Ever wipe out on ice and laugh it off with friends, cocoa steaming in your mitts? Or chase your kid around the rink while they yell “faster!”? That’s the vibe at The Rink at Block 59 in Naperville, Illinois, where winter turns ordinary folks into skating stars. This pop-up rink fires up from mid-November through early March, pulling in crowds for laps, laughs, and holiday cheer right downtown. Stick with me, and I’ll spill why it’s your must-hit spot this season.
What Makes This Rink Special
First off, location matters, and The Rink at Block 59 nails it: 59 E Chicago Ave, Naperville, IL 60540. It’s smack in the heart of downtown, steps from shops, eateries, and that classic Naperville charm. No sprawling parking lots or remote fields here. You park once and walk everywhere. The rink itself is about the size of two tennis courts, big enough for loops without feeling crowded, but cozy for chats during slow skates.
They set it up fresh each year with real Zamboni resurfacing to keep the ice glassy. Rental skates cost $15 per person, and sessions run 90 minutes, starting at 10 a.m. daily. Kids under four skate free with a paying adult, which is a smart move for parents. Helmets are free if you forget yours, and they even have skate aids for wobbly beginners.
Fun fact: ice rinks like this use energy-efficient chillers that recycle water, so you’re gliding on frozen H2O from local sources, not shipped in from afar. Educational bonus: skating burns about 400 calories per hour, turning your date night into a sneaky workout.
Events That Keep It Lively
This isn’t just a rink. It’s a party hub. Friday Night Lights from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., crank up the music with DJs spinning holiday hits and pop favorites. Imagine twirling to “Jingle Bell Rock” as colored lights flash. Family Skate Sundays at 1 p.m. offer games like relay races and snowman-building contests on the ice (using foam blocks, of course). For the bold, Adult Skate Nights on Wednesdays from 8 p.m. bring trivia and glow sticks, perfect for letting loose after work.
Don’t miss New Year’s Eve Skate on December 31, 2025, from 8 p.m. to midnight, complete with a countdown and fireworks visible from the rink. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Fun Skate on January 20, 2026, at noon includes free cocoa and storytelling sessions about local history.
They cap it with Closing Party Weekend on March 1-2, 2026, featuring live bands and giveaways. Pro tip: Buy tickets online in advance for popular slots to skip lines. These events make the rink a calendar anchor, teaching you about community spirit one spin at a time.
Winter Treats and Tips for Max Fun
Skating works up an appetite, so hit the snack shack for $5 chili dogs, soft pretzels, or build-your-own sundaes. Warm up with $4 hot chocolate spiked with marshmallows. For non-skaters, cozy fire pits and benches let you cheer from the sidelines.
Pack layers: gloves, hats, and thick socks are musts since the chill sneaks in. Arrive 15 minutes early to lace up. If you’re new to skating, start slow. The ice edges have padding to catch falls. Families love the group lessons on Saturdays at 11 a.m. for $20, led by pros who make physics fun (think momentum and balance).
Why Naperville Calls You Home
Stuck on where to plant roots? Naperville tempts with top-rated schools, safe streets, and a downtown that buzzes year-round. Live here, and The Rink at Block 59 becomes your backyard playground, plus riverwalk trails, farmers markets, and festivals galore. Affordable homes mix with luxury spots, and the commute to Chicago is a breeze via train.
Families thrive with parks like the Riverwalk, and young pros dig the breweries and boutiques. It’s the spot where winter fun sparks lifelong memories, pulling you into a community that feels like family from day one.
Top Winter Activities in Naperville at Block 59 Rink
Ready to dive into the best winter activities in Naperville? The Rink at Block 59 tops the list with its mix of skating sessions, live events, and family fun that keeps you coming back. From Friday Night Lights dances to New Year’s Eve countdowns, it’s where holiday memories stick. Bundle up, grab tickets, and join the glide. Your legs might ache tomorrow, but your smile won’t fade.
This rink proves Naperville winter fun beats the rest, blending exercise, eats, and events in one easy spot. Search no more for “ice skating near me” when Block 59 delivers it all downtown. Make it your winter base and watch how one season turns into an annual tradition.
Sources: visitnaperville.com, fareharbor.com
Header Image Source: theblock59.com
