You’re probably familiar with traditional ice skating rinks, but have you tried the unique “Skating Ribbon” at Chicago’s Maggie Daley Park? The difference is bigger than you might expect, since the Skating Ribbon gives you the sensation of skating through a living landscape of trees and greenery, even while you’re in the middle of one of the nation’s largest cities. Even better, the ribbon is simply larger than traditional skating rinks, so you’ll be able to cover twice as much ground on the straight-aways, and you won’t need to cut any tight corners on the curves. 

Admission to the Skating Ribbon is free, and you’re welcome to bring your own skates. Rental skates are available for $13 Monday-Thursday, and $15 Friday-Sunday. Want to go all out? Spring for the “fast pass” experience, which includes rental skates and the ability to skip to the front of all lines, so you don’t have to wait to get out on the ice.