Whether you’re willing to brave the cold or prefer an indoor rink, Chicago offers a variety of rinks as a budget-friendly way to spend an afternoon this winter. Any rinks we highlight here offer skate rentals, too, so you don’t need to dust off the pair hiding in the back of your closet. Just make sure you check for any potential closures online before you go. Ice skating is weather-dependent, which includes an unseasonably warm day.
If you’re looking for ice skating in downtown Chicago, you’re in for a treat this Valentine’s Day. Super is sponsoring free skating sessions for 100 people at the Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon on Feb. 14 during their 8-10 PM skate time. To register for the ticket, visit the park’s reservation site and select the "Super.com Skate Event.” Use the code "superskate" to redeem your free skate.
Now, let’s dive into more of our favorite spots for ice skating in Chicago, including the ribbon at Maggie Daley Park.
Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon
337 E Randolph Street
This is by far Chicago’s most scenic ice skating rink. Show off your skills on the Chicago ice skating ribbon in Maggie Daley Park with views of the city skyline as you glide. Weekdays are much quieter than balmy weekend afternoons, but reservations are required no matter when you visit. Arrive at the start of your booking time to ensure you get the full skate. To keep things even more budget-friendly, make use of public transportation and ride the “L” downtown. Parking downtown can be quite expensive.
Skate Rentals: Rentals are available, but prices vary depending on the date and time you book. Rentals are $16 + tax for online bookings Monday-Thursday and $20 + tax for online bookings Friday-Sunday. If you own your own skates, sessions are free on weekdays and morning weekend sessions.Â
Don’t forget: If you’re planning a Valentine’s Day skate, use our special code to redeem your free skate rentals!
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
1 N. Michigan Avenue
Before the opening of the Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon, this rink at the McCormick Tribune Plaza was the most popular skating option in downtown Chicago. Enjoy views of Michigan Avenue and Cloud Gate, or “The Bean” at this Millennium Park rink. Admission to the rink is free, but you still need to reserve a session before you go.Â
If you want to brush up on your skills, the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events offers free skating lessons on weekend morning for skaters looking to improve their skating abilities or work on their hockey moves.
Skate Rentals: Rentals are available on-site. Reserve skates for $16 Monday-Thursday or $20 Friday-Sunday and holidays. Skate sharpening is also available for $9 per pair.
The Peninsula Sky Rink
108 E. Superior Street
The Peninsula Sky Rink offers panoramic views from its perch on the fourth floor of The Peninsula Chicago hotel. Arrive for an evening skate for twinkling lights, hot drinks, and impressive skyline views. Reservations aren’t required, but you may want to call ahead if you’re worried about the weather or to make sure that the rink isn’t rented out for a private event. Sessions are only available Fridays-Sundays.
Skate Rentals: Rentals are available for $20 per person. All proceeds from the event are charitable donations. Your rental costs are split between the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and the Hephzibah Children’s Association, so you can skate knowing you’re doing some good while you have fun.
McFetridge Sports Center
3843 N. California Avenue
Plan an ice skating date without worrying about the weather at this indoor rink in the Irving Park neighborhood. You’ll skate on a regulation-size NHL rink at this recreation center. Plan your visit during an open skate to avoid being cut off by one of the many private lessons, freestyle sessions, or hockey tournaments that happen here.Â
Open skate sessions cost $5 per adult and are available every afternoon in the main rink or smaller studio rink during set times. Weekday sessions require pre-registration to attend, but you can book in-person on weekends.
Skate Rentals: Skate rentals are available for just $3 during public skate times.Â
Plan a Skate Date in Chicago
Visiting one of Chicago’s best ice skating rinks is a great way to enjoy the best of winter in the city. It’s also a budget-friendly activity in the city. Want to save even more on your Chicago trip? The travel experts at SuperTravel can help you save up to 50% on hotel stays in Chicago no matter when you visit. We want you to have plenty of room in the budget for hot chocolate after that skate.
