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Pull on the skates and wrap the scarf tight...it's time to hit the ice.

Monday Nov 27, 2006.     By Kate Rockwood

Fitness Feed

Winter doesn't have to mean non-stop hibernation—nor does it mean you have to trade running by the lake for monotonous sessions on a treadmill.

The next time you're torn between burrowing under blankets and braving the cold air, grab a few friends and head to one of these awesome ice rinks, where ice skating and hot chocolate will keep you warm and toasty while you have a blast and break a sweat...or play it extra warm and head to an indoor rink to practice this outdoor sport.

McCormick Tribune Ice Skating Rink For many Chicagoans, outdoor ice skating translates to a trip to Millennium Park, where the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink draws more than 100,000 skaters annually. Luckily, with 15,910 square feet (200 feet long and 80 feet wide), the ice rink is popular without being overcrowded. Warm up with a hot sandwich at Park Grill or grab a cup of sweet, milky hot chocolate and snag on a seat on a park bench outside—the city lights across the street make a great backdrop for people watching. Free to skate; $7 skate rental; open Nov. 15-March 16.

Midway Plaisance Head off the beaten path to this tree-lined park that's big on long vistas and starry skies and short on massive crowds. The Olympic-size rink at the Midway, located near the border of Hyde Park and Woodlawn, hosts an even mix of University and neighborhood residents. Swing by on a Monday or Wednesday evening and join a pick-up game of "rat hockey" for $5 (be sure to bring proper equipment). After skating head two blocks north to the Medici Bakery for the best Mexicana hot chocolate made with cinnamon and homemade whipped cream. Free to skate Monday-Friday; weekend afternoon & evening skating costs $5; $3 skate rental; open Jan. 8-March 25.

McFetridge Sports Center Ice skating doesn't have to be outdoors to be fun. The NHL-size indoor ice rink at McFedtridge Sports Center in California Park is regularly packed with skaters coming from all over the city who are willing to trade a view of the night sky for the comfy locker rooms, warmer temperature and tasty snack bar that are found indoors here. You can also sign up for figure skating and hockey lessons and—best of all—no need to let your skills go rusty when the snow melts. $4 children; $5 adults; $3 skate rental; open September-July.

Daley Bicentennial Plaza With an outdoor ice rink that measures 80 feet by 135 feet, the Daley Bicentennial Plaza feels downright cozy compared to other nearby rinks. When the snow melts the rink is used for rollerblading, but during winter months ice skating takes center stage at this plaza, which is actually the upper floor of an underground car garage. Despite the small size, there's plenty of room, with pretty Grant Park as a backdrop. If you're feeling hungry afterwards, head to Sopraffina to warm up with a hot drink or a yummy bowl of homemade soup. $4 under 13; $5 over 13; $2 seniors; $3 noon skate session (no rental available at noon); $3 skate rental; open Dec. 1-March 1.

Robert Crown Community Center & Ice Complex Boasting multiple ice rinks of different sizes, the Ice Complex is a skater's paradise chockfull of skating activities, including figure skating, hockey, speed skating and broomball. Come with a group of up to 20 friends and rent the smaller rink for a fierce game of broomball (the $100 per hour fee includes all of the necessary equipment). Skating indoors means you won't really need the hot chocolate to warm up, but that shouldn't stop you from ordering a cup from the small snack shop. $3 skate fee; $2 rental fee; open year round (woo-hoo).