Christmas Day Dinner Cruise on Lake Michigan. Photo courtesy of City Experiences
What's Open on Christmas Day in Chicago: A List of Awesome Things To Do
Illuminarium at Winterland, photo courtesy of Navy Pier.
Christmas Vacation in Chicago: 19 Staycation Ideas for Things To Do With Kids
Enjoy a kid-friendly tube fest at Sunburst Ski Hill. Photo courtesy of Sunburst Ski Hill
Best Places for Snow Tubing Near Chicago for Families
pexels-josh-willink
GUIDE
Guide to Holiday and Christmas Activities for Chicago Families
Bundle up for a Christmas market this December. Photo courtesy of Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza
35 Best Things to Do in Chicago December 2024 with Kids
The zoo is all aglow! Lincoln Park Zoo Lights photo by Brandon Tucker, courtesy of the zoo.
31 Free Holiday and Christmas Events in Chicago for Kids
Light Up the Lake. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier
Best Holiday Lights Drive-Thrus and Christmas Light Shows in Chicago
Looking for pictures with Santa in Chicago this holiday season? We have a whole list. Photo courtesy of Gallagher Way Chicago
Pictures with Santa in Chicago: From Museums to the Mall
The mysterious Great Impresario, the man who has designed and created the World’s Fair, brings the magic of the season to life! Photo by Tod Ros for the Joffrey Ballet.
The Nutcracker Ballet and Other Holiday Shows for Kids in Chicago
Here's our list of the best Chicago neighborhoods to see holiday lights. Photo courtesy of the Larsen Christmas Lights Show
Best Neighborhood Christmas Light Displays and Holiday Lights in Chicago
The Annual Chicago Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs
25 Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in Chicago for Kids
There are both woodland and paved trails at the Morton Arboretum. Photo courtesy of Canva
Best Places to Hike with Kids Near Chicago
The Persian Lilies in the Aroid house were stunning. Photo by Lisa Warden-3
Garfield Park Conservatory with Kids: Best Things to See and Do
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Photo courtesy of the Chicago Architecture Center
Best Chicago Museums For Kids and Families
St. Louis has tons of kid-friendly things to do. Photo courtesy of the City Museum in St. Louis
Fun Budget Weekend Getaways for Chicago Families
Chicago has so many things to do with little kids. Photo courtesy of Aster Hall, Chicago
25 Things To Do With Little Kids in Chicago Before They Turn 5
An offbeat Chicago museum makes a fun outing for teenagers. Photo courtesy of the WNDR Museum
Chicago's Best Indoor Places for Tweens and Teens To Hang Out
The Skydeck at Willis Tower has spectacular views spanning four states.
100 Best Things To Do in Chicago with Kids Before They Grow Up
State parks near Chicago offer more than just hiking. Photo courtesy of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources
State Parks Near Chicago to Hike, Camp, and Swim with Kids
Stroller hikes make it easier to get outside with babies and toddlers. Photo courtesy of the Morton Arboretum
Best Stroller-Friendly Hikes and Trails Near Chicago
GUIDE
Guide to Indoor Play Spaces for Chicago Kids
Photo courtesy of Enterrium in Schaumburg
Themed Restaurants in Chicago for Family-Friendly Interactive Dining
Obstacle courses and climbing gyms provide indoor fun for big kids. Photo courtesy of Brooklyn Boulders
Best Ninja Warrior Gyms and Climbing Gyms in Chicago for Kids
The Chicago Skydeck offers kids a great view of the city. Photo courtesy of the 360 Chicago Skydeck
3 Days in Chicago with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Free activities for kids in Chicago include the Lincoln Park Zoo, which is always free. Photo courtesy of the museum via Facebook
GUIDE
Guide to Free Things To Do in Chicago with Kids
Happy Kids Chicago offers some of your kid's favorite characters as birthday party entertainers.
The Ultimate List of Chicago Children's Birthday Party Entertainers and Rentals
Photo courtesy of the Museum of Science and Industry
Free Museums and Free Museum Days for Kids in Chicago
Galactic Santa Breakfast photo courtesy of the event.
Christmas Around the World, Winter Festivals, and More Things To Do in Chicago This Weekend With Kids

