Snow Day Adventures: Ice Skating & Sledding Fun in Aurora

Enjoy a classic Midwest winter with a day of ice skating and sledding at Aurora’s favorite outdoor sports—all just a fresh snowfall away from fun! Start your adventure at the Batavia Depot Pond, a local go-to for traditional pond skating. When weather allows, you’ll see the green flag fly signaling safe ice, and nearby benches and the Peg Bond Center warming house make this a convenient and memorable stop for skaters of all ages—don’t forget to bring your own skates and always check current conditions before heading out.​

For sledding, Phillips Park is a must-visit, offering wide, well-maintained hills with plenty of room for families to spread out and play, all at no charge. Waubonsie Lake Park challenges sledders with a moderate hill that local thrill-seekers appreciate, while Oakhurst Forest Preserve boasts the steepest sledding runs in the Aurora area—just be sure there’s enough snowfall before making plans.

Garfield Park, Coach Wilbert Walters Park, and Chesterfield Park each offer neighborhood-friendly sledding or open-play areas, and at Coach Wilbert Walters, an ice rink is set up seasonally if conditions are right, call the Fox Valley Park District to confirm availability.​

Blackberry Farm transforms into a magical holiday escape during the winter, often with special events and open spaces perfect for snowy play. For those willing to venture a bit further, Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area offer both ice skating and sledding, with big open hills and lakes for a full day of cold-weather adventure—always double-check ice safety at the park office before venturing out on the lakes.​

If the weather isn’t cooperating, keep the winter fun going indoors! Funway Entertainment provides year-round skating with lively music, arcade games, and family-friendly sessions—perfect for rainy days or when you want to warm up between runs. Aurora Skate Center is beloved for affordable open skate times, themed nights, and a welcoming atmosphere for skaters of all ages and skill levels. Or head over to Fox Valley Ice Arena, where public skating sessions and skate rentals are available all winter long, letting you enjoy the ice no matter what Mother Nature brings outside.​

Local tip: Conditions can change fast with winter weather, so always confirm each site’s hours, flag status, or trail conditions online or by phone before heading out. Dress in layers, pack your thermos, and bring along a sled or skates—Aurora’s parks and rinks are ready to make your snow day one to remember!