Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon With Chicago in the background
Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon / Photo by Alanscottwalker / CC BY-SA

Chicago winter may be harsh, but it isn’t without its seasonal delights. Sip on hot cocoa straight from a decorative mug at Christkindlmarket, see the lights at Lincoln Park Zoo, and check out the ice skating rinks that are scattered throughout the city. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor spot with a view or an indoor rink with a focus on winter sports, Chicago’s neighborhood rinks are happy to keep you busy this winter.

Belmont-Cragin

Belmont-Cragin is one of Chicago’s under-the-radar neighborhoods. It doesn’t draw nearly as much attention as downtown neighborhoods or ones that revolve around nightlife, but its quiet streets, bungalows, and distinct Chicago feel make it a popular place for people to settle.

Among the amenities that feel almost suburban, you’ll find Riis Ice Rink. This large outdoor rink has open-skate hours multiple days a week during the winter, as well as skate rentals and trainers to help younger children learn how to get out on the ice.

Loop

If you ask most Chicagoans where to ice skate, the Loop is likely the first answer you’ll get. Along with the proliferation of office buildings, restaurants, and stores, you will find two outdoor skating rinks.

At Millennium Park, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is a favorite holiday spot for skating. You can rent skates, or bring your own and skate for free. Within walking distance, the Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon snakes through the park and offers a generous view of the city’s skyline. Couples, families, and friends skate both rinks with varying levels of skill. Any time you visit, you’ll see both first-time skaters and more practiced people gliding on the ice.

Irving Park

Irving Park is one of the city’s larger neighborhoods, offering both quiet, residential pockets and busier strips of shops and restaurants. While one of Chicago’s more urban neighborhoods, Irving Park still has plenty of open space for parks.

At California Park, the sizable McFetridge Sports Center has an indoor ice skating rink, among other athletic options. This year-round rink offers a wide variety of options ranging from children’s lessons to adult hockey games. If you are interested in joining a league to keep you busy, this Irving Park rink is a good option.

McKinley Park

The southwestern neighborhood of McKinley Park is known for its single-family homes and reasonable prices (a median sale price of $287,700, according to neighborhoods.com). And like many Chicago neighborhoods, McKinley Park shares its name with an open space in the community.

McKinley Park is a major neighborhood amenity with two gymnasiums, a pool, sports fields, basketball courts, and, of course, an ice rink. McKinley Ice Rink has open skate hours, rat hockey, and learn-to-skate sessions (held on Saturdays). Like other Chicago Park District rinks, you can rent skates at the McKinley Park Ice Rink.

West Loop

The West Loop is one of Chicago’s most popular neighborhoods, characterized by modern condo buildings, restaurants with long wait lists, and fashionable cocktail bars. Johnny’s IceHouse East fits right into a neighborhood with no shortage of entertainment options.

This rink is the ideal spot for Chicagoans who live and breathe hockey. Johnny’s runs nine different divisions of adult hockey, as well as a youth hockey club. This West Loop rink gives hockey players a place to play, and little ones can get used to skates and hockey pucks at an early age. Plus, you can rehydrate and fuel up after a game at the Stanley Club Bar and Grill that overlooks the ice.

West Ridge

West Ridge, located on the North Side not far from the lake, is known for the shops and restaurants of the Desi Corridor and its parks. West Ridge even has its own golf course.

Warren Park, the neighborhood’s largest park, covers nearly 90 acres. In that space, those who love to be outdoors in the winter flock to the Warren Ice Rink. The outdoor rink is affiliated with the Chicago Blackhawks, making it a favorite of hockey fans. Rent skates at the rink or bring your own.

Wrigleyville

Wrigleyville may be all about the Cubs during baseball season, but it transforms into a winter wonderland during the coldest months of the year.

Gallagher Way, a recent addition to the North Side neighborhood, hosts an annual Winterland. Visit the stalls of the city’s second Christkindlmarket location for seasonal comfort food, spiced wine, hot chocolate, and holiday ornaments. This Wrigleyville spot even does its own Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

The Cubs may not be playing in the cold weather, but they are never far from your mind in this neighborhood—the ice rink at Gallagher Way is right next to Wrigley Field. This ice rink opens right before Thanksgiving and remains open until mid-February. The rink has an admission fee and skate rental fee.