Ice Skating Through Chicago: 5 Cool Ways

By Jill Madison – Growing up in the Midwest, ice skating was an integral part of my childhood.  There was a pond a couple blocks from my house and every winter it would freeze.  Once the ice was thick enough, one of the neighborhood dads would clear the snow for us while the park district provided some basic metal goals for playing hockey.  Every day, all winter long, I was on that ice with my best friend.  It didn’t matter how cold it got.  Sometimes we played hockey.  Sometimes we were pretending to be Dorothy Hamill – the olympic skater – attempting to spin and land our simple jumps, haircuts matching Dorothy’s.  If you’re like me, you’ve always thought that ice skating is a cool sport, but these 5 rinks take it to a new level. 

Maggie Daley Ribbon

A beautiful winding ribbon in a clover shape, looping its way through pine trees in Maggie Daley Park is both beautiful and more scenic than a typical rink due to its unusual shape.  This year they‘ve added a cool new twist by partnering with Immersive Van Gogh, the world renowned exhibition showcasing the artist’s repertoire. In this new experience, Van Gogh artwork projects onto the skating path.  Admission and skate rental on Monday thru Thursday is $16-18, going up to $20-22 Friday thru Sunday.  Or bring your own skates and it’s free to skate on weekdays, and only $5 on Friday thru Sunday.   The ribbon is planned to be open for skating through March 13^th.

Reservations are strongly recommended and can book out well in advance.  

New dates are released as follows:

January 10^th—reservation dates 2/1 thru 2/14

January 31^st—reservation dates 2/15 thru 2/28

February 21^st—reservation dates 3/1 thru 3/13

McCormick Tribune Ice Skating Rink at Millennium Park

You’ll be under the shadow of downtown skyscrapers as you glide past Cloud Gate, the famed bean sculpture.  At this rink, you’re in the heart of all the activity and energy of the city.  Admission is free, but it’s recommended that you make a reservation.  

Reservation dates are released two weeks prior to sessions.

Bring your own skates or rent for $13-15.  Be sure to stop by Momentum Coffee to warm up with some hot cocoa or grab a snack.  The rink will be open through March 6^th.

https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park10.html

The Rink at Gallagher Way

In the heart of Wrigleyville, right in front of Wrigley Field, you’ll find the ice skating Rink at Gallagher Way. This rink closes earlier in the season than other rinks, so you’ll need to make some plans quickly to get over there before February 20th.  But it will be worth it!  There’s a $6 entry fee; kids 12 and younger are free.  You can either bring your own skates or rent them for $12.

What makes the Rink at Gallagher Way unique is that it offers more fun activities than ice skating alone.  For example, they have…wait for it…ICE BUMPER CARS!  According to their website, you can “bump, slide and spin” in the bumper cars most evenings in January.  It’s $15 for a 10-minute ride.  They are also offering Curling lessons on select dates in February.  Sign up in advance, space is limited. 

Sky Rink at The Peninsula 

Who needs a staycation at a hotel with a pool when you have the Sky Rink at the Peninsula!

Plan for a long weekend of luxury and fun when you visit.  Located amongst the high rises on Michigan Avenue, with twinkling lights and festive music, what a fun way to experience ice skating in the city!  They also have the Chalet, offering hot beverages and snacks.  The Sky Rink is open for limited weekends through February 20^th, and it’s recommended that guests call 312-337-2888 ahead of time to confirm.  The fee is $20 for adults and $10 for kids

Chicago Wolves Ice Rink at Parkway Bank Park Entertainment District in Rosemont

Whether you’re planning a date night or planning some fun for the kids, Rosemont has got it covered at their skating rink.  You can make a day of it with activities for everyone to enjoy.  Go for the skating and stay for the food, the shopping, the indoor skydiving, and the entertainment.  If you’re taking the kids, they’ll definitely be wiped out after a day at Rosemont.  Keep in mind, this rink is only open on Sunday’s and President’s Day until February 27^th.  

What are you waiting for?  Lace up some skates and get gliding across the ice at one of these incredible rinks.  And don’t forget to share your pics with us on Facebook and Instagram!