Chicago Park District Outdoor Ice Rinks Open Today

By Lisa White in News on Nov 29, 2013 9:15PM

Midway Plaisance Park via Chicago Park District website

Sharpen those blades and dust off your mittens, the Chicago Park District officially open their outdoor ice skating rinks today. The season runs through Sunday Feb. 23, weather permitting at most rinks. The only day of closure will be December 25.

Open skate is offered all open days. Check out the rink schedules on the Chicago Park District's website. Admission is $3 for adults, children and students (with a valid ID) are free. If you do not own your own, skate rental is $6 for all ages. If you are an adult and rent your skates they'll knock off a few dollars and let your enter as well for $7 total. And on Friday evenings family skate is from 6:30-9 p.m. with a special price of $10 per family, which includes the cost of skate rental. With such affordable options you have no reason not to head out and enjoy the ice.

If you need some help learning how to ice skate, most rinks offer programs. Most offer pick up hockey games as well, you can check out more information here for details.

They also offer sled assisted skating, a speciality sled designed with a foot guard, bucket seat, foot rest and pusher handle so those with all abilities can skate together. They are free to use, you just have to call individual rinks in advance to reserve a sled.

The full list of locations of ice rinks around the city can be found here. A new rink has been added this year at Wentworth Park (5625 S. Mobile Ave) and will open in December. Enjoy some time on the ice this weekend!