The winter season snuck up quickly, which means it’s that beloved time of the year dedicated to holiday movies playing 24/7, sledding, drinking hot chocolate and especially ice skating. Ice skating is always a fun activity, even if you’re incapable of standing on the ice as I am.

Luckily, there are many places to ice skate in the Chicago land area, and all locations are equipped with rental ice skates, snacks and a promise for a good time. The city of Chicago is beautiful during the winter time, and what better way to spend a Saturday afternoon downtown than ice skating?

The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink located in Millennium Park offers free admission to their ice rink from Nov. 16, 2012 – Mar. 10, 2013 (weather permitting). The park offers skate rental for $10 from sizes toddler 8-adult 13. The ice rink is open 12 p.m.-8 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, 2 p.m.-10 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Sundays. Hot chocolate and snacks are sold at the Park Grill Cafe.

If downtown is a little too far, Westfield Old Orchard Mall recently made an exciting addition to their mall complex. The rink is located outside Forever 21 and the Cheesecake Factory. Admission is $10 an hour, and skate rental is $2. The ice rink is open Monday-Friday 12 p.m.-9:30 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m.-7 p.m.

The new and improved Skatium Ice Arena and Weber center has always been a favorite for Skokie residents. Weber offers a variety of classes and lessons for both ice skating and hockey. The public skate program can be found online at www.skokieparks.org. Ice skate rental and admission is $8. There are two rinks at Weber; one of them can be rented out for birthday parties.

Wherever you go, ice skating is always a good time. So grab some friends, bundle up and enjoy this winter season the old fashioned way with ice skating!