CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- There's no escaping it: the winter solstice is finally here, marking the first official day of winter 2019.
Winter's arrival means it's time to skate outside at one of the Chicago Park District's outdoor skating rinks, which opened Dec. 20 and will be available through February, weather permitting.
Each of the seven rink locations offer open skate hours for free and $7 skate rentals for all ages.
For hard-core hockey fans, rat hockey is available for adult players to play pick-up games. Full hockey equipment is required, and slap shots are allowed, and no checking is permitted. Admission, which includes rentals, is $10. The game is available for players ages 18 and older.
Check out the city's ice skating rinks, along with hours, rental information and game schedules.
Maggie Daley Ice Ribbon, 337 E. Randolph St.
Admission fees: freeSkate rental, Mon.- Thurs.: $13Skate rental, Friday – Sunday and Holidays $15Monday - Thursday: noon – 8 p.m.Friday-Sunday: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
*Holiday hours:Fri., Dec. 20 – Sun., Jan. 12Open every day 10 am – 10 pmSkate Rental is $15*Skate rental stops thirty minutes before closeMcKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Road
Wednesday-Thursday: 3-7 p.m. open skateWednesday: 7:30 – 9 p.m. rat hockeyFriday: 1:30-9 p.m. open skateSaturday: 10-10:45 a.m. stick & puck; 10:45-11:30 a.m. pond hockey; 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. learn to skate; 1-9 p.m. open skateSunday: 12-6 p.m. open skate; 10-11:30 a.m. rat hockeyMidway Plaisance Park, 1130 Midway Plaisance North (east 59th Street at Woodlawn)
Monday – Friday: 12-7 p.m. open skateSaturday: 10-10:45 a.m. stick & puck; 10:45-11:30 a.m. pond hockey; 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. learn to skate; 1 - 9 p.m. open skateSunday: 10 – 11:30 a.m. rat hockey; 12-6 p.m. open skateMt. Greenwood Park, 3721 W. 111 St.,
Wednesday: 3-7 p.m. open skate; 7:30 – 9 p.m. rat hockeyThursday: 3-7 p.m. open skateFriday: 1:30-9 p.m. open skateSaturday: 10 – 11:30 a.m. drop in pre-hockey; 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. learn to skate; 1-9 p.m. open skateSunday: 10-10:45 p.m. stick & puck; 10:45- 11:30 a.m. pond hockey; 12-6 p.m. open skate; 6:30-8 p.m. rat hockeyRiis Park, 6100 W. Fullerton Ave.
Wednesday – Thursday: 3-7 p.m. open skateWednesday- 7:30-9 pm rat hockeyFriday: 1:30-9 p.m. open skateSaturday: 10-10:45 a.m. stick & puck; 10:45-11:30 a.m. pond hockey; 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. learn to skate; 1-9 p.m. open skateSunday: 10 – 11:30 a.m. rat hockey; 12-6 p.m. open skate;Warren Park, 6601 N. Western Ave.
Tuesday: 7:30 – 9 p.m. rat hockeyWednesday-Thursday: 3-7 p.m. open skateFriday: 1:30-9 p.m. open skateSaturday: 10-10:45 a.m. stick & puck; 10:45-11:30 a.m. pond hockey; 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. learn to skate; 1-9 p.m. open skateSunday: 10-11:30 a.m. rat hockey; 12-6 p.m. open skateWentworth Park, 5625 S. Mobile Ave.
Wednesday: 3-7 p.m. open skate; 7:30 – 9 p.m. rat hockeyThursday: 3-7 p.m. open skate; 7:30 – 9 p.m. rat hockeyFriday: 1:30-9 p.m. open skateSaturday: 10-10:45 a.m. stick & puck; 10:45-11:30 a.m. pond hockey; 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. learn to skate; 1-9 p.m. open skateSunday: 10-10:45 a.m. stick & puck; 10:45-11:30 a.m. pond hockey; 12-6 p.m.12-6 p.m. open skate; 6:30-8 p.m. rat hockey