Chicago's Best Winter Activities
Updated December 2, 2020
Skating the ribbon at Maggie Daley park should be on everyone’s Winter bucket list
Watching NFL Sunday ticket is not a sport but can be exhausting, especially for Bears fans. Check out where to pair a good drink with snowboarding, skating, skiing and other winter sports in Chicago.
Chicago Winter Fun
They say there are two seasons in Chicago, winter and construction. Chicago locals bond over the brutal winters, Bears losses, and potholes created in winter that perpetuate road work in the summer. Here are some fun things to do in Chicago during the winter months, many of which you can enjoy during Covid! It’s always best to visit the websites or call businesses to understand the Covid situation before you go.
Ice Hockey & Ice Skating Rinks
Skating The Ribbon at Maggie Daly Park
The ribbon shaped ice rink in Maggie Daley park is a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. Not only is the uniquely shaped ice rink in a convenient location to other downtown fun, but it’s also an affordable activity under $20 if you need skates or free if you bring your own. We recommend pairing this activity with a drink at the Chicago Athletic Association, where you can play games in the Game Room, have brunch or rooftop cocktails at Cindy’s, and attend special events like roller skating parties in their basketball court. But alas, back to ice skating!
The ribbon is twice the length compared to skating a lap at a traditional rink. This year you'll want to make a reservation because social distancing protocols are in place with a max of 180 skaters on the ice at a time. As long as weather cooperates the Maggie Daley skating ribbon is open through March.
Parson's Chicken and Fish in Logan Square operates a seasonal ice rink, where you can practice your iron lotus in between craft cocktails. You can reserve tables during Covid for stays of 90 minutes or less.
Lincoln Park Zoo has a seasonal ice skating rink from the end of November through the end of February. This family friendly rink has skate rentals and a barn with drinks and snacks, including hot winter drinks. Admission and skate rental are $5 each.
The Peninsula Hotel has Chicago's only rooftop ice skating the rink. The catch: you must be a hotel guest to use it, making the Peninsula a top suggestion for your winter staycation!
The city of Chicago has indoor and outdoor skating rinks where you can bring your own coffee or hot chocolate. There are 8 seasonal ice skating rinks including the Maggie Daley skating ribbon, open as late as the first week of March each year. There are also 2 year-round skating opportunities at the indoor rinks located at McFetridge Sports Center and the Morgan Park Sports Center. Wicker ICE is an outdoor rink in Wicker Park that is open when temperatures accommodate skaters. Navy Pier has a summer skating rink for those wanting winter fun in the summer.
Chicago’s Curling Bar
Kaiser Tiger is Chicago's first and only curling bar. This West Loop German beer garden transforms into a seasonal winter rink for patrons to feel like olympians who celebrate with steins of beer and bretzels. See the transformation of the bocce ball court into a curling court below. During Covid Kaiser Tiger will be hosting socially distanced live music and curling reservations as of December 1.
In addition to all the fun stuff they do year round, the Chicago Friars Ski and Bike Club, Inc. organizes an array of outdoor adventures in Chicago and beyond, including ski trips. Operating closely with Ricochet's bar, apres ski encouraged.
Nearby in Rosemont you can enjoy winter fun at Frozemont.
Winter Fun in Lemont
Lemont Quarries adventure park and The Forge are a short trip from Chicago and a mecca of activities year round. Even during winter months you can enjoy zip lines, rock climbing walls, and a ropes course (weather permitting). The Forge also sets up a holiday light show, holiday carolling and has an ice skating rink.