As Chicagoans, we might grumble about winter year-round, but once the snow falls, we embrace the season with outdoor activities that make our city special. Outdoor ice skating ranks high as a favorite winter pastime.
Thankfully, Chicagoland boasts plenty of rinks where you can bundle up, lace up your skates, and hit the ice. Here are the best outdoor ice skating rinks in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
This article was updated on Nov. 4, 2024 by Chicago Parent’s Assistant Editor, Nikki Roberts. Questions? Please email nikki@chicagoparent.com.
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. 23, 2024-Jan. 26, 2025
- 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. 23, 2024 through Jan. 26, 2025. 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.
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!
Outdoor ice skating rinks near me
Outdoor ice skating rinks in Chicagoland
The Peninsula Sky Rink
Open select days from Nov. 22-30, 2024. Check their website for additional dates.
- Address: The Peninsula Hotel, 108 E. Superior St., Chicago
- Admission: Free
- Skate rentals: $20, $10 for kids ages 12 and under
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
- Address: 3637 N. Clark St., Chicago
- Admission: $5
- Skate rentals and access: $20
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
Nov. 15, 2024-March 9, 2025
- Address: 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago
- Admission: Free
- Skate rentals: $17-$23
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
- Address: Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago
- Admission: Free
- Skate rentals: $16-20
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 March 2025
- 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:
- McKinley Ice Rink: 2210 W. Pershing Road, Chicago
- Midway Plaisance Ice Rink: 1130 Midway Plaisance North, Chicago
- Mt. Greenwood Ice Rink: 3721 W. 111th St., Chicago
- Warren Ice Rink: 6601 N. Western Ave., Chicago
- Wentworth Ice Rink: 5625 S. Mobile Ave., Chicago
Ice Skating in the Commons
2024-2025 dates TBA
- Address: 1 Veterans Parkway, New Lennox
- Admission: Free
- Skate rentals: 2024 pricing TBA
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.
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