Looking for a great place to strap on the skates or careen down a snow-packed hill?
We’ve got a rundown of local outdoor ice rinks and sledding hills, along with a few picks for places to go when you need to feel your toes again!
Deerfield
For skating
Patti Stryker Park
Pine and Hackberry Sts.
Where to warm up
Swing by Deerfields Bakery (813 N Waukegan Rd) for all the baked goods you could ever want after a full day of ice skating.
Evanston
For sledding
James Park
Oakton and Dodge Sts.
Sledding on the large hill (Mount Trashmore) is prohibited by the city, but the small and intermediate hills are open, though unsupervised.
Lovelace Park
Gross Point Rd. and Isabella St.
For conditions, call 847-866-2900
For skating
Dawes Park Lagoon
Sheridan Rd. at Church St.
Baker Park
Forest Ave. at Keeney St.
For rink conditions, call 847-859-7822 ext. 8
Where to go to warm up
Try Casteel Coffee Co. (2924 Central St) for organic coffee and hot paninis.
Daredevil boys in the back of your SUV? Hit Five Guys (816 Church) for a bag of fries.
Glencoe
For sledding and skating
Watts Park
305 Randolph St.
There are two lighted rinks at Watts Park. For hours, prices and events, call 847-835-3030
Where to go to warm up
Try the Glencoe Coffee Shop (700 Vernon Ave.) for a quick pick-me-up.
Glenview
For sledding and skating
Flick Park
3600 Glenview Rd.
Lighted until 10 p.m. nightly
For sledding
Johns Park
2101 Central Rd.
Lighted until 10 p.m. nightly
For conditions, call 847-724-3337 (option 4)
Where to go to warm up
Head into The Glen Town Center and visit Via Gelato (1853 Tower Dr.) for a full line of coffee drinks and homemade soups.
Highland Park
For sledding
Danny Cunniff Park
3100 Trail Way St. (at the end, north of Half Day Rd.)
For conditions, call 847-681-2189
For skating
Sunset Woods Park
1801 Sunset Rd.
Rink is lighted
For conditions, call 847.432.4303
Where to go to warm up
Try ArrivaDolce (1823 St. Johns Ave.) for locally roasted coffee and a grilled cheese.
Lake Forest/Lake Bluff
For sledding
Blair Park
355 W Washington Rd.
Lighted and open until 9 p.m.
For skating
West Park
Green Bay and Woodland Rds
For ice rink conditions, call 837-234-6702
Where to go to warm up
Caputo’s Cheese Market (231 E Wisconsin Ave.) serves up hot sandwiches made with artisan cheeses and savory hot chocolate.
Northbrook
For sledding
Wood Oaks Green Sledding Hill
1150 Sanders Rd.
Techny Prairie Park
1750 Techny Rd.
For conditions, call 847-291-2985
For skating
Meadowhill Park
1479 Maple Ave.
Tower Rink
1225 Cedar Lane
For conditions, call 847-291-2985, extension 3.
Where to go to warm up
Leonard’s Bakery (2776 Dundee Rd in Dunbrook Center) offers fresh baked treats and a hot cup of coffee.
Northfield
For skating
Clarkson Park
1950 Willow Rd.
Free for Northfield residents
Call 847-446-4693 for more information
Where to go to warm up
Your best bet? There’s a Starbucks on the corner of Willow and Happ Rds., a few blocks away.
Wilmette
For skating
Gillson Park
Sheridan Rd. and Michigan Ave.
West Park
Dartmouth Ave. and Thornwood Ave.
For conditions, call 847-256-6100
Where to go to warm up
Rock House (1150 Central Ave) is your go-to destination to please everyone in your cold party. This rock music themed coffee house has tea, coffee, and warm snacks.
Chicago
For sledding
Cricket Hill
601 W Montrose Ave
Soldier Field
425 E McFetridge Dr (southeast of the stadium)
For conditions, call 312-235-7000
For skating
Millennium Park (McCormick Tribune Ice Rink)
Michigan Ave. and Washington St.
Free admission, opens November 16. Visit millenniumpark.org for more information.
John Hancock Building (Skating in the Sky)
875 N Michigan Ave.
Not exactly an outdoor rink, but worth it for the scenic view from the 94th floor. Opens January 1, visit jhochicago.com for more information and to book a skating session.
Where to warm up
The Magnificent Mile offers plenty of eateries across the street, but for quick and kid-friendly spots, try Caribou Coffee (20 N Michigan Ave) or Panera Bread (2 N Michigan Ave).