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Chicago for Kids and Families

Maggie Daley Park is a popular outdoor skating rink in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Maggie Daley Park
Maggie Daley Park is a popular outdoor skating rink in Chicago. Photo courtesy of Maggie Daley Park
12/1/23 - By Lauren LaRoche

Long, cold winters mean more ice skating in Chicago, and many of the beautiful outdoor ice skating rinks near Chicago are FREE. Not all ice skating in Chicago need polar-vortex temperatures to stay open; some refrigerated rinks are available for skating as long as the temperature is less than 40 degrees. Many rinks offer hockey, broomball, figure skating, or speed skating programs. And not all rinks are your standard oval, either: Maggie Daley Park’s Skating Ribbon lets figure skaters enjoy a different kind of figure 8.

For all the details on where to enjoy ice skating in Chicago, read on. And for more winter activities to enjoy with your family, check out our Winter Activities Guide.

Most rinks on this list offer a website or app for skaters to check conditions before they head out to the rink. Families should also check to make sure skate rental is available if needed and obey all rink safety rules.

Enjoy outdoor ice skating in Millennium Park. Photo courtesy of the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Enjoy outdoor ice skating in Millennium Park. Photo courtesy of the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Chicago

Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park

Open Nov. 17, 2023 - March 10, 2024— Chicago Loop
The Skating Ribbon offers a change from a traditional oval rink with a rolling landscape and figure-eight-shaped path. Along the ribbon, skaters can find a skate rental booth and a hot chocolate vendor. Admission fees vary by day of the week. There is also a rental fee for skates.  READ MORE

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

FREE. Open Nov. 17, 2023 - March 3, 2024 — Chicago Loop
Located on Michigan Avenue between Washington and Madison Street, families can skate among Chicago landmarks at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park. This is a great place to skate during a Christmas outing visiting the lights on the Mag Mile. Admission is free, but requires reservations. READ MORE

The Peninsula Sky Rink

FREE. Open Nov. 18, 2023 - February 2024 — River North
The Peninsula Hotel offers a 2,100-square-foot Sky Rink high above the Magnificent Mile. The rink is open to the public as well as hotel guests. Admission is free and skates are available to rent. Proceeds from skate rentals go towards Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago as well as Hephzibah Children's Association. READ MORE

Warren Park Ice Rink

FREE. Rogers Park
For simple skating in a friendly environment, this far north side park is ideal for Chicago families. Warren Ice Rink has a warming house and skate rental along with designated times for kids to take lessons and play hockey. Small children can also rent skate trainers and walkers to help them learn to skate. Admission is free and there is a fee for renting skates. READ MORE

Midway Plaisance Ice Rink

FREE. Hyde Park
Located on the grounds of the 1893 World’s Fair Columbian Exposition, this Hyde Park Rink offers fantastic views of the city. Skaters can get on the ice for free and skates are available to rent. Skate trainers and walkers are available for those learning to skate and sled and sled-assisted skating devices are available for disabled individuals. READ MORE

Gallagher Way at Wrigley Field

Open Nov. 21, 2023 - Jan. 7, 2024 — Wrigleyville
Little Cubs fans are welcome to skate right outside the Friendly Confines at Wrigley Field. Admission is free for children under 12. Skates are available to rent. After your skate, check out the adorable Christkindlmarket for a warm cup of cider or hot chocolate.  READ MORE

Wicker Ice

FREE. Open TBD — Wicker Park
This community-funded and community-maintained outdoor rink is located right in Wicker Park. The ice isn't refrigerated so you'll want to check the website for the ice conditions. This rink is free and open to the public. You must bring your own skates. No skate rentals are available. On select days there are also free ice skating lessons available for kids. READ MORE
Go skating even after the sun goes down at Lake Ellyn. Photo courtesy of Glen Ellyn Park District
Go skating even after the sun goes down at Lake Ellyn. Photo courtesy of Glen Ellyn Park District

