These are the 5 Best Doggone Parks to Take Your Dog to This Summer

Hot diggity dog, summer is almost here and if our dogs are anything like us, they have a severe case of cabin fever; and while playtime at home in the backyard can be fun, dogs need to get out to socialize and exercise with other dogs.

Just ask my dogs; we live in a very small home with no place for them to play outside, so having a dog park nearby is a must if we want them to get out and get some much needed fresh air and doggy interaction. Here are the best dog parks to bring your dogs to this summer.

Getty Images/Wavebreak Media
Getty Images/Wavebreak Media
1
Canine Corners
Take your dogs off-leash to run and play at Canine Corners. They have three locations.
Elliot Park, 888 S. Lyford Road, Rockford
Olson Park, 7901 Harlem Road, Loves Park
Searls Park, 4950 Safford Road, Rockford
Season passes are available for residents for $40 ($48 non-resident) and it's $10 for each additional dog. You can also purchase a one-day "pooch pass" for $3 for your visitors that have a dog. Get more info here.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Getty Images/iStockphoto
2
Rover Run Dog Park
Your dog is a socialized creature (like you!) and Rover Run Dog park is a great place to let your dog off the leash to play, run and socialized.
It's located at Schoonmaker Park, 10500 Ventura Blvd, Machesney Park.
There's a registration fee for residents of $25 ($35 for non-residents) and additional dogs are $15 each. Owners must come to the office to register with a valid photo ID and current rabies tag. Get more info here.
Getty Images/iStockphoto
Getty Images/iStockphoto
3
Rock Cut Sport Dog Training Area
The Rock Cut Sport Training Dog Area is a great place for all dogs but it's primarily used to enhance the field performance of "sporting dogs". With it's tall prairie grass and running trails, it's the perfect place for your dog to run free with your supervision.
It's located near the Harlem Road entrance at 7318 Harlem Road, Loves Park.
The training area is open year round but your dog does need a permit. Applications are available from the Region office in Sterling, 815-625-2968. Get more info here.
Getty Images
Getty Images
4
Hammertime Unleashed
Your dog is going to love Hammertime Unleashed. The park is well thought out with double gates, separate areas for different dog needs and it has a pool. The wood stove in the shelter and the pond are kept up by awesome volunteers, too.
It's located at Beaver Bluff's Conservation Area, 603 N. Appleton Road, Belvidere.
You must purchase a yearly dog tag from the Boone County Conservation District. To learn more, click here.
Getty Images
Getty Images
5
Four Lakes Forest Preserve Dog Training Area
A lot like the Rock Cut State Park Training Area, the Four Lakes Forest Preserve Dog Training Area is a great place to take your dog and your family for play time. The dogs can run the fields while the kids do some fishing.
It's located at 10207 Fish Hatchery Road, Pecatonica.
Dogs must stay within the marked training boundaries and you're solely responsible for your dog and your dog's behavior. For more info click here.

Filed Under: Pets, Rockford, Summer, Summer fun

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