No need to hibernate this winter. The travel experts at The GO Group think you should grab (or rent!) your skates, head to these ice rinks and embrace the winter chill.
Skate your worries away for free surrounded by Chicago’s stunning skyline at the Millennium Park ice rink. Be sure to check out your reflection and that of the city around you in the shiny “Cloudgate” sculpture, dubbed “The Bean” by locals. Or check out the newer Skating Ribbon in Maggie Daley Park which twists and flows along a landscaped winding path.
Those in southern climates won’t miss out if they go to The ICE at Discovery Green® in Houston. Billed as the largest outdoor ice skating rink in the Southwest, the rink uses recycled water from Kinder Lake to create a 7,716 square-foot surface. The venue also hosts a variety of music and other programs during the during the winter season.
The Big Apple offers many places to skate in the city but the most iconic is The Rink at Rockefeller, where visitors and residents alike twirl and zip around the base of New York’s famous Christmas tree. The rink allows only 150 skaters at once so get there early to avoid long lines or book VIP reservations and packages. For spectacular views, head to Wollman Rink in Central Park, which welcomes skater of all levels.
Located in the heart of Philadelphia, The Rothman Institute Ice Rink at Dilworth Park is open for its third year of seasonal skating. The rink is open to skaters of all levels and also offers classes on Sunday mornings. The Rothman Cabin provides a heated space to warm frozen toes and fingers and local food and beverages for sale.
For après (or instead of) ski fun in Vail, head to Lionshead Village and skate on the Alderhof Ice Rink, located in the heart of Vail Square. Open daily during the winter season, the venue is surrounded by picturesque shops and restaurants.