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 (2024/2025)
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 are required. Tickets are available for purchase 14 days in advance.
When: November 15, 2024 – February 2, 2025 (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 for $16 on Monday thru Thursday and $20 on Friday thru Sunday and Holidays. You can also sharpen your skates for $9 and rent a skate-aide (under 42 inches) for $10. The rink offers free skating lessons (reservations required) for skaters of any age at three levels (beginner, intermediate, and hockey skills) from 9-10am on Saturdays and Sundays (weather permitting). Skate rental is free for the lessons.
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 15, 2024 – March 9, 2025. Reservations are released every two weeks on a rolling basis.
Cost: You can rent skates for $17-$23 depending on date. If you bring your own skates, skating is free Monday-Thursday (except during the holiday season). On Friday – Sunday and Holidays you can skate free with your own skates at 11am session ONLY or pay $5 + tax for the 2pm, 5pm & 8pm sessions.
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 22, 2024 through February 2, 2025.
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 2 indoor ice rinks at McFetridge Sports Center and 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. Registration is required. Reservations will be released on a rolling basis at noon on Mondays, for the sessions that run two weeks later. The first week will be released on November 18, 2024 at noon.
When: Open November 29, 2024 – February 17, 2025.
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 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
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, other activities include bumper cars, curling (new this year), cocktails and winter themed instagramable photo opportunities.
Address: 170 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60642
When: November 22, 2024 – January 5, 2025
Cost: Ticket prices vary with various options available. See their website for more information and to purchase tickets in advance.
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
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 23, 2024 -January 26, 2025
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
What is your favorite outdoor ice skating rink in Chicago?
