Here's a list of all the outdoor ice skating rinks in Chicago that local families love! You can use our interactive map to find the one closest to you. Just be sure to verify open skate hours before you head out, since ice skating outside will be temperature dependent. When you get home you can warm up with hot chocolate and holiday cookies!
Are we missing your family’s favorite outdoor rink? Help us crowdsource winter fun by recommending it for us to add below! Share any tips with fellow Chicagoland parents in the comments, too, and help us make this the ultimate parent-to-parent online resource!
Lake Bluff Artesian Ice Rink
Sarah D. said: The North Shore knows outdoor ice skating, and the Lake Bluff Ice Rink located at Artesian Park is a prime example of a family-friendly outdoor rink! The rink is maintained as long as the weather permits and is thoroughly lighted for evening skating. The grounds boast a warming house facility along with washrooms located at Artesian Park.
Lake Bluff, IL
1 review
Arlington Heights Park District Ice Skating Rinks
Yoli B said: The Arlington Heights Park District has your outdoor skating needs covered with several outdoor rinks that the kids (and you) will love. The rinks are unattended and you will need your own skates, but the winter air on your face will make the skate purchase all worth it!
Arlington Heights, ILRinks are open mid-Dec to mid-Feb, weather permitting
Check the conditions report online to confirm that rinks are open
1 review
Glen Ellyn Outdoor Skating Rinks
Erin P. said: Glen Ellyn is the home to three outdoor ice skating parks. They are typically open from mid-December through February, weather permitting. Lake Ellyn and Newton Park both offer natural ice surfaces. The Polar Plaza has a synthetic (plastic) surface which replicates a regular ice surface. A unique new element will also come to the Polar Plaza this season – two iceless curling lanes. Equipment will be available to borrow (it’s free!) for this fun winter activity on select dates. Ice skate rentals are not available, so please bring your own.
Glen Ellyn, ILOpen late-Nov to late-Feb
1 review
Crystal Lake Main Beach and West Beach Ice Rinks
Sarah D. said: Ice Skating outdoors can be more than just rink skating! In Crystal Lake, the Park District carefully monitors the conditions of Crystal Lake and - when the ice is thick enough - opens skating for public use! There are two access points to skate the Lake, but I recommend skating at Main Beach for it's access to restrooms and other amenities! Benches and skate mats are available at Main Beach once the rink is cleared. Hockey goals are set up at both Main and West. The skating areas are lighted in the evening, too.
Crystal Lake, IL
1 review
Primary photo: Upparent
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.
