Enjoy a little winter exercise, whether you’re a first-time skater or an old pro. Our little city is just teeming with first-rate ice-skating rinks that are the perfect spots for families to have a good time. We chose our five favorite rinks across Chicago based on location, hours and price, and we can’t wait to grab our children and see you on the ice!
Take a break from downtown Chi-Town sightseeing and slip on some skates for a whirl around Daley Bicentennial Park. This quiet ice rink offers cheap skating at just $5 per rental on weekdays and weekends. Plus, warm up with hot chocolate from the nearby stand.
Grant Park – 337 E. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60601
Date and Time: From 11/28/08 to 02/28/09; 8:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.
The McCormick Tribune Plaza and Ice Rink at Millennium Park
Every family should visit the McCormick Tribune Plaza and Ice Rink at Millennium Park at least once. With stunning city views and a wide-open rink, this venue allows families to spend the day bundled in mittens and scarves, zipping around Michigan Avenue. And, since it’s open from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. daily, there’s plenty of time to slip in some shopping, too.
The McCormick Tribune Plaza and Ice Rink – Michigan Avenue and Washington Street, Chicago, IL 60602
Date and Time: From 11/12/08 to 03/15/09; 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.
Exert some of that childhood energy at the Chicago Park District’s only indoor ice-skating rink at McFetridge Sports Center. As an added perk, an indoor rink means the longest skating season in the area; you can lace up and hit the ice from September through June, with a short break for Christmas and New Years week.
McFetridge Sports Center – 3843 N. California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618
Date and Time: From 09/10/08 to 12/21/08 and from 01/07/09 to 06/20/09; call ahead for hours.
If you think that your little snow bunnies will get tired of the skates, Rink Side Sports is your choice for winter activities. This Gurnee rink is known for its large family center, which includes mini-golf, video games and indoor rides. Plus, on Saturday nights, cosmic skating takes over the joint!
Rink Side Sports (Gurnee Mills Mall (parking lots “J” or “H”) – 6152 W. Grand Avenue, Gurnee, IL 60031
Date and Time: Mondays through Sundays; call ahead for hours.
Make it a family weekend in bucolic Skokie Park when you bring your children for open skating at the Skatium Ice Arena. Public skating happens seven days a week at steep discounts of just $4 per child with a $2.50 rental if you need some blades.
Skatium Indoor Ice Arena – 9300 Weber Park Place, Skokie, IL 60077
Date and Time: 7 Days a Week, 365 Days a Year; call ahead for hours.
EMAIL THIS TO A FRIEND 
COMMENTS (0) 