During its annual Winter WonderFest celebration in December and January, Navy Pier in Chicago offers an all-ages, indoor ice skating rink. Though skating is only one of many activities you can indulge in at Winter WonderFest, it's one of the only ones that's completely free -- if you plan ahead, that is. Otherwise, you'll need an admission ticket just like you would for activities like riding the Ferris wheel or scaling the Snow Summit climbing wall.
Tips
- Choose the dates you want to visit the skating rink. The Winter WonderFest takes place in December and January, and though it is typically open five days a week, the hours may vary by day. If you want to beat the crowds, you may have more luck on a weekday than on the weekend.
- Purchase tickets to the Winter WonderFest online if you don't plan on taking ice skates, or if you want to take in other activities while you're at Navy Pier. Though you don't have to purchase tickets in advance, you receive a discount for doing so -- and while you can skate for free with your own pair of blades, you still need a ticket for the Winter WonderFest's other rides and activities. If you have your own skates and want to participate in other activities, order a regular wristband, which includes everything except rental skates at the rink. If you don't have your own skates, order the all-inclusive premium wristband.
- Pack light, because you can't take your personal belongings onto the skating rink with you. Unless you have someone in your party who can hold your belongings, you'll have to rent a locker for your shoes or boots. Lockers are limited, though, and the bigger they are, the more expensive they are to rent -- take only what you need to make sure you save money and have a place to keep your things while you're on the ice.
- Park in the east garage when you arrive at Navy Pier. Of the two parking garages -- east and west -- this one is closer to the Winter WonderFest attractions. If you aren't driving, take the Navy Pier Trolley, which runs during the festival and makes a series of stops between Navy Pier and State Street.
