This is number five in my series of things to do with children while parenting alone. Whether you’re divorced, separated or just have the kids for the weekend, I hope these articles can help you enjoy quality time with your children.
Chicago has more to offer than just beautiful architecture and a great view of the lakefront. Being on a chilly lake in the wintertime is usually not much fun. But families can take a spin on the ice downtown to capture a nice wintertime memory. The Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink will open on November 16th, 2018 until March 10th, 2019 (weather permitting). Admission into the ice rink is free and open to the general public. The ice rink is open on a daily basis and dependent on weather conditions. Closures dues to severe weather will be posted on Millennium Park’s facebook and twitter pages. Depending on conditions, ice resurfacing lasts approximately fifteen to thirty minutes.
For admission into the Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink, you must be between the ages of toddler eight (8) to Adult (13). Skate rentals are strictly available on a first come, first serve basis. Rental fees range from thirteen dollars ($13) from Monday through Thursday; fifteen dollars ($15.00) from Friday through Saturday; nine dollars ($9.00) for skate sharpening; and one dollar ($1.00) for locker rentals. Remember, admission into the ice rink is free and open to the general public. There is usually a line on a nice clear day so go early.
If you’re looking to skate with a twist (and a twirl), the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink hosts ice skating parties throughout the season. Here is a list of the following skating parties hosted by local Chicago DJs: Charlie Brown Classics (Jazz) on November 29, 2018; Ugly Sweater Soul-Mas (Soul and R&B) on December 6, 2018; Christmas Classics (All Holiday Music) on December 20, 2018; Homecoming (House Music) on December 27, 2018; Bling In The New Year (90s Hip-Hop Music) on January 3, 2018; Totally Tubular (80s Pop & Rock Music) on January 17, 2019; Soul Train (70s Disco, Funk & Soul) on January 31, 2018; Purple Passion (All Prince) on February 7, 2019; Mambo Mania(40s & 50s Latin Music) on February 21, 2019; and It’s a Wrap-sody (All Queen) on March 7, 2019.
Parking is available on nearby streets and the Millennium garages located at 5 S. Columbus Drive, Grant Park North Garage at 25 N. Michigan Ave., and Grant Park South Garage at 325 S. Michigan Ave. Please use a parking app like Spothero to secure parking and get a discounted rate.
However, I highly recommend public transportation if possible. Taking the CTA to Millennium Park is available from nearly all sections of the city. From the elevated lines: exit at Washington/Wabash and walk east. From the subway: exit at Lake (Red Line) or Washington (Blue Line) and walk east. If traveling by bus, Millennium Park is served by buses three (3), four (4), six (6), j fourteen (j 14), twenty (20), fifty-six (56), sixty (60), one-hundred twenty-four (124), one hundred forty-six (146), one forty-seven (147), one fifty-one (151) and one fifty-seven (157).
Please check the City of Chicago’s cultural affairs and special events website for extended details (i.e. hours, holiday hours, rules and regulations).
Millennium Park McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is a two-minute walk (400ft) from my Chicago law office. Directions below: