After the tree lighting on November 17th, everyone in Chicago has begun to get in the Christmas spirit. With the holiday spirit, many ice rinks are opening, making choosing difficult. To combat this predicament, I looked into different ice rinks around Chicago and ranked each based on: accessibility, reservation options, price, physical resources, and crowdedness. I found the Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon, the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, and the Midway Plaisance Skating Rink to be the most popular.
The Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon is located at 337 E Randolph Street, known for its long but narrow wraparound path circling the Park, creating a unique but collisional experience. Maggie Daley provides reservations for 11am, 2pm, 5pm, and 8pm, along with limited walk-ins. From Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays, admission is free, but skates can be rented for $16 for reservations and $18 for walk-ins. From Friday through Sunday, plus holidays, admission is free before 1pm and $5 after. Skates can be rented for $20 for reservations and $22 for walk-ins. Skate aids are $10, while lockers are $3-5.(Maggie Daley Park) Taking all into account, I would rate the Maggie Daley Skating Rink a 6/10. The Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon is definitely a unique experience, but can also be pricey and more difficult for those starting off.
The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is located at 1 N Michigan Avenue, known for being near downtown’s festive monuments. McCormick provides reservations for 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, and 9pm with free admission. From Monday through Thursday, excluding holidays, skate rentals are $16. From Friday through Sunday, along with holidays, skate rentals are $20. Skate aides are $10, skate sharpeners are $9 and locker rental are $2.(City of Chicago) Combining the park’s location, reservation requirement, resource availability, and shape, I would give the McCormick Tribune RInk a 7/10. This rink is similar to Maggie Daley Park’s Skating Rink, but skaters are able to space themselves out.
The Midway Plaisance Skating Rink is located at 1130 Midway Plaisance by the UChicago campus. The rink provides free admission for 12pm, 2:30pm, and 5pm, with registration via phone call. Midway Plaisance includes rental skates for $7, along with free skate aids and accessible skating sleds. Midway Plaisance also holds Rat Hockey and skate training sessions for $10 with skates included.(Chicago Park District) I would give the Midway Plaisance location an 8/10. The rink overall seems to encompass cheaper options and accessible resources, but is located not as centrally to the city and does not include locker rentals.
Counting up scores, the Midway Plaisance earns my highest ranking. The Rink offers many accommodations for all levels and ages with much cheaper prices. Although the Midway Plaisance earns my highest ranking, all Skating Rinks have their ups and downs, and there may be a different Ice Rink for you. No matter where you may go, I hope you are able to have a fun and safe time skating all throughout winter!
