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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 December 2, 2024- March 9, 2025
Downtown
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 November 15, 2024- February 2, 2025
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

Open November 22, 2024- February 17, 2025
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. Open November 29, 2024- February 17, 2025
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. Open November 29, 2024- February 17, 2025
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
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 December 15, 2024 - Feb. 15, 2025, 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 Open December 15, 2024 - Feb. 15, 2025, 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 for Wheaton residents. Open late November 2024- early March 2025
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

Elmhurst YMCA Skate Rink

Open Thanksgiving through early March 2025
Elmhurst
Families can enjoy this refrigerated ice rink in downtown Elmhurst during designated hours each week. The rink is free for members, $5 for non-member kids, and $7 for non-member adults. Skate under the lights during evening hours and rent skates for $5 or bring your own. 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. November 30, 2024 - February 23, 2025
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

Check Facebook page for opening dates
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

Fara Family Park Ice Rink

FREE. Check website for opening information
Burr Ridge
This 15,000 square foot ice rink is available for skating when winter weather conditions allow. The skating surface has lights to allow skaters to enjoy the sport well into the evening, but isn't suited for evening hockey activties. 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 November 29, 2024- February 23, 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. December 1, 2024- January 26, 2025
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

Flick Park Outdoor Ice Skating

FREE. Check website for opening dates
Glenview
This north suburban community park has a skating rink with lights for evening activities open until 10 p.m. The skating area is naturally frozen, so check the Glenview Park District website for ice conditions. Bring your own skates! READ MORE

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