Chicago winters can be brutal, but a bevy of fun cold weather activities make it bearable: one of these being the seasonal ice skating rinks that pop up around the city. Keep reading for a round-up of the best ice skating spots throughout Chicago.
1. Maggie Daley Park’s Ice Rink
First, we have Maggie Daley Park’s Skating Ribbon. Right next to Millennium Park, the curving rink offers a whimsical spot to glide across the ice. Rent skates and dash around amongst pine trees and Christmas music galore. The ribbon is actually twice the length of a normal skating rink. Make your reservations here.
Address: 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago IL 60601
2. Hyde Park’s Midway Plaisance Skating Rink
Head to Hyde Park’s Midway Plaisance skating rink– and go back in history to the site of Chicago’s 1893 World Fair. Placed right between both Washington and Jackson Parks, the rink also hosts skating lessons and hockey games too. Free admission means no ticket fee, with dates starting in November.
Address: 1130 Midway Plaisance, Chicago, IL 60637
3. McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
There’s also the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink open from November 18th to March 5th. This is a can’t-miss opportunity to show off your best skate moves. Located in Millennium Park, the downtown rink shows off incredible views of the city decked out in holiday lights and festive cheer. Admission is free but a reservation is required beforehand.
Go on and rent a pair of skates when you get there, and hit the rink for a prime view of Cloud Gate. Find more info here
Address: 1 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60602
4. Peninsula Chicago Hotel’s “Sky Rink”
The Sky Rink, located on the 4th floor of a hotel offers a prime skating rink with a view of the city. Located at the Peninsula Chicago Hotel, soar to great heights on this fourth-floor terrace overlooking Michigan Ave. The Sky Rink also has a full outdoor menu filled with hot beverages to keep you warm, and seasonal bites to keep you fueled. Admission tickets do include skates, making it $20 for adults, and $10 for kids with fees benefiting local children’s charities.
Address: 108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
5. Mt. Greenwood Ice Rink
Go on over to Mt. Greenwood Park in the Beverly neighborhood for a top-notch place to learn how to ice skate. Usually, you can find free lesson times on schedule or hockey teams warming up for a game. The rink is free to the public with skate rentals available as well.
Address: 3721 W 111th St, Chicago, IL 60655
6. Skating Rink at Midway Plaisance
Back in 1893, during the World’s Columbian Exposition, Midway Plaisance Park was packed with amusement rides and plenty of flair. Located in Hyde Park, the Midway Plaisance has a special-use facility with an 83 acre ice skating rink in winter. Nowadays, the park is as good connector between Jackson and Washington Park, and during the holiday season, sets up a nice ice skating rink for all the winter fun. Skate rentals are $7, and the rink is typically open from November through February.
Address: 1130 Midway Plaisance, Chicago, IL 60637
7. Light Up The Lake at Navy Pier
Finally, there’s Light Up The Lake at Navy Pier, a newer indoor skating rink complete with large icy sculptures, a beer garden, a gift market, and plenty of kid-friendly activities. Starting in November, the indoor rink goes until January. Grab tickets for $13 and get a free ride on the Centennial Wheel!
Address: 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
8. Wentworth Park Ice Rink
If you’re over by Midway, there’s an ice skating rink right at Wentworth Park. Located just to the west of the airport, this skating rink is open five days a week with $7 skate rentals. Holiday hours begin November 26th from 12 PM to 7 PM. The outdoor rink is a great way to embrace the winter chill, and work up a sweat zipping around the rink.
Address: 5625 S Mobile Ave. Chicago IL 60638
9. McKinley Park Ice Rink
Located off South Western Avenue Boulevard, the McKinley Park ice rink is an annual tradition standing on a former horse track. Usually an open green space in Brighton Park, the seasonal ice rink rents out skates for $7 and is typically located at the intersection between Western Boulevard and West Pershing Road. Holiday hours start November 26th according to the Chicago Park District.
Address: 2210 W. Pershing Rd. Chicago, IL 60609
10. Winterland at Gallagher Way
Lace up your ice skates and zoom around the iconic baseball field this winter. Starting November 17th, the annual holiday event that is bringing ice skating to the ballpark with a 12,000-square-foot ice rink. Rent skates and hit the ice before taking part in games, rides, and a train adventure. Or, if you’re feeling like a dare devil, go ride the bumper cars for a high-speed moment. There’s dinner reservations available at the oh-so-cozy restaurant, The Lodge, which is complete with fire pits to help you thaw. Ice skating tickets are 3 tickets for $12 with rink access, or $20 for 5 tickets with rink access and skate rentals.
Address: 3637 N Clark St. Chicago, 60613
So grab your skates and get going! Most rinks are open mid-November through March, weather permitting.
[Featured image from Shutterstock]