Looking to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and let the kids burn off some energy after being cooped up indoors? Why not try ice skating on an outdoor rink! Did you know that there are several places to go ice skating outdoors in the Rockford area? We’ve put together a list of the outdoor ice rinks that you can visit in the Stateline to ice skate or play hockey. For all locations, you skate at your own risk. Remember to dress warmly!
Here’s a list of the outdoor ice skating locations in the Rockford area.
Eclipse Lagoon at Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens
1354 N. 2nd Street, Rockford, IL
When: 9 am – 10 pm daily
Cost: Free
The Eclipse Lagoon is located in the beautiful Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens.
The lagoon is open for ice skating and ice hockey when the ice is 4-6 inches thick. Hockey can be played on the north end of the lagoon only. Goals are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. You must bring your own ice skates.
Heated restrooms are available in the outdoor pavilion. There are lights on the lagoon so people can safely skate in the dark. The RPD staff uses a resurfacer to keep the ice smooth.
Rockford Park District staff checks the ice on a daily basis and posts whether the lagoon is open or closed. To find out, call 815-987-8858, check Nicholas Conservatory’s Facebook page, or check the Rainout Line on the RPD website.
Ice Rink at Village Green Park
100 East Chapel Street, Rockton, IL
When: During daylight hours
Cost: Free
The ice rink is located in adorable Village Green Park in Rockton near Walt Williamson Pool. The rink is only open during daylight hours. You must bring your own skates. There is no supervision at this location.
If you want to make a day of it, you can easily walk to several restaurants and shops in downtown Rockton. Be sure to save the date for Yeti Fest 2019!
Riverside Ice Arena at Doty Park
365 W. Locust Street, Belvidere, IL
When: Monday – Thursday: 12 pm – 6 pm
Friday: 6 pm – 10 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 1 pm – 4 pm
Daily schedule may change. Check here before you go.
Cost: $4/adults (18 years old and up)
$2/children (4-17 years old)
Children three and under are FREE!
Skate rental $2 per person
The Riverside Ice Arena at Doty Park is an NHL regulation rink. There is also a warming house where skates can be rented and concessions can be purchased.
If you have a young skater in your family, you can rent Bobby the Seal to help them learn how to skate. This device allows kids to push it for balance or sit on it when they get tired. It costs $3 to rent Bobby with an ID.
To check if the rink is open, call the Rainout Line on the BPD website.
Edwards Ice Arena / Tefler Pavilion
2101 Cranston Road, Beloit, WI
When: October 26, 2018 – March 8, 2019
Fridays from 7 pm – 9 pm
Saturdays from 2 pm – 4 pm (until February 9)
Sundays from 2 pm – 4 pm (until February 10)
Cost: $5/youth 17 and under
$6/adult
$17/family of four
Skate rental is $3 per person
The Edwards Ice Arena is an indoor/outdoor ice rink open October through March. The rink is home to the Beloit Youth Hockey Association and the Rock County Fury.
Once per month on Friday nights from 7 pm – 9 pm, the Ice Arena holds a special skate with DJ music, games, prizes, food and fun.
Upcoming Friday night open skate events:
- January 25 – Winterfest Skate – Enjoy winter with skating and music
- February 15 – Valentine’s Day Skate – Bring your sweetheart and get a free skate rental. Games, candy and music.
- March 8 – Retro Skate – Wear a costume and receive a free skate rental and enter the costume contest. Listen to music from the 60s – 90s.
Make sure to check out Edwards Ice Arena during Beloit Winterfest!
