Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Chicago and Suburbs

Hit the rinks for family fun that's totally cool.

Let’s face it, as Chicagoans, we love to complain about winter all year round. But come snow season, we can’t help but embrace the chilly temps with all of the fun outdoor activities that the city is known for.

Perhaps the most popular winter activity is outdoor ice skating. We love dressing up in our warm coats and spinning around on ice rinks with the city skyline in the background. Kids love to join in on the ice skating fun, too!

Luckily, there’s no shortage of rinks to lace up your skates and hit the ice. Here are our favorite outdoor ice skating rinks in the city and suburbs.

City

The Peninsula Sky Rink

Through Dec. 31, 2023

One of the best-kept winter secrets, the Peninsula Hotel offers an open-to-the-public fourth-floor rooftop ice skating rink overlooking the beauty of Michigan Avenue. All proceeds from the skate rentals benefit the following Chicago charities: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Hephzibah Children’s Association.

The Rink at Gallagher Way

Through Jan. 7, 2024

This year, head inside the historic Wrigley Field to spend a day skating and enjoy other holiday activities in the heart of the Wrigleyville neighborhood.

Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park

Through March 10, 2024

At a quarter mile long, this unique venue looks like a lazy river of ice. Twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink, the ribbon — which also features changes in elevation — can hold up to 700 skaters at once. 

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park

Through March 3, 2024

A winter tradition for more than 10,000 skaters annually, ice skating at Millennium Park is about as beautiful as it gets. Free skating lessons (reservations required) will also be offered on most Saturdays and Sundays.

Chicago Park District Community Rinks

Through Feb. 20, 2024

  • Admission: Free (Pre-registration required)
  • Skate rentals: $7

Skate away at outdoor rinks that offer frozen fun throughout the city. Most rinks provide special programming (skating lessons, hockey clinics, sled-assisted skating) for an additional fee. Skate at one of the following community rinks:

Suburbs

Ice Skating in the Commons

Through Jan. 7, 2024

Enjoy outdoor ice skating as part of the New Lennox annual “Christmas in the Commons” celebration, featuring a holiday market, lights display and one of the largest illuminated Santa Claus in the United States.

Parkway Bank Park

Through Jan. 8, 2024 (Select days)

The courtyard of this entertainment district is transformed into an NHL-sized rink adorned with hundreds of twinkling lights.


Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.

- Advertisement -

LATEST STORIES

Soar to Wild Heights on the New Brookfield Zoo Ferris Wheel

Through 2024, guests can ride a 130-foot-tall Ferris wheel in celebration of the zoo’s 90th anniversary.

See the Elementary School District 159 2023-2024 Academic Calendar

Find all the important dates on the Burbank School District 111 calendar.

Top Summer Camps for Chicagoland Kids

Brought to you by Chicago Parent advertisers

Satisfy Your Cravings with the Best Tacos Near Tinley Park

Indulge in Tinley Park's diverse taco offerings, from authentic Mexican cuisine to innovative flavors.


- Advertisement -