Ice Skating Photo © John Kwak

Outdoor Recreation

All Winter Outdoor Recreation is Contingent on Weather

Ice rinks require sustained temperatures at or below 40 degrees.
Pond skating requires ice to be 8” thick.
A 6″ base of snow and safe conditions are required for cross-country skiing.
The Northside Warming Shelter will open when conditions allow for sledding and/or skating.

Adventure awaits in every kind of weather, so bundle up or grab your sunscreen and head out to play!

Please note that outdoor recreation is weather-dependent, so be sure to check RainoutLine or follow us on Facebook for the latest updates before you go.

When the snow falls, Wheaton becomes a winter wonderland! Glide across the outdoor ice rinks at the Central Athletic Complex, explore groomed cross-country ski trails at Arrowhead Golf Club, or race down the Northside Park sled hill. Try your hand at ice fishing on Elliott Lake or snowshoeing through the quiet beauty of Lincoln Marsh or Northside Park.

Get convenient updates using RainoutLine! Call (630) 410-1028 or visit RainoutLine.com to sign-up for text alerts or download the free app!

Central Athletic Complex Ice Skating & Hockey

Wheaton Park District operates two ice rinks at Central Athletic Complex **

HOURS

Weekdays | 11A-8P*+
Reserve-skate hours start at 4P
Saturday | 11A-8P
All open hours require a reservation
Sunday | 11A-6P
All open hours require a reservation
School Days Off | 11A-8P ++
All open hours require a reservation
Holiday Hours: +
Closed | Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day
11A-3P | Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve

RESERVATIONS

Fees
Residents skate FREE! †
Nonresidents (During reserve skate hours):
Adults $7; Children (17 & Under) $5; Seniors (60 & Over) $5

Online processing fees are additional.

Reservations & Details

Current Status:

* On weekdays during non-reservation hours, skaters must vacate the rinks by 3:45P unless they have a 4P reservation for that day.
** Outdoor ice rinks require sustained temperatures at or below 40 degrees. Before reserving tickets, please check our weather hotline.
+ If a holiday or scheduled District #200 school day off falls on a weekday, all open hours will require a reservation.
++Dist.#200 Schools will be closed on the following days in the 2025/2026 school calendar: Nov. 24, 25, 26, 28; Dec. 22, 23, 26, 29, 30; Jan. 2, 5, 19; Feb. 16 & 27.
† A valid Wheaton Park District Universal ID must be presented onsite with your timed-entry ticket. If you do not have a current ID, please visit the Ray Morrill Community Center or call 630.690.4880 to obtain a valid ID.

Cross-Country Skiing (XCS)

Travel the snow-touched slopes of Arrowhead Golf Club this winter with cross-country skiing!
This low-impact sport offers the benefits of aerobic exercise, burns calories, and builds muscles. Arrowhead Golf Club (26W151 Butterfield Rd.) maintains groomed trails and provides equipment rentals. Skiers are encouraged to stay on the groomed trails which have been provided, skiing is allowed throughout the course as weather permits. A base of 6 inches of snow is required for cross-country skiing to be permitted. Trail access is provided free of charge. Rental equipment does require a fee. All rentals are by reservation only by calling 630.653.5800. Rental equipment can then be paid for and picked up on the lower level of the Arrowhead Golf Club Clubhouse.

Base of 6 Inches of Snow is Required for XCS to be Permitted

Current Status:

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is only permitted at Elliot Lake (N. Gary & W. Prairie Aves.) and is undertaken at the visitor’s risk.

Remember, green flags mean “GO”, red flags mean “NO.” Ice skating and hockey are prohibited at Elliot Lake.

Current Status:

Northside Warming Shelter

Winter recreation at Northside Park is NOT limited to Warming Shelter operating hours.
The Warming Shelter (1311 N. West St.) will open when weather conditions exist for sledding or ice skating. Warm up next to a cozy fire and enjoy limited concessions, including hot chocolate.* Follow RainoutLine for updates. When conditions permit, the Warming Shelter will be open:**

Closed on the following holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day

* All sales are cash only and each item is $1.00.
** Warming Shelter may close early if conditions become unfavorable for sledding or skating.

Northside Park Warming Shelter Opening is Weather-Dependent

Current Status:

Pond Ice Skating & Hockey

Pond skating at C. L. Herrick, Rathje, Seven Gables and Northside Parks may be offered if ice becomes 8″ thick.

C.L. Herrick Park | Armbrust Ave. & Herrick Dr.
Rathje Park | 616 Delles Rd.
Seven Gables | 1750 S. Naperville Rd.
Northside Park | 1300 N. West St.

Remember, green flags mean “GO”, red flags mean “NO.”

Northside Park Pond Skating Ice Rink Rules (PDF)

Current Status:

Sledding

Hop on a sled, toboggan, or inner tube!
We maintain a sledding hill at Northside Park (1300 N. West St.) for everyone who wants to go riding in a one-horse open sleigh, but doesn’t have the horse or the sleigh.

Northside Park Sledding Rules (PDF)

Current Status:

Snowshoeing

Go snowshoeing and find the unpacked snow at Northside Park or Lincoln Marsh!

Winter outdoor recreation is weather-dependent.

Learn More

Outdoor fun is always weather-dependent, but staying informed is easy!
Check RainoutLine or call 630-410-1028 for real-time updates on ice rinks, sled hills, and more. You can also sign up for text alerts or download the free RainoutLine app for updates at your fingertips.

rainoutline.com