Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon (winter)
A winding quarter-mile ice-skating path through Maggie Daley Park with the skyline overhead.
The call
Skip it unless this is central to the trip.
Why
- 01
Far more fun than a standard rink — the ribbon winds and dips through the park beneath the downtown towers, making it the city's best winter activity.
Our read - 02
The honest catch is the obvious one: it only runs in the cold months, it's busy on weekends, and you'll want to book a session and rent skates ahead.
Our read
Is it a fit?
Think twice if
You are watching the budget
On a budget, skip Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon (winter) — the spend outweighs the payoff.
You only have one day
Short on time? Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon (winter) can wait.
You are traveling solo
Solo, give Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon (winter) a miss.
You are traveling with kids
With kids, it depends on the day.
Plan it well
- Cost
- Free w/ own skates; ~$15 rental
- Timing
- Winter months; weekdays or early sessions to avoid the weekend rush.
- Booking
- Reserve a skating session online and pre-arrange rentals in peak weeks.
- Allow
- 1–1.5 hours
- Accessibility
- The park is accessible; skating itself requires standing balance.
- Getting there
- In Maggie Daley Park just east of Millennium Park; central Loop transit.