Neighborhood Ice Rinks are Jammed with Joy This January: Frozen Ocean Skating Parties, Ice Skate Programs and More to Keep Park Visitors of All Ages Active on the Ice

The Chicago Park District’s 5 outdoor ice rinks are bustling with activities this January and February. Join us for a new production known as Frozen Ocean, which features an enchanting under the sea ice skating party where the rink transforms into a frosty ocean adventure. Also, patrons can take advantage of exciting ice skating programs.  

“Ice skaters of all ages and levels can continue to enjoy the magic of Chicago winters in 2026,” said General Superintendent and CEO Carlos Ramirez-Rosa. “With open skate hours, competitive hockey programs, learn to skate opportunities, and a brand-new attraction called ‘Frozen Ocean,’ our ice rinks are the perfect place to have fun at a reasonable cost this winter season!”

View ice rink schedules, locations, and register for programs here. Check out our offerings in-depth below.

Ice Skating Programs: More Frozen Fun!  

Starting January 6, 2026, the following programs will resume at neighborhood Ice rinks:  

Drop-In Learn to Skate Lessons 

This drop-in session provides instruction on the basics of ice skating.  Recreational or hockey helmets, gloves and knee pads are recommended. Admission, which includes skate rental, is $10.00. 

Senior Skate 

Open skate for ages 50 and older. Open Skate schedules and blocks are subject to change. Admission is free.  

Stick & Puck and Pond Hockey  

This combined program offers 45-minutes of Stick & Puck followed by 45-minutes of Pond Hockey for one price.  All players will be required to wear a helmet (those under 18-years of age must wear a HECC approved helmet with a full-face mask), shin pads, cup and hockey gloves.  Skaters must bring their own equipment, including hockey stick. Youth skaters may be on the ice with supervision. Admission, which includes skate rental, is $8.00 per person, $10.00 for adult and child pairings.

Stick & Puck: Offers open access to the ice specifically for practicing stickhandling, skating and shooting skills. No scrimmage games or slap shots allowed. 
Pond Hockey Practice: Practice non-contact battling up to 5-on-5 skaters. No slap shots or body checking is allowed and hockey helmets are required. The program is open to children and adults and is offered in combination with the Stick & Puck program.  
 

Rat Hockey 
Rat hockey is a pick-up game available for players 18-years-old and older.  All players will be required to wear a helmet, shin pads, cup and hockey gloves. Equipment is not provided. A minimum of eight participants are required for rat hockey play. Admission, which includes skate rental, is $10.00. 
 

Frozen Ocean Ice Skating Party

Frozen Ocean ice skating parties will take place at five outdoor ice rinks, weather permitting. Skate guards will wear shark fins, Poseidon and mermaid costumes. Visitors are encouraged to wear sea creature costumes as they skate. Patrons will be able to glide across the ice with glowing jellyfish, friendly sharks, and sparkly sea creatures on the following dates:  

Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, 6-8 p.m. at Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave.
Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at McKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Rd.
Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Midway Plaisance, 1130 Midway Plaisance North
Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Mt. Greenwood Park, 3721 W. 111th St.
Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wentworth Park, 5625 S. Mobile Ave.
Registration is available for the Frozen Ocean Ice Skating Party series.