Ice skating is one of Chicago’s favorite winter traditions, with options ranging from skyline views at Millennium Park to community rinks in local neighborhoods. Whether you’re looking for a free place to skate with your own skates or a destination rink with rentals and reservations, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season.
Here’s your quick guide: rinks open as early as Nov. 23 and run through mid-February, with costs ranging from free admission to about $23 per person. These listings include parking, age fit, accessibility, and rental notes so you can plan ahead.
Updated Dec. 1, 2025. All times and costs verified with event organizers. We’ll continue to refresh this roundup as new skating details are announced.
Outdoor ice skating rinks in Chicagoland
Sponsored: Chicago Wolves Ice Rink
This section is sponsored by Village of Rosemont to promote their Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at Parkway Bank Park.
Nov. 26, 2025-Jan. 25, 2026
Address: 5501 Park Place, Rosemont
Admission: Free
Skate rentals: $8
Oh what fun! Plan your families’ visit to Rosemont to enjoy free outdoor ice skating at Parkway Bank Park’s Chicago Wolves Ice Rink, Nov. 26, 2025 through Jan. 25, 2026. Admission is free and guests are invited to bring their own skates or rent on-site for only $8. Full hours and schedule can be found here.
2025-26 hours
Nov. 26-30
• 26 Open
• 27 Closed
• 28 Open
• 29 Open
• 30 Open
Regular hours (Nov. 26-30 & all season unless noted):
- Wed-Sat: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Closed Dec. 1-4
Dec. 5-21
- Fridays: 5-10 p.m.
- Saturdays: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Sundays: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Extended Skate (Dec. 22-Jan. 5)
- Mondays-Fridays: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Saturdays: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Sundays: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Holiday hours
- Thanksgiving (Nov. 27): Closed
- Christmas Eve (Dec. 24): 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Christmas Day (Dec. 25): 4-10 p.m.
- New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31): 11 a.m.-1 a.m. (fireworks at midnight)
- New Year’s Day (Jan. 1): 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
- MLK Day (Jan. 19): 4-9 p.m.
January open skate
- Jan. 4: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Jan. 11: 4-9 p.m.
- Jan. 19: 4-9 p.m.
- Jan. 25: 4-9 p.m.
Notes: Walk-up only; no reservations. For more information call 847-349-5008.
Enjoy several family-friendly holiday offerings available on Saturday, Nov. 23 leading up to the annual “Light Up The Park” tree lighting ceremony that evening!
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park
Families can skate in the heart of downtown Chicago with the city’s skyline and holiday tree as a backdrop. This rink is free to the public, making it one of the most popular winter traditions in the city. Skate rentals are available on-site, and the rink draws more than 100,000 skaters each season.
Nov. 21, 2025–early Feb. 2026
Plan It:
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Hours: Daily hours vary; typically mornings through evenings; check online for 2025–26 schedule
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Address: Millennium Park, Michigan Ave. between Washington and Madison streets, Chicago (accessible via multiple CTA bus and train routes; Metra Millennium Station nearby)
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Cost: Free admission; skate rentals available for a fee (pricing TBA)
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Parking: Paid parking garages nearby (Millennium Park Garage, Grant Park North/South); CTA and Metra access recommended
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Age fit: All ages
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Accessibility: Outdoor; stroller use not allowed on ice; accessible entry points; winter weather conditions; rink can be very crowded during peak hours and holidays
Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park
Families can lace up their skates and glide along the quarter-mile Ice Ribbon, winding through the park with views of the Chicago skyline. Kids will love the unique layout, while parents can enjoy the festive winter atmosphere. Advance reservations are strongly encouraged, as sessions often sell out.
Nov. 2025–Feb. 2026 (dates to be confirmed; check back in fall for opening announcement)
Plan It:
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Hours: Daily sessions 11 a.m.–1 p.m., 2–4 p.m., 5–7 p.m., and 8–10 p.m.; holiday schedules vary (Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day, New Year’s Eve)
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Address: Maggie Daley Park, 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago (just east of Millennium Park; accessible via CTA trains and buses)
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Cost: Mon–Thu: $17 online/$19 walkup with skate rental; free with your own skates (except holidays); Fri–Sun & holidays: $21 online/$23 walkup with rental; bring your own skates $5 (afternoon/evening sessions); children’s skates available starting at size 8; no half sizes
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Parking: Paid parking garages nearby (Millennium Park Garage, Grant Park North/South); accessible via CTA and Metra
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Age fit: All ages
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Accessibility: Outdoor; stroller use not allowed on ice; uneven winter conditions; loud music and crowds; tickets required for all skaters; advance reservations strongly recommended
Chicago Park District Community Rinks
Families can lace up their skates at outdoor rinks across Chicago, including Midway Plaisance, Warren Park, McKinley, Mt. Greenwood, and Wentworth. These neighborhood rinks reopen each winter, offering affordable fun for kids and parents looking to enjoy the season. Skate rentals are available at each location, and admission is typically free or low-cost.
Nov. 2025–Feb. 2026 (seasonal reopening)
Plan It:
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Hours: Daily hours vary by location; check each rink’s schedule online
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Address: Multiple locations: McKinley (2210 W. Pershing Rd.), Midway Plaisance (1130 Midway Plaisance North), Mt. Greenwood (3721 W. 111th St.), Warren Park (6601 N. Western Ave.), Wentworth (5625 S. Mobile Ave.)
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Cost: Admission generally free; skate rentals available for a fee (pricing TBA; varies by rink)
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Parking: Limited free parking lots or street parking at most rinks; accessible by CTA bus/train depending on location
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Age fit: All ages
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Accessibility: Outdoor; accessible paths of travel at rinks noted; stroller use not allowed on ice; weather conditions may affect skating; skate aids available at some rinks
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