Outdoor Ice Skating Near Chicago: Western Suburbs

Centennial Park Ice Rinks

FREE. Open Dec. 15, 2023 - Feb. 15, 2024, weather permitting — Naperville
Three lighted ice skating rinks invite skaters to Naperville’s Centennial Park. The boarded rinks allow hockey and broomball while the third rink is for free skating. Rinks are free and open until 10 pm each night.  READ MORE

Wolf's Crossing Community Park

Open Dec. 15, 2023 - Feb. 15, 2024, weather permitting — Naperville
This new park on west suburban Naperville's southwest side replaces the former skating rinks at Commissioner's Park. The rink takes the spaces occupied by sand volleyball courts in the summer in a park that also includes a sled hill, a 1.4-mile trail, and a nature playground for those who want activities other than skating.   READ MORE

Central Athletic Complex Ice Rink

FREE. Opening Dec. 1, 2023 — Wheaton
This free skating rink offers staff-supervised hours on both weekdays and weekends. The facility has portable restroom trailers on-site and is located on the grounds of the Central Athletic Complex, which includes the gyms of the former Hubble Middle School, so kids can warm up their cold fingers and toes. The rink does not offer skate rentals.  READ MORE

Lake Ellyn

Opening mid-December, 2023 — Glen Ellyn
The Glen Ellyn Park District has added lights to Lake Ellyn so skaters can enjoy the ice until 9 each night. Skating is only permitted when the ice reaches a thickness of eight inches, but visitors can check the park district's website before heading out to the ice. Because the lake isn’t always frozen enough to skate, west suburban skaters can check out Newton Park in Glen Ellyn as a backup. A warming house is open from mid-December through late February so that skaters can take a bathroom break or warm up from the cold.  READ MORE

Chicago Wolves Ice Skating Rink at Brookfield Zoo

Opening tbd — Brookfield
The Chicago Wolves Ice Skating Rink at the Brookfield Zoo is made of a synthetic material called Glice. The rink is open each day from noon until 4:30. Go before or after your visit to the zoo. There is an admission fee as well as a fee to rent skates. Visitors may bring their own skates as well.  READ MORE
Winter Wonderland Ice Skating Rink has skating helpers for kids. Photo courtesy of Orland Park Facebook page
Winter Wonderland Ice Skating Rink has skating helpers for kids. Photo courtesy of Orland Park Facebook page

Outdoor Ice Skating Near Chicago: Southern Suburbs

Winter Wonderland Ice Skating Rink

FREE. Opening date TBD — Orland Park
This family-friendly south suburban ice rink offers free skating for all. There is a fee for skate rentals; however, helmets are free. The warming house offers a chance for skaters to take a break from the cold. While skate rental is only available during warming house hours, those with their own skates may begin skating at sunrise. The rink does not allow hockey and figure skating jumps are only allowed when 30 skaters or fewer are on the ice. READ MORE

Bobby Hull Community Ice Rink

Opening Nov. 26, 2023 — Cicero
This community ice skating rink near Chicago is open to both Cicero residents as well as non-residents. Free skate or come out and watch a hockey game. Check the rink’s Facebook page for designated hockey times. Skating lessons are also offered weekly throughout December. READ MORE
Take a sping at Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at Parkway Bank Park. Photo courtesy of the Rosemont Entertainment District
Take a sping at Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at Parkway Bank Park. Photo courtesy of the Rosemont Entertainment District

Outdoor Ice Rinks Near Chicago: North/Northwest Suburbs

Watts Center

Open Nov. 24, 2023 - Feb. 25, 2024 — Glencoe
Skaters can skate or play hockey at one of Watts Center’s two ice skating rinks. The main rink is a regulation hockey surface with times scheduled for open hockey, adults-only hockey, or recreational skating. The smaller studio rink offers times for broomball, open skating, and hockey by specific age group.  READ MORE

Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at Parkway Bank Park

FREE. Opens Nov. 24, 2023 — Rosemont
Families can skate in the middle of Rosemont’s Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District on most days in late November, December, January, and February. Admission to the rink is free, with skates available to rent. Plenty of entertainment and dining options are available for little skaters if they want to go inside to get warm. READ MORE

Places featured in this article: