so Fido must be kept on a leash and under control at all times. Pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the view from one of three picnic shelters; Shabbona Grove, Three Fires, or The Somonauk Point. The man-made fishing lake is 318 acres and stocked with many species of fish such as smallmouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and walleye. Fido can be beside you when fishing from shore, but must be leashed. Swimming and wading is strictly prohibited at Shabbona Lake, and this also applies to Fido. See Details

Gregory Island Dog Park

North Aurora, IL

Gregory Island Dog Park Gregory Island Dog Park, nestled along Indian Trail just west of Route 25, offers ample space for both small dogs (35 pounds and under) and larger breeds (35 pounds and over) to stretch their legs and play. Situated amidst the picturesque backdrop of the Fox River on either side, the park ensures a scenic environment for furry friends to enjoy. It's worth mentioning that while larger breeds have access to the water from their side, this section lacks a perimeter fence. See Details

Tag-A-Long Dog Park

Morris, IL

Tag-A-Long Dog Park Tag-A-Long Dog Park, located on 10 acres in Morris, IL, is a fenced park featuring separate areas for small and large dogs to enjoy some off-leash exercise. Amenities include shade, benches and a covered shelter with one picnic table. There's also a dog wash station and lights to continue playing into the evening. See Details

Lincoln Dog Park

Aurora, IL

Lincoln Dog Park Lincoln Dog Park is a pet-friendly park in Aurora, IL. The park is fully fenced and equipped with shady trees, doggy water fountains, benches for humans, and plenty of space for a game of fetch. A permit is required to use the park. See Details

Stuart Sports Complex Dog Park

Sugar Grove, IL

Stuart Sports Complex Dog Park Fido can run and play at Stuart Sports Complex Dog Park in Aurora, IL. This 15-acre dog park features separate small and large dog areas, wetland and an agility course for your pup to enjoy. See Details

Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area

Morris, IL

Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area Dogs are welcome at Goose Lake Prairie State Natural Area in Morris, IL, where you can experience a taste of the past among the scenic prairie surroundings. The area is described as still looking like it did 160 years ago, covered in tall prairie grasses and flowering plants. You can bring Fido with you on one of the many trails. There are seven miles of pet-friendly trails to choose from, including the Tall Grass Nature Trail and Prairie View Trail, stretching for 3.5 miles through farm and marshland. See Details

Blain's Farm & Fleet

Montgomery, IL

Blain's Farm & Fleet Blain's Farm & Fleet is a dog-friendly store in Montgomery, IL. They sell a variety of home improvement, lawn and outdoors supplies. Dog, cat and small animal pet supplies are also available. See Details

Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area

Yorkville, IL

Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area The pet-friendly Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area in Yorkville, IL, spans 1,350 acres and is named after its natural spring. Visitors can enjoy the park's majestic oaks, prairie grasslands, and the scenic Fox River, along with small manmade lakes. The area offers activities like picnicking, fishing, hiking, and winter sports, making it an ideal destination for both exercise and nature enthusiasts. Dogs are welcome as long as they're leashed and cleaned up after. See Details

Phillips Park Dog Park

Aurora, IL

Phillips Park Dog Park Phillips Park Dog Park in Aurora, IL, is a 3-acre gated facility that offers dogs a place to play, with a separate "time out" area for excited pups to wind down. The park also features agility equipment. See Details

River Run Dog Park

Ottawa, IL

River Run Dog Park Located at the Heritage Harbor community in Ottawa, IL, River Run Dog Park offers ample room for dogs to enjoy some off-leash fun. The fenced park is divided into two separate areas, one for small pups and one for larger canines 30 pounds and over. Waste bags and disposal stations are provided for your convenience. See Details

Abbey Farms

Aurora, IL

Abbey Farms Abbey Farms is a dog-friendly attraction in Aurora, IL. Leashed dogs are welcome in the market and Fido can go with you to select the perfect pumpkin or Christmas tree. However, Fido will have to sit out when you walk through the corn maze, go on a hayride or visit the petting zoo. The farm store and café is ready with sweet treats and hot beverages. See Details

Illini State Park

Marseilles, IL

Illini State Park Leashed dogs are allowed at Illini State Park in Marseilles, IL, where families often gather for hikes and picnics. You and Fido are welcome to explore this pet-friendly natural space that's home to a variety of wildlife. When you're done exploring the wooded trails and taking in the scenic river views, you can have a rest at one of the picnic areas like River Meadows, adjacent to the Illinois River. See Details

Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area

Shabbona, IL

Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area Shabbona Lake State Recreation Area in Shabbona, IL, is dog friendly. They welcome pets and their owners to hang out around this 318-acre man-made fishing lake. In addition to the crystal lake that is hugely popular among anglers, landlubbers will love the grass-covered meadows, upland mesic woods, bottomland woods, and the native, undisturbed fen located in the park. You can explore this varied landscape on the eight miles of scenic hiking trails that weave around the area. There are also three picnic areas that can be enjoyed by dogs and their owners. See Details

Gebhard Woods State Park

Morris, IL

Gebhard Woods State Park Dogs are welcome at Gebhard Woods State Park in Morris, IL, one of Illinois' most popular and pet-friendly parks. The 30-acres that make up Gebhard Woods are bordered on the south by the Illinois & Michigan Canal and to the north by Nettle Creek. There are lots of luscious trees that share the area, including walnut, oak, ash, maple, sycamore, hawthorn, and cottonwood, contributing to the diversified landscape you'll witness when you're snacking in one of the five picnic areas dotted around the park. You and Fido will be pleased to know that just over a footbridge from the park is the Illinois & Michigan Canal trail, a 61 mile trail on the old canal towpath that weaves alongside plenty of varied and beautiful landscape. See Details

Dayton Bluffs Preserve

Ottawa, IL

Dayton Bluffs Preserve Dayton Bluffs Preserve is a pet-friendly conservation area in Ottawa, IL. Bring Fido with you while you explore some of the 150 acres of woodlands and 100 acres of native prairie grassland. There are seven trails in the preserve, all of which are labeled with signage describing distance and level of difficulty. Picnic areas, benches and points of interest are also scattered throughout, making it a great all-day activity for you and your pup to enjoy. Please remember to leash and clean up after your pet. See Details

Hey Sweetie

Ottawa, IL

Hey Sweetie Hey Sweetie in downtown Ottawa, IL, is pet friendly. This local candy and ice cream shop invites two- and four-legged companions inside to browse through a variety of sweet treats such as cotton candy, popcorn, truffles, ice cream and freeze-dried candy, then enjoy them at a seasonal table outside on the sidewalk. Don't forget to ask for a treat for Fido! See Details

US Ghost Adventures Aurora

Aurora, IL

US Ghost Adventures Aurora Bring Fido on the US Ghost Adventures top-rated, pet-friendly ghost tour running all year round in Aurora, IL. Walk approximately 1 mile with expert guides through haunted highlights like Aurora Regional Fire Museum, Fox River, Paramount Theatre, and Hotel Aurora. Outdoor only, leashed pups welcome. Perfect for private groups, bachelorettes, and special events—book now if you dare! See Details

Richard Young Forest Preserve

Yorkville, IL

Richard Young Forest Preserve Leashed dogs are welcome to join their owners at Richard Young Forest Preserve in Yorkville, IL. This pet-friendly recreation area features a moderately challenging, 1.3-mile loop trail that visitors can complete while taking in views of the peaceful forest. See Details

Virgil L. Gilman Trail

Oswego, IL

Virgil L. Gilman Trail The Virgil L. Gilman Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Oswego! The map below shows a parking area with convenient access to the Virgil L. Gilman 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. See Details

Virgil L. Gilman Trail

Aurora, IL

Virgil L. Gilman Trail The Virgil L. Gilman Trail is one of 1600 rail-trails supported by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that is working to create a nationwide network of trails from former rail lines and connecting corridors. Previously an unused railroad corridor, this "rail-trail" is now a great place to walk Fido in Aurora! The map below shows a trailhead where you can pick up the Virgil L. Gilman 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. See Details