Maggie Daley Park Skating Ribbon Opens

The Maggie Daley Park skating ribbon winds a quarter mile through the park’s climbing walls and skyline views just east of Millennium Park. The 2026-27 season runs November 13, 2026 through March 7, 2027, according to the Chicago Park District, which runs the park.

Skating is sold in timed sessions. On non-holiday weekdays the sessions are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 2 to 4 p.m., 5 to 7 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m.; weekends add an 8 to 10 a.m. session. Bringing your own skates costs $5 for most sessions, with a free skate-only session at 11 a.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. weekends. Skate rental is $17 online or $19 walk-up Monday through Thursday, and $21 online or $23 walk-up on Fridays, weekends, holidays and the holiday season.

Reservations are released on a rolling schedule at noon on dates the park posts, and weekend and holiday sessions go fast. The park district notes hours change on holidays.

Plan your visit

The park is a five-minute walk from Millennium Station (Metra Electric and South Shore) and from the Washington/Wabash L station; CTA buses on Randolph and Michigan stop at the door. The Millennium Park garages under Randolph and Columbus are the closest parking. Weekend afternoons and the week between Christmas and New Year’s are the crowded windows; weekday evenings are much calmer. Dress warm, wear thick socks for rental skates, and use the free warming area and lockers.