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. Please note that advance online reservations are required for many of the ice skating rinks in the city.
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Chicago (2026)
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”). Online ticketed reservations will be required. Tickets are available for purchase 14 days in advance.
When: November 21, 2025 – February 1, 2026 (weather permitting). 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.
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 14, 2025 – March 8, 2026. Reservations are released every two weeks on a rolling basis.
Where: 337 E Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601
Winterland Ice Rink at Gallagher Way
The Rink at Gallagher Way has an outdoor skating rink. The rink also has ice bumper cars on Thursdays and Saturdays from January 8-February 14, 2026.
When: November 23, 2025 – February 15, 2026.
Hours: General hours are Monday through Thursday: 3-9pm; Friday and Saturday: 11am-10pm and Sunday: 11am-7pm but hours differ on holidays and winter break.
Cost: Ice rink access is $8, with a skate rental fee of $16. Skaters can bring their own ice skates.
Where: Gallagher Way, 3635 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60613
The Peninsula Sky Rink
Returning for its 13th 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 21, 2025 – February 16, 2026.
Hours: You can find hours on their website here but hours vary and are subject to change; call (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
Chicago Park District Community Rinks
There are several free public outdoor skating rinks throughout the city. (There are also two indoor ice rinks at McFetridge Sports Center and one at Morgan Park Sports Center that are open year-round.) In addition to open skate sessions, most rinks offer programming and some events throughout the season.
When: November 28, 2025 – February 17, 2026.
Cost: Free admission, skate rentals are $7. Most rinks provide special programming (skating lessons, hockey clinics, sled-assisted skating) for an additional fee.
Where: Six locations in the city:
Warren Park 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
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. They do not take reservations- walk up only first come first serve.
When: November 22, 2025 – January 25, 2026
Hours: Hours vary. You can find their dates and hours here.
Cost: Admission is FREE. Bring your own skates or rent skates for $8.
Where: 5501 Park Place, Rosemont, IL 60018
What is your favorite outdoor ice skating rink in Chicago?
