Places to take your pup during the dog days of summer

With this summer coming late and full of damp, cool days, we all have to embrace the nice weather while it's here. Luckily when you head out to get some sun and stretch your legs, there are plenty of opportunities to take your favorite four-legged friend along.

From a pup-friendly Chicago River cruise to a canine carnival in Palatine, we've sniffed out a few activities and places where your pooch is not only welcome he's an honored guest. And don't forget to check with your local pool or beach: Several open their gates to dogs for a last-day swim before they close for the summer.

• Evanston Dog Beach, Church Street and Sheridan Road, Evanston, (847) 866-2900; cityofevanston.org/dogbeach

When: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily through October

Price: Season passes are $50 for residents, $100 for nonresidents

Does your pooch like to doggy paddle? The off-leash beach lets dogs mingle, dig in the sand (so long as you fill the hole up after they're done) and take a dip in Lake Michigan.

• Mondays & Me at the Hyatt Lodge at McDonald's Campus, 2815 Jorie Blvd., Oak Brook, (630) 472-5671

When: 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Oct. 7

Price: $27 per month, $16 for Healthscape Fitness Center & Spa members

If you find taking your dog for a walk relaxing, Healthscape Fitness Center's Canine Membership package will help you get rid of even more stress. The price includes weekly walks in the woods surrounding the hotel and a bandanna, treats and some training tips for your pooch. You'll also receive a fitness assessment, two visitor passes (which get you access to the spa's gym, pool, sauna and exercise classes) and the member rate for all spa services.

• Mercury Canine Cruise at Riverside Gardens, 112 E. Wacker Drive, Chicago, (312) 332-1353; mercuryskylinecruiseline.com

When: 10 a.m. Sundays through Sept. 27

Price: $23, $10 for kids ages 3-11; $7 for dogs; free for kids under age 3

Dogs of all sizes are welcome on a 90-minute Chicago River cruise. Guides point out the city's landmarks and describe their architecture and history, along with providing some added information like the location of dog parks and canine-friendly spots. The ride includes water bowls, a newspaper-lined restroom and dog treats throughout. If your pooch was well-behaved on the trip, you can get an extra reward down the dock at Cyrano's Riverside Café. The restaurant serves up a $5 four-course doggy menu with dishes that look good enough that even human mouths might water.

• Quigley's Irish Pub, 43 E. Jefferson St., Naperville, (630) 428-4774; quigleysirishpub.com

When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday; weather permitting

Price: No cover

Your pooch doesn't have to be an Irish setter to be welcome on the bar's patio. Water is always provided and dogs are sometimes given treats. Or, you can just share bites of your burger. Many other restaurants and bars allow pets to sit outside - just check before you go.

• Dog Day on the Green at Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive, Chicago, (312) 747-1285; dogdayonthegreen.com

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 2

Price: Free

Taking place on the grounds outside Soldier Field, Dog Day lets pet owners can have some fun with their dogs while learning a lot more about canine behavior and health. The event includes a fashion show, an agility course, a canine costume contest, a dancing with dogs demonstration, a dog-owner look-alike contest, live rock music and kids' activities. An education tent lets you chat with trainers and vets, get some safety tips for handling dogs, learn about proper grooming and find out how to make your own dog treats. Vendors will sell food and pet accessories.

• Dog Days at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton, (630) 668-5161; cantigny.org

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 8

Price: Free

The park opens to dogs for one day, offering a special pet play area, performances by the Windy City K-9 Disc Club's highflying dogs and a demonstration of how police K-9 units train service dogs. You can also learn about volunteer opportunities and get information about 18 dog rescue and service organizations.

• Paws and Flow Dog Yoga and Socialization Class at Lakeshore Athletic Club Illinois Center, 211 N. Stetson Ave., Chicago, (312) 616-9000 ext. 221; lsac.com

When: Noon Aug. 15

Price: $25, free for gym members and for the first session

Along with some exercise for you, Paws and Flow provides a more relaxed way for dogs to mingle than the chaos of dog parks. Classes start with 10 minutes of socialization to let the animals get familiar with one another. Then the 45-minute class features stretching: This is mostly for people but some partner stretches include having you position yourself one way while the dog stretches in the other direction. The session finishes with a little dog massage and some playtime.

• Mutt & Movie Night at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine, (847) 991-0333; palatineparks.org

When: 8:15 p.m. Aug. 21

Price: Free

You may have spent plenty of nights at home watching DVDs with your dog, but when was the last time you went out for dinner and a movie together? Bring a picnic for an outdoor screening of "Lady and the Tramp," the beloved animated classic. Dogs must stay on the leash.

• Canine Carnival at Fred P. Hall Amphitheater, 262 E. Palatine Road, Palatine, (847) 991-0333; palatineparks.org

When: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 10

Price: $5 per dog, $1 per additional person. Registration required.

At this festival designed specifically for dogs, attractions include body painting, raffles and games for people and pets. Participants get photos with their pets.

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