Portage Park Welcomes New Winter Skating Rink for 2025 Holiday Season

By Socialhood News · Il/Chicago/Portage Park · November 21, 2025

Portage Park residents will soon have a new winter activity to enjoy as the Chicago Park District announces plans to open a seasonal ice skating rink in the park's pavilion area. The open-air pavilion, which has recently been enhanced with roll-down clear shades to serve as windblocks while still letting sunlight in, will transform into a winter wonderland for community members of all ages.

The facility already includes restrooms and a warming center for parents, plus cozy fireplaces that will create a perfect winter atmosphere. Park officials are planning a "fire and ice" concept, offering skate rentals on site and the ingredients for visitors to enjoy roasting s'mores at the outdoor campfire area. The rink will offer open skate sessions for all ages with pre-registration required, plus specialized programs including drop-in learn-to-skate lessons providing instruction on balance, forward stride, starting, and stopping. Recreational helmets, gloves and knee pads are recommended for new skaters.

Residents looking for winter activities can mark their calendars for the rink's opening in late November, adding a delightful new option to the neighborhood's 38-acre park that already offers numerous recreational opportunities. The Portage Park Advisory Council will discuss final details at their next meeting on November 24 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM, and community members are encouraged to attend for more information about this exciting new winter attraction.

Sources:
1. https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/06/08/portage-ice-rink-in-pavilion/
2. https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/facilities/ice-rinks