Fight the urge to stay indoors and watch Netflix, and get out and spend some energy enjoying the cooler weather at these ice skating rinks.
The newest addition to Chicago’s parks is Maggie Daley Park, and its quarter-mile ice skating ribbon is about to open for the season. It is completely different from a skating rink not just in its size but the fact that it has some slopes and inclines to make it a bit more interesting. The location gives you a great view of the skyline, Lake Michigan, Millennium Park, the climbing walls, and other attractions at the park. The ice for the ribbon started making this week and takes a couple of days, so stay tuned to their Facebook and Twitter feeds for the official opening of the ribbon.
Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon
337 E. Randolph St.
Admission: Free
Skate Rental: $12
Through March, 2016
Monday – Thursday, 12:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Friday, 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.; Sunday, 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
If you’re looking for more of a traditional experience it’s hard to beat Millennium Park’s McCormick Tribune Ice Rink. During the winter the delicious Park Grill removes all the furniture on their front patio and transforms the space into a magical skating rink. It doesn’t get more Chicago than skating in the Loop with the skyscrapers on one side and the Bean on the other. If you’re not the greatest skater in the world then you can show up an hour before the rink opens on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays and take a free lesson.
Millennium Park’s McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
201 E. Randolph St.
Admission: Free
Skate Rental: $12
Through March 6, 2016
Monday – Thursday, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday, 12 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturday (Nov. 14 – Jan. 2), 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Saturday (Jan. 9 – March 5), 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
If you’re headed to ZooLights next week to check the spectacular light display and animals then don’t miss out on the ice skating rink. Located at Farm-in-the-Zoo you can enjoy some refreshments inside the main barn before braving the cold weather and strapping on some skates.
Ice Skating at Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 N. Clark St.
Admission: $5
Skate Rental: $5
Nov. 27 – Feb. 28, 2016
November 27–29 12 p.m. – 10 p.m and on Saturday and Sunday; 4–10 p.m. on Wednesday through Friday
If you’re a guest of The Peninsula Hotel, their spa, or their restaurant don’t leave without trying out their Sky Rink. This 2,100-sq. ft. rink is on the fourth-floor terrace of the hotel with excellent views of the skyscrapers and architecture on Michigan Avenue. They also have an outdoor chalet with treats like cider and beignets.
The Peninsula Sky Rink
108 E. Superior St.
Opening Saturday, Nov. 21
Must be a guest of the hotel, spa, or restaurant
Suggested Donation: $15 per adult and $10 for children 12 years and under
All monies collected will be donated to the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and Hephzibah Children’s Association
Monday – Thursday, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Friday, 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.; Saturday 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
