Ice skating in Illinois brings out all the magic and fun of winter.
Here you'll find fantastic outdoor ice skating rinks where you can skate under the crisp open sky, plus indoor spots if the weather gets a little too fierce.
You can glide across the ice at iconic spots like Millennium Park (a great choice for first timers), or in quieter community locations across the state. That crisp air and winter atmosphere make ice skating in Illinois a pretty special experience, so bundle up, strap on your skates, and explore some of Illinois' best ice skating.
Ice Skating in Chicago
The Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon offers a unique path-style rink in the shape of a ribbon with stunning city views, making it the perfect spot for both casual skaters and families.
More Ice Skating in Chicago
McCormick Tribune Ice Rink
Skate for free at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink in Millennium Park, set against the backdrop of Chicago's stunning skyline.
McCormick Tribune Ice RinkSkating Rink at Brookfield Zoo
Glide through the holidays at Brookfield Zoo's Skating Rink! The rink is not made of ice, but of a synthetic material known as Glice®
Chicago Wolves SkatingJack Frost Holiday Pop-Up
Experience a grand outdoor winter experience where you can ice skate on a full sized rink, look at winter lights displays, enjoy photo ops, and more.
Jack Frost Fulton MarketThe Sky Rink at the Peninsula Hotel
Explore The Sky Rink at the Peninsula Hotel where you can skate above Michigan Avenue inside a mini winter wonderland.
The Sky RinkThere's nothing better than sipping on some hot chocolate before, during, or after a visit to the ice rink. Check out these hot chocolate spots in Chicago to plan your perfect post-rink warming routine.
Good Eats at the Rinks
After skating at Doty Park's outdoor ice rink, reward yourself with a different form of ice... ice cream! Sips and Sprinkles, located in Belvidere, is an abandoned building turned ice cream shop with delicious sundaes, milkshakes, ice cream, and more. They also offer coffee and a food menu. The Park Grill at Millennium Park offers a hearty menu of tasty burgers, brats, cheese curds, and more. They also have a variety of drink options including crafted cocktails and draft beers.
Family Friendly Rinks in Illinois
In Rockford, you can choose your adventure at the Carlson Ice Arena. The rink features public skating sessions and hockey leagues but is also home to Sapora Playworld, a three level indoor playground. Families can have a full day of entertainment at this rink.
While you're in Rockford, you can also stop at the Riverview Ice House for an exciting ice skating adventure. Continue your skate across Northern Illinois and enjoy the crisp winter air at the Lake County Forest Preserves outdoor rinks where you can practice your spins and jumps. You can also carve smooth arcs across the ice at Crystal Lake Ice House, with skating through fall, winter, and spring.
Public Skate Spots
Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge features public skate opportunities seven days a week. Rocket Ice Arena in the southwest suburbs of Chicago also offers public skates, but with a twist. The skates are sometimes themed, so don't be surprised if you find yourself skating around with a famous character or popular tunes in the background.
The Bloomington Ice Center offers a variety of skating programs throughout the year, with lessons ranging from all ages to freestyle practice sessions. The Skatium also offers lessons as well as a variety of themed skating events, such as their Ugly Sweater Skating Event.
Illinois hockey teams
Get some inspiration from the pros for your next ice skating adventure. These Illinois hockey teams show just what's possible on the ice.
Looking for more Illinois winter fun?
Cold, bold wonders to behold
Ice skating isn't the only winter magic Illinois has to offer. Plan your Illinois winter adventure with all the best winter activities, attractions, events, and seasonal comforts. We're talking skiing, snowboarding, bald eagles - even frozen waterfalls!