Top Outdoor Things to Do in Chicago in Winter

Best Outdoor things to do in Chicago in Winter

Chicago is the city to go out and have fun in summer, but also much fun outdoor during cold winter days. This year winter has started early as we already had touch of light snow over last two weeks. Get ready for outdoor adventure right here in the city!

Personally I used to hate winter in Chicago, but learned my ways around to enjoy the winter in Chicago. There are many outdoor things to do in Chicago in winter including ice skating, sledding and snowshoeing. Just dress properly and you will have the best time outdoor during winter!

Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon

November 16, 2018-March 10, 2019
Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon is located right in the heart of downtown Chicago. One of the best experience to have in Chicago as you can enjoy excellent views of City’s skyline. Because of the shape, this Skating Ribbon is different than the typical civic ice rinks. Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon gives skaters twice the length of a lap around compared to traditional skating rink.

Admission to Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon is free. Skating gear and locker rentals are available. Rental prices varies for weekdays and weekends.
$13/rental Monday – Thursday
$15/rental Friday – Sunday and Holidays

Hours of operations are as below, but keep in mind that weather conditions may change hours of operations.
Monday – Thursday: noon – 8:00 pm
Friday: noon – 10:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am – 8:00 pm

If you are driving then I recommend you to park at Millennium Lakeside Garages.

Skate sharpening is not available on site at Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon.

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink

November 16, 2018-March 10, 2019
One of the best experience, skating right in the middle of Millennium Park near metal Bean. You can enjoy great views of Chicago downtown skyline near Millennium Park. Admission to McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is free. You can bring your own skate gears or you can rent them at the place for fee. Overall, skating at McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, is one of the best things to do in Chicago in winter season. If you are planning to go for Ice Skating then I recommend you to plan a weekend in downtown Chicago, book one of the family-friendly hotels near Millennium Park to crash after day long activities and skating near Millennium Park.

Skate Rentals:
$13 Monday–Thursday
$15 Friday-Sunday and Holidays (see below for list of dates)
$9 Skate Sharpening
$1 Locker Rentals

Hours of Operations:
Mondays–Thursdays, noon–8pm
Fridays, noon–10pm (ice skating lesson at 11am)
Saturdays & Sundays, 10am–9pm (ice skating lesson at 9am)

Parking:
Millennium Garages are located at Millennium Park Garage and Millennium Lakeside Garage at 5 S. Columbus Drive, Grant Park North Garage at 25 N. Michigan Ave. and Grant Park South Garage at 325 S. Michigan Ave.

Northerly Island

Northerly Island is 91 acres of area, man-made peninsula along Chicago’s Lake Michigan lakefront, located east of Soldier Field. It is part of museum campus. You can have fun with snowshoeing or cross country skiing through trails. During winter from November through April, the Northerly Island fieldhouse is open on Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 am to 4 pm. You can take advantage of the Northerly Island fieldhouse to warm up after outdoor winter activities.

Soldier Field Sledding Hill

The 30 acres of parkland, surrounding Soldier Field, the home of Chicago Bears, was created for the public’s pleasure. During winter area is maintained by Chicago Park District for sledding. Chicago Park District makes sure to keep these hills covered with snow for the sledders throughout the season. Sledding on these hills are one of the best things to do in Chicago in winter.

Chicago Lakefront Trail

Chicago is blessed with Lake Michigan, which provides approximately 18 miles of water front from south to north end of the Chicago city. Take advantage of many trails along the Lakefront and enjoy the water. Do not forget to click some pictures of snow scenery on the Michigan Lake. One of the coolest things to do in Chicago in winter.

You may also want to read my post on things to do in Chicago during the holidays.

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