Outdoor ice skating is one of the best outdoor activities in Chicago during late fall and winter. Luckily, there are many outdoor ice skating rinks in and around Chicago. Reservations are recommended for the most popular skating rinks in the city.
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Chicago (2024)
Below are the best outdoor ice skating rinks in Chicago.
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
One of the best and picture perfect spots to go ice skating in Chicago is the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park right in front of Cloud Gate (aka “The Bean”). Free skating lessons are available (reservations required) from 9-10am on most Saturdays and Sundays, teaching beginner and intermediate ice skating and hockey skills. Online ticketed reservations are recommended. Tickets are available for purchase 14 days in advance.
When: November 17, 2023 – March 3, 2024 (open daily weather permitting) but online ticketed reservations are required. Closures due to severe weather will be posted on Millennium Park’s facebook and twitter pages.
Cost: Admission is FREE for those that bring their own skates. Skate Rentals are available from $16-$20. You can also sharpen your skates for $9 and rent a skate-aide (under 42 inches) for $10 .
Where: Millenium Park Ice Rink, 11 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60601
Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon
The skating ribbon at Maggie Daley Park in downtown Chicago is one of the most picture perfect spots for ice skating (with great skyline views). Its path is twice the length of a lap around a traditional skating rink. Walkup sales are based on availability – reservations strongly encouraged.
When: November 17, 2023 -March 10, 2024. Reservations are released every two weeks on a rolling basis.
Cost: If you bring your own skates, skating is free Monday-Thursday (except during the holiday season). Friday – Sunday and Holiday Skate skate free your own skates at 11am session ONLY or pay $5 + tax. You can rent skates for $16-$22 depending on date.
Where: 337 E Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601
The Peninsula Sky Rink
Returning for its tenth season, The Peninsula Sky Rink, a 2,100 sq ft synthetic ice rink, is the only hotel skating rink in Chicago. Surrounded by Chicago’s skyscrapers and twinkling lights, the seasonal skating rink is tucked into a winter wonderland featuring festive music and snowflake lighting. Enjoy a selection of hot beverages and snacks available at the Chalet. The Sky Rink is available for groups to rent or for private events, such as marriage proposals. Click here to see the latest prices and click here to read reviews.
When: November 18, 2023 through March 3, 2024.
Hours: Hours vary and are subject to change; call +1 (312) 337 2888 prior to arrival to confirm.
Cost: Skates are available for rent at $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under, with 100% of the skate rental proceeds donated to two Chicago children’s charities.
Where: The Peninsula, 108 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Wonder City Pop-Up Rooftop Ice Skating Rink
Wonder City is a new pop-up rooftop winter experience with ce skating, curling lanes, hockey slap shot station and holiday decorations. Ice skate under thousands of twinkling on their synthetic ice. Skate rentals are available.
When: Open December 1, 2023 to January 7, 2024.
Hours: Weekdays 3-10pm, Saturdays & Sundays 12-10pm
Cost: Tickets are available here and start at $12.99 for children and $17.99 for adults. Skate rentals are extra.
Where: Skyline Pitch, NEWCITY Rooftop, 1457 N Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60642
Winterland Ice Rink at Gallagher Way
The Rink at Gallagher Way is back this year with a ice rink for skaters inside Wrigley Field.
Tip: The Wrigleyville location of the Christkindlmarket is also located here so you can combine both activities during the Christmas holiday season.
When: November 21, 2023 – January 7, 2024 (weather permitting).
Hours: General hours are Monday through Thursday: 3 p.m.-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. but hours differ on holidays and other special days
Cost: Guests who bring their own skates will be available to access the rink for three (3) attraction tickets or $12. Rink Access + Skate Rental will be available for five (5) attraction tickets or $20.
Where: Gallagher Way, 3635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
Chicago Park District Community Rinks
There are several free public outdoor skating rinks throughout the city. In addition to open skate sessions, most rinks offer programming and some events throughout the season. (There are also 2 indoor ice rinks at McFetridge Sports Center and Morgan Park Sports Center that are open year-round.) Registration will be released on a rolling basis at noon on Mondays, for the sessions that run two weeks later.
When: Open November 24, 2023 – February 19, 2024.
Cost: Free admission, skate rentals are $7. Most rinks provide special programming (skating lessons, hockey clinics, sled-assisted skating) for an additional fee.
Where: Various locations in the city:
Warren Ice Rink: 6601 N. Western Ave., Chicago (there is also a sledding hill when it snows)
Wentworth Ice Rink: 5625 S. Mobile Ave., Chicago
Midway Plaisance Ice Rink: 1130 Midway Plaisance North, Chicago
McKinley Ice Rink: 2210 W. Pershing Road, Chicago
Mt. Greenwood Ice Rink: 3721 W. 111th St, Chicago
Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier
You can go outskating ice skating at Light Up the Lake at Navy Pier.
Where: Festival Hall at Navy Pier, 600 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
When: November 24 through December 31, 2023.
Cost: Ice Skating is FREE if you bring your own skates. Ice Skates are available to rent for a fee.
Jack Frost Christmas Pop Up
Jack Frost Christmas Pop Up is an interactive pop-up outdoor experience located on over 2 acres in Fulton Market. In addition to a full-sized ice rink, there are also bumper cars, axe throwing as well as dozens of Holiday themed instagramable photo opportunities.
Address: 170 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60642
When: November 29, 2023 – December 31, 2023
Cost: Ticket prices vary but start at $20.00 for entry plus photo-ops.
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Near Chicago
These outdoor ice skating rinks are located in the suburbs near Chicago.
Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at Parkway Bank Park
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Parkway Bank Park’s great lawn will be transformed into Chicago Wolves Ice Rink, an NHL-sized, outdoor skating rink where visitors can skate under lights for a magical experience. Skaters concerned about inclement weather are encouraged to call the Parkway Bank Park hotline at 847-349-5009 or visit the Park’s Facebook or Instagram for updates regarding rink hours.
When: November 18, 2023 -January 28, 2024
Hours: Hours vary. You can find their hours here.
Cost: Admission is FREE. Bring your own skates or rent skates for $8. FREE parking with validation.
Where: 5501 Park Place, Rosemont, IL 60018
Bobby Hull Community Ice Rink
The Bobby Hull Community Ice Rink will open for open skate, stick & hockey.
When: Opens November 26, 2023. Dates and times change weekly. Check their facebook page for regular updates.
Where: Cicero Community Park, 3400 S. 53rd Avenue, Cicero, IL 60804
Winter Wonderland Ice Skating Rink (Orland Park Ice Rink)
The Winter Wonderland Ice Skating Rink is free for those that bring their own skates. FREE Skate aides/walkers are available for use at the rink any time the warming house is open. For weather updates check the rainout line or call 708.460.4958.
When: 2023/2024 dates not yet announced. Last season was open November 26, 2022 through February 26, 2023. Hours vary.
Cost: Skaters may skate for free with their own skates from dawn until the warming house closes. Skate Rentals $3 per person available during warming house hours.
Where: 15600 West Ave. & Fun Dr., Orland Park, IL 60462
Watts Center at Watts Park
Watts Center at Watts Park has two lighted outdoor ice rinks and is located on more than three acres of land at Watts Park. This unique facility is the home of figure skating lessons, ice hockey, and recreational skating.
When: Open daily from November 24, 2023-February 25, 2024.
Cost: Daily Admission Fee (Monday-Friday ONLY): $12/20 Resident/Non-Resident; Skate Rentals: $5 per person per visit
Where: Watts Center, 305 Randolph Avenue, Glencoe, IL 60022
What is your favorite outdoor ice skating rink in Chicago?
