Miss the childlike wonder of skinning your knee on frozen water, but have no clue where to go?
Do312 has you covered with the best places to skate in Chicago and our suburbs this winter season. Why walk in a winter wonderland when you can skate in one?!
Photo via Facebook/DCASE
201 E. Randolph St. - The Loop
You may recognize the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink from Nicolas Cage’s 2006 movie The Weather Man or from pretty much everyone you know’s Instagram story. This iconic ice rink is the perfect place to enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city while practicing your backward crossovers. Bring your own skates and skate for free or rent them for $13 (Monday - Thursday) or $15 (Friday - Sunday).
Photo via Facebook/Parkway Bank Park
5501 Park Pl. - Rosemont
Rosemont's outdoor rink offers free skating seven days a week! If you don't own a pair of skates, you can always rent one at the park for $8.
Photo via Facebook/Johnny's IceHouse
2550 W. Madison St. - East Garfield Park
1350 W. Madison St. - West Loop
Do you ever feel sad watching The Mighty Ducks because you realize that you never got the chance to play hockey? Well, Johnny’s Ice House offers hockey lessons for adults (Emilio Estevez not included). The best part? Once you get the hockey playing down, Johnny’s offers 3-on-3 leagues.
6601 N. Western Ave. - Rogers Park
This cozy outdoor rink is conveniently next to a sledding hill so that you can maximize your winter adventures. If things get too chilly, have no fear! There is an on-site warming house. This rink is free if you BYOS (bring your skates). Otherwise, you can rent them for $7.
6100 W. Fullerton Ave. - Belmont Central
If the North Side is too far for you, hop on over to the West Side and visit the ice skating rink at Riis Park. Whether you’re a regular Michelle Kwan or hanging on the railing for dear life, this rink is for everyone!
Photo via SkokieParks.org
9300 Weber Park Pl. - Skokie
If you’re still bitter about your friends being more talented at skating than you because your parents signed you up for soccer instead, then you should check out Skatium Ice Arena in Skokie. This arena has hosted legends like Scott Hamilton, Denis Savard, Evan Lysacek, Sasha Cohen and Stan Mikita. This indoor rink is open year-round, so you can really practice your moves. Admission is $6, and it’s only $3 to rent skates!
3400 S. 53rd St. - Cicero
If you’re more of a hockey person, grab your helmet, lace up your skates, and head over to the South West Side's Bobby Hull Community Ice Rink for some recreational puck slapping. If you’re a Cicero resident, skate rentals are only a dollar! (Non-residents pay $10 for stick and puck sessions and $5 for open skate. Skate rentals are included.)
1701 Main St. - Evanston
If you prefer indoor rinks, Robert Crown Community Center in Evanston is perfect for you. In addition, to open skate hours, figure skating lessons, and hockey leagues, be sure to check out the rink's TGIF Friday night skate sessions with a DJ!
Image via Facebook.com/MidwayPlaisance
1130 Midway Plaisance - Hyde Park
If you really want to feel the wind in your hair, head over to Midway Plaisance Park in Hyde Park. This huge outdoor rink is in the perfect South Side location. Admission is free and skate rental is $7.
3843 N. California Ave. - Irving Park
McFetridge Sports Center in Irving Park is another great indoor arena that offers free skating on the weekends. Admission is $5 and only $3 to rent skates!
PHOTO VIA Marcus Paulo Prado/UNSPLASH
5625 S. Mobile Ave. - Garfield Ridge
Head to the South Side to enjoy this beautiful outdoor rink. Admission is free and skates are available for a $7 rental fee. Specialty sleds are also on hand so that people of all abilities can skate together!
Image via Facebook.com/MaggieDaleyPark
337 E. Randolph St. - The Loop
Maggie Daley’s Ice Ribbon is undeniably one of the best places to skate in the city. This outdoor ice rink is shaped like a lazy river and has one of the best views of the skyline. Enjoy the sunset while skating around holding hands with someone you love! (Or just someone you need for extra balance.)
Photo via Facebook/The Peninsula Chicago
108 E. Superior St. - Gold Coast
Have you ever wondered what it's like to ice skate four stories up in the sky? Your skating dreams can come true at The Peninsula Sky Rink. Donation-based skate rentals ($20 for adults and $10 for children 12 years and younger) go to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Hephzibah Children’s Association. Hot chocolate, cider, and snacks are also available for purchase.
Photo via Facebook/Fifth Third Arena
1801 W. Jackson St. - West Loop
Want to skate where the Chicago Blackhawks practice? Okay! Stop by Fifth Third Arena for a daily public skate session that often even includes special Blackhawks giveaways! Check the schedule before showing up.
1501 Feehanville Drive - Mount Prospect
Tucked in the northwest suburbs, Mount Prospect Ice Arena is a hidden gem with big league energy. Enjoy their two NHL-sized rinks, with a front row seat to everything from youth tournaments to beer league.
Photo via Morgan Park Sports Center
11505 S. Western Ave - Chicago
Tucked inside Morgan Park Sports Center Fieldhouse, this local indoor ice rink offers a smooth, cozy, and laid-back vibe, with open-skate sessions and youth programming available all year long. Rentals are available on-site.
Updated November 2025
Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know!
