Where To Skate, Ski And Sled In And Around Oak Park

Feeling inspired by the excitement of the Winter Games? You don’t have to travel far to get in on the seasonal spirit. Around Oak Park, you’ll find places where families can lace up skates, enjoy indoor winter fun, or plan easy day trips to nearby skiing, tubing or sledding spots. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or head out for a weekend adventure, these ideas can help you make the most of the season. Just be sure to double-check hours, weather conditions and reservation details before heading out.

⛸️ Ice Skating & Indoor Winter Fun

Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex

Address: 415 Lake St, Oak Park, IL 60302

Phone: (708) 725‑2000

Details: Inside the Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex is the Paul Hruby Ice Arena, a year‑round indoor ice skating facility where you can go for public skate sessions most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. It’s a reliable place for families to skate, take lessons, or just enjoy some ice time close to home.

Franklin Park Ice Arena

Address: 9711 Waveland Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131

Phone: 847-671-4268

Details: Franklin Park Ice Arena is a nearby indoor rink offering public skating sessions, lessons, and open skate hours that are perfect for all ages. It’s about a 25 to 30‑minute drive from Oak Park and gives you another good indoor ice option when you want to skate.

🎿 Skiing, Snowboarding & Tubing — Day Trips

Villa Olivia Ski & Snowboard Resort

Address: 1401 N Villa Olivia Dr, Bartlett, IL 60103

Phone: (630) 620‑9000

Details: Villa Olivia is a classic winter spot for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, and it is about a 45 to 55-minute drive from Oak Park. It offers lessons for beginners, rental equipment, and tubing lanes for family fun, making it perfect for a day trip without leaving the Chicago suburbs.

Alpine Valley Resort

Address: 28108 W Alpine Rd, Elkhorn, WI 53121

Phone: (262) 742‑3373

Details: Alpine Valley is a larger ski area with multiple runs for skiing and snowboarding, plus tubing hills for kids and families. It’s about a 2 to 2.5-hour drive from Oak Park, ideal for a full day trip if you want more serious slopes and reliable snow conditions.

☃️ Outdoor Play & Sledding Spots

Even though Oak Park gets its fair share of chilly winter weather, snow accumulation for big sledding days can be hit or miss. Still, when there’s enough snow, neighborhood hills become lively spots for quick outdoor play and sled runs with the kids.

Oak Park spots to consider:

• Barrie Park and Taylor Park both have established sledding hills that families use when there’s snow on the ground. Barrie Park’s hill tends to be a bit more adventurous, while Taylor Park is great for younger children or those just starting out. (Source: Park District of Oak Park)

Further outdoors:

• Alpine Hills Adventure Park — For real snow and more extensive sledding or snow play, head toward Rockford’s Savage Pines Snow Tubing area or the slopes near Devil’s Head Resort in Wisconsin. These destinations are typically 2.5 to 3.5 hours’ drive from Oak Park but offer reliable snow coverage for tubing, sledding, and winter hillside fun when conditions are right.

Bundle up, stay safe and have fun wherever winter takes you!

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