Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Northern Illinois

When your family starts to get cabin fever this winter, beat it by enjoying a fun day of outdoor ice skating at these rinks in Northern Illinois!

Winter Fun in Northern Illinois

Keeping kids entertained during winter can feel like a never-ending challenge, especially in Northern Illinois, (where there is no snow to play in yet), and the cold seems to last forever.

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As a mom with two young kids, I know firsthand the cabin fever that can set in. Thinking ahead and doing a little research of wintery things to do in the area can be a lifesaver for when the "I'm boooored" whining sets in and you need to get the family out of the house.

Sure, going to the movies is always a crowd pleaser, but sometimes the kids (and let’s face it, us parents) need to burn off some energy outdoors. Enter ice skating: a fun, affordable, and memory-making way to enjoy winter’s chill.

Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Northern Illinois

I don't know about you, but ice skating outdoors is always more enjoyable than skating in an indoor rink, (maybe it's the views and being out in the elements?) and thankfully, Northern Illinois has some fantastic outdoor ice skating rinks to choose from:

1. The Eclipse Lagoon at Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens in Rockford, Illinois

Skating is free, and skate rental is now available at Eclipse Lagoon for $5!

2. Riverside Ice Arena at Doty Park in Belvidere, Illinois

This rink is open (weather permitting) Monday through Thursday, to 6 p.m., Friday, 4 to 9 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 12 to 7 p.m. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages to 17. Skate rental is $5 per person, and a Bobby Rental (to help less graceful skaters) is $3.

3. Page Park Ice Skating Rink in Dixon, Illinois

Open hours for Page Park's skating rink may vary weekly, so make sure you keep a close eye on Dixon Park District's Facebook to make sure it's open before you go!

Read Park in Freeport, Illinois typically has an outdoor skating rink to enjoy, as does two parks in Rockton, but opening hours have not yet been posted for any of them yet this season...stay tuned!