Even though Christmas at Cantigny is over, did you know that the Ice Skating Rink and Winterfest at Cantigny Park runs until the end of February?
This was the perfect setting for a magical winter family outing with friends. But it would also be an amazing date night, or girls night out, or just quality time with your kids making memories made even more special than just going skating on an ice rink. Among the cozy Cocoa Cabanas, you hear the crackling of wood burning fires, and smell roasting marshmallows over the flames, while watching the smiles on the skaters twirling below the twinkle lights strung above the rink. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect experience to bring my kids ice skating for the very first time! Check out all the pictures of our night!
The author was hosted by Cantigny Park to facilitate writing this article. All thoughts and opinions expressed are their own.
Hours:
Thursday - Friday: 4pm - 9pm
Saturday - Sunday: 12pm - 9pm
Monday - Closed
*Open Presidents Day, 12pm – 8pm
I highly recommend making a weeknight reservation - it was not crowded at all, which made it easy for my rookie skaters to practice and get used to the ice without worry of being trampled by crowds of experienced skaters.
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Ice Skating
Cantigny Park has a brand new outdoor scenic rink under strings of picturesque lights strung among the trees. Rink access is $7 per person, but spectator access is free, if you want to just go hang out around the fire pit with a warm beverage and watch. You can bring your own skates (and have them sharpened for $5), but they also have skate rentals for only $3. Rink access and skate rental can be purchased on-site. And if you're bringing along new skaters, there are skate aid helpers available for kids to hold onto. There were 3 tall ones and 1 short one when we were there.
All skaters must fill out a participation waiver in order to enter the rink. Waivers must be filled out on the day of attendance, including return visits.
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Hospitality Tent
Warm up with a hot beverage and snack at the Oak Lodge, the heated hospitality tent overlooking the ice rink. Sit at one of the tables, or lounge in the comfy armchairs while hanging out with friends or watch the game on one of the big screen TVs. Outside food and beverages are prohibited. You can order food and drinks in the tent to enjoy while warming up inside or at one of the picnic tables adjacent to the rink.
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We tried the cheese pizza, sausage pizza, the pretzel, and the s'mores kits. Everything was delicious and the portions were much bigger than I expected! As far as adult beverages, between all the members of our group, we tried the mistletoe margarita, the almond old fashioned, the salted caramel hot chocolate, and the Cantigny Kolsh beer. My favorite was definitely the salted caramel hot chocolate, but they were all fantastic!
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Cocoa Cabana Rentals
Enjoy a cozy experience in a Cocoa Cabana, which provide an exclusive area for your friends and family to gather round the fire, enjoy some delicious snacks, tasty libations right next to the Ice Rink. Each Cocoa Cabana has its own fire table and heater to help take off the edge of those brisk winter days. Cocoa Cabanas may be reserved ahead of time or when you arrive, however availability is limited, so book yours while supplies last! Outside food and beverages are prohibited.
Having a dedicated space to take a break between skating sessions was a game changer for my newbie skaters. Our server was so attentive and helpful. I loved being able to keep our belongings privately stashed away, and we could warm up while taking a hot cocoa break, pizza break or s'mores break. The complimentary blankets for use while we were in the cabana came in handy when the wind picked up while cuddling around the fire pit. And luckily, the sticks they provided for roasting marshmallows were long enough to sit back and relax in the Adirondack chairs cozy under our blankets while making the perfect s'more.
- BOOK YOUR COCOA CABANA ON RESY -
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Fire Pits
In addition to having fire pits adjacent to each Cocoa Cabana rental, there are also several fire pits scattered around the Ice Skating rink so you can enjoy a little warm up by the fire in between skating sessions while roasting marshmallows. S'mores kits for two are available for $6. The smoky smell of the real wood burning fire made the ambiance that much more cozy - like a true winter glamping experience.
All in all, this was a fantastic night that I highly recommend to anyone! Due to covid, weather, and all the other things that life threw at us, we delayed taking the kids for their first ice skating experience for WAY too long. And I'm so glad we did, because getting to experience the first Cantigny Winterfest and Ice Skating Rink has made for the most memorable of times that my children will surely never forget. I hope that Cantigny continues this for years to come and we can turn this into a new annual family tradition!
