Photo Credit: Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
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 is outdoor ice skating. Luckily, there’s no shortage of rinks to lace up your skates and hit the ice. Here are our favorites in the city and suburbs.
In the City
Chicago Park District Community Rinks
When: Nov. 16 to mid-March
Where: Various locations in the city
Admission: Free
Skate rentals: $7
Skate away at seven 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. Here are the following community rinks:
- Midway Plaisance Ice Rink: 1130 Midway Plaisance North, Chicago
- McKinley Ice Rink: 2210 W. Pershing Rd., Chicago
- Mt. Greenwood Ice Rink: 3721 W. 111th St, Chicago
- Riis Ice Rink: 6100 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago
- Rowan Ice Rink: 11546 S. Avenue L, Chicago
- Warren Ice Rink: 6601 N. Western Ave., Chicago
- Wentworth Ice Rink: 5625 S. Mobile Ave., Chicago
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park
When: Nov. 16 to March 10 (weather permitting)
Where: Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago
Admission: Free
Skate rentals: $13-15
A winter tradition for more than 10,000 skaters annually, ice skating at Millennium Park is about as beautiful as it gets. Enjoy free skating lessons every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, one hour before the rink opens. Special programming (speed skating demos, Noodle Hockey, ice dance demos) will be offered during Chicago Public School's winter break (Dec. 22-Jan. 6).
Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park
When: Nov. 16 to mid-March (weather permitting)
Where: 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago
Admission: Free
Skate rentals: $13-15
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.
Wicker ICE
When: Dec. 1 to Feb. 28
Where: 1425 N. Damen Ave., Chicago
Admission: Free
Skate rentals: None (must bring own skates)
The only community-funded and maintained ice rink in the city, this charming neighborhood rink features scheduled activities including hockey, family skating and kids-only sessions.
The Rink at Gallagher Way
When: Nov. 23 to Jan. 27
Where: 3637 N. Clark St., Chicago
Admission: $5, free for skaters 12 and under
Skate rentals: $10
With historic Wrigley Field and seasonal Chriskindlmarket as a backdrop, spend a day skating in the heart of the reinvented Wrigleyville neighborhood.
The Peninsula Sky Rink
When: Nov. 17 to early March
Where: The Peninsula Hotel, 108 E. Superior St., Chicago
Admission: Free
Skate rentals: $20 adults, $10 children
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.
In the Suburbs
Brookfield Zoo
When: Through Jan. 27
Where: 8400 West 31st Street, Brookfield
Admission: $7
Skate rentals: $5
An addition to the holiday activities at Brookfield Zoo, guests can now enjoy a new ice rink located on the East Mall. The surface is made of "Glice," an eco-friendly synthetic material that does not require water or electricity to maintain. Brookfield has become just the third zoo in America to install a Glice rink.
RELATED: New ice rink at Brookfield Zoo fun in any weather
Ice Skating in the Commons
When: Dec. 2 to Jan. 6
Where: 1 Veterans Parkway, New Lennox
Admission: Free
Skate rentals: $5.50
Enjoy outdoor ice skating as part of the New Lennox annual “Christmas in the Commons” celebration, featuring a holiday market, lights display and the largest illuminated Santa Claus in the U.S.
Parkway Bank Park
When: Nov. 23 to Feb. 24
Where: 5501 Park Place, Rosemont
Admission: Free
Skate rentals: $8
The courtyard of this entertainment district is transformed into an NHL-sized rink adorned with hundreds of twinkling lights. Skate with characters in December with their weekly "Characters on Ice" program. Some of our favorites include The Incredibles, Wonder Woman, Superman and Disney princesses.
Watts Center at Watts Park
When: Nov. 23 to March 3
Where: 305 Randolph Ave., Glencoe
Admission: $8 adults, $6 children
Skate rentals: $4
Watts Center boasts not one but two large outdoor lighted skating rinks with an adjacent sledding hill the kiddos will love. A great option for skating newbies, Watts offers a variety of learn-to-skate programs for kids starting at age three.
Westfield Old Orchard
When: All season (weather permitting)
Where: 4905 Old Orchard Center, Skokie
Admission: $10
Skate rentals: $5
Outdoor ice skating isn't just for winter anymore. Indoor Ice Rinks is located in front of Bloomingdale's all year long. Stay tuned for special events this season from a Black Friday Beach Party (20 percent off all skate rentals) to Skate and Screen with Santa.
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink in Orland Park
When: Dec. 1 to Feb. 24
Where: 15600 West Avenue, Orland Park
Admission: Free
Skate rentals: $3
This outdoor ice rink provides endless fun for the entire family. In addition to the rink, the location offers a warming house, skate rental, bonfires and family-friendly activities.
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