Ice skating is one of Chicago’s most essential winter activities, and rinks all around the city are getting ready to open for the season. Here’s everything you need to know about the best ice skating rinks in Chicago.
Ice Skating at the Maggie Daley Park ribbon
Maggie Daley Park’s quarter-mile skating ribbon is one of the best ice skating rinks in Chicago, offering the chance to glide and glimmer a 40-foot climbing wall in the heart of Chicago.
The rink curves up and down around pine trees, with the city’s stunning skyline providing a stunning backdrop.
Skates can be rented throughout the week, and the rink often announces free sessions, which usually take place on Mondays.
📲 Learn More: maggiedalypark.com.
📍Address: 337 E. Randolph St., Chicago
🗓️ Dates: Opens November 15, 2024
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is another of the most beloved rinks for ice skating in Chicago.
Located in Millennium Park, the rink sits just below the Bean, meaning you can enjoy incredible views of Chicago’s most famous landmark and the surrounding area while gliding around the rink.
There is also plenty of space for friends and family to look over the ice rink if they’re not keen on participating.
Admission is free, but a reservation is required beforehand.
📲 Learn More: millenniumparkfoundation.org.
📍Address: 1 N Michigan Ave, Chicago
🗓️ Dates: Open from November 17, 2024 – March 3, 2025.
Peninsula Chicago Hotel’s “Sky Rink”
The Peninsula Hotel’s iconic Sky Rink will officially open for its 12th season on November 22, offering a truly special skating experience above the Magnificent Mile.
Located on the 4th floor of what’s been named one of the best hotels on the planet, the Peninsula’s 2,100 sq ft hybrid rink is the only hotel skating rink in Chicago.
The Sky Rink has a menu featuring a selection of hot beverages like hot chocolate to keep you warm and snacks to keep you fueled.
You’ll need to pay to rent skates, which are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under, but all money collected is donated to two Chicago children’s charities: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Hephzibah Children’s Association.
📲 Learn More: Read more about the Peninsula Chicago Hotel’s “Sky Rink.”
📍Address: 108 E Superior St, Chicago
🗓️ Dates: Opens November 22, 2024.
McFetridge Sports Center
McFetridge Sports Center is one place where you can enjoy ice skating in Chicago year-round. The sprawling sports complex in Irving Park house an NHL-sized indoor ice rink.
McFetridge offers public open skate sessions on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as beginner skate classes, and freestyle sessions for experienced figure skaters.
Admission is $4 for children (ages 12 & under), $5 for teens and adults (ages 13 – 59), and $2 for senior citizens (60 & over), while skate rental for all costs $3.
📍Address: 3843 N. California Ave.
🗓️ Dates: Saturdays from 3:30 – 5pm, and Sundays from 4:30 – 6pm.
Midway Plaisance Skating Rink
Hyde Park’s Midway Plaisance skating rink is located on the site of Chicago’s 1893 World Fair between Washington and Jackson Parks.
From November through February, the Midway Plaisance is filled with an 83-acre ice skating rink offering free admission and $7 skate rentals, skating lessons, and organized hockey games.
📲 Learn More: More information on Midway Plaisance Park Ice Rink.
📍Address: 1130 Midway Plaisance North
🗓️ Dates: Open beginning November 25, 2024.
Wentworth Park Ice Rink
If you’re over by Midway, there’s a great ice skating rink at Wentworth Park. Located just west of the airport, this rink is open five days a week with $7 skate rentals.
The rink will open on November 25, 2024, along with all other Chicago Park District ice skating rinks.
📲 Learn More: More information on the Wentworth Park Ice Rink.
📍Address: 5625 S Mobile Ave.
🗓️ Dates: Open beginning November 25, 2024.
McKinley Park Ice Rink
McKinley Park is home to a one-of-a-kind ice skating rink on a former horse track. Admission is free, and skate rental costs $7 for all ages.
📲 Learn More:McKinley Park Ice Rink
📍Address: 3801 S. Western Boulevard, Chicago.
🗓️ Dates: Opens November 25, 2024.
Parkway Bank Park
Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont is the place to go this winter for holiday cheer and festive fun. Beginning November 23, guests can glide through the mall at one of the best ice skating rinks in Chicago free of charge! Skate rentals are available on-site for $8.
Parkway Bank Park will kick off its holiday events schedule on November 23 with the annual “Light Up the Park” tree lighting event. Guests can enjoy ice skating beginning at 11 a.m., along with visits with Santa, ice sculpting, and other family-friendly fun.
📲 Learn More: Parkway Bank Park events calendar
📍Address: 5501 Park Pl, Rosemont, IL 60018
🗓️ Dates: Saturday, November 23, 2024 – Sunday, January 26, 2025