Grab your winter coat. Lace-up your blades. It’s the most wonderful time of year…to hit the rinks! Whether you’re a beginner or practically Nancy Kerrigan on the ice, you have to check out some of the best ice skating rinks in Chicago. Perfect for a weekend activity with the kids, a romantic first date, or just an exciting solo trip—you can’t go wrong gliding around for a few hours at these locations!
Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon
337 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Opening Friday, November 19th, this popular ice skating destination in Chicago loops around almost one quarter of a mile and holds up to 700 skaters. Lockers and skates are available for rental on-site. You’ll want to make a reservation online as there’s no waitlist or refunds. Spaces fill up fast (especially on the weekends) so book your experience today!
Millenium Park Ice Rink
11 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60602
Another downtown favorite. Returning for its 20th season, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park is open daily starting on November 19 through March 6. If you are looking for ice skating rinks in downtown Chicago, admission is totally free but you’ll need to fork over a little bit of cash for skate rentals. And if you get hungry or thirsty, you can grab hot drinks and snacks from nearby Momentum Coffee! Make your reservation online here.
McFetridge Ice Rink
3843 N California Ave , Chicago, IL 60618
Head over to this North Center location for open skate on Saturdays from 4:40pm to 6:10pm or
Sundays from 4:30pm to 6:00pm. Public skating fees are $5 for adults and $3 for skate rentals. Advance registration is not necessary but you’ll have to sign up at the front desk when you arrive. And don’t forget your face mask since this is an indoor rink.
Franklin Park Ice Arena
9711 Waveland Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131
Looking for a lunchtime open skate? You got it. This family-friendly indoor ice skating and hockey rink near Chicago offers lessons plus youth and adult leagues. They’re also open daily (all season long!) for some relaxing loops around the ring. Entrance is $6 and skate rental is $3 a pair. Check out their schedule here.
Fifth Third Arena
1801 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612
Visit the Chicago Blackhawks’ practice home, and your community space for public ice skating, beginner and rat hockey, and adult leagues! All admissions are on a first come first serve basis. So no need to make a reservation or buy presale tickets. Daily admission is $10 and skate rentals are $5. And before you get your skate on, make sure you’re up-to-speed on the rules!
Skating at Midway Plaisance
1130 Midway Plaisance, Chicago, IL 60637
Pop over to Hyde Park to spend time at this lovely outdoor rink. Bring your own skates or rent a pair on site while enjoying awesome views of the UChicago campus. Admission to this ice skating destination in Chicago is free and rentals are $7. See their daily schedule here.
Navy Pier Indoor Ice Rink
600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
You know us now. We always save the best to the last. And when it comes to the best ice skating rinks in Chicago, there’s just no competition against Navy Pier’s indoor ice rink. And for the first time ever, the Pier is doing a gorgeous light installation above the rink called Light Up the Lake from November 26 thru January 2!
If you order early (before December 20), you can also enjoy the special Santa Saving Days discounts for children and adults.
Featured Image Credit: Millenium Park
