Public Ice Skating Rinks In Illinois

Public Ice Skating Rinks in Illinois

Aug 11, 2011 | By Arlen Hershey

Illinois' lakes freeze over during the winter, but some rinks stay open all year long. If you're looking to lace up your ice skates to play hockey or just do some recreational skating, the Land of Lincoln has multiple options for anybody looking to glide on the ice. Ice rinks are available to skaters of all ages.

Seven Bridges

Located in the western Chicago suburb of Woodbridge, Seven Bridges is one of the most popular ice arenas in the Chicagoland area. This indoor facility is open year-round, offering skating lessons to children and adults. Hockey fans can also come to Seven Bridges for adult and youth pick-up games or league events. Stick time is available as well.

Campus Recreation Ice Arena

For central Illinois residents, the Campus Recreation Ice Arena at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana is one of the area's top winter destinations. In addition to indoor public skating, there are also figure skating lessons, pick-up hockey, hockey league play, hockey clinics and broom ball.

Millennium Park

The most popular outdoor rink in downtown Chicago is located in Millennium Park. Open during the winter months only, this rink is a favorite destination for couples on dates and families looking for a cold-weather activity. Skate rentals are available, or you can bring your own. Only leisure skating is allowed on the rink; no sports.

Fox Valley Ice Arena

Fox Valley Ice Arena is another popular indoor skating center in the Chicago suburbs. Open year-round, the public sessions occasionally get psychedelic with Cosmic Skate nights on weekends. Multi-colored lights illuminate the dark rinks, and music is turned up for a party-like skating atmosphere. Hockey is also played at Fox Valley, and figure skating lessons focus on freestyle and contract ice programs.

All Seasons

Two NHL-size rinks are available at All Seasons in Naperville. This indoor facility is open year-round, with public skate sessions available during set hours. All Seasons accommodates birthday parties, offering lessons in figure skating and hockey. Though popular with children, adult skaters come to All Seasons as well.