Work off holiday calories by hitting one of the Chicago Park District’s outdoor ice skating rinks and Maggie Daley Park’s ice skating ribbon are open for the season through February, weather permitting. Chicago Park District’s outdoor ice rinks are supported by the Chicago Blackhawks. Most ice rinks will feature programming including pick-up hockey games.  Programs are as follows:

Weekly Drop-In Learn to Skate Sessions
Learn to skate lessons will be offered before select open skate sessions at most rinks.
Admission: $10; includes skate rental (based on availability) and entry to public skate.
This drop-in session provides instruction on the basics of balance, forward stride, starting and stopping, and backward skating.  It is open to all ages and to both hockey players and ice skaters.  Recreational or hockey helmets, gloves and knee pads are recommended. 

Stick & Puck and Pond Hockey
This combined program offers 45 minutes of Stick & Puck followed by 45 minutes of Pond Hockey for one price.  Admission (includes skate rental): $8 per person, $10 for adult & child.
Recreational or hockey helmet recommended.

– Stick & Puck offers open access to the ice specifically for practicing stickhandling, skating and shooting skills.  No scrimmage games or slap shots allowed.  Youth skaters may be on the ice with supervision. 

– Pond Hockey is more like the neighborhood pick-up game and is less competitive than rat hockey.  No slap shots or body checking allowed and hockey helmets are required.  Program is open to children and adults.

Please note that schedules and fees are subject to change.  Contact the individual ice rinks or the Chicago Park District at 312-742-PLAY (7529) or visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.