Best Skate Parks In Chicago

Let's face it: Skateboarding or rollerblading on the sidewalk just doesn't cut it. If you want to try out some crazy new tricks and maybe meet other skaters along the way, then consider making your way to a skate park in the Chicago area. Heads up: Skate parks may have restrictions regarding the use of inline skates or skateboards, so check each park's rules before heading out for practice. Take a look at these skate parks in the Chicago area the next time you're looking for a fun afternoon on wheels. Don't forget to wear your protective gear, and keep in mind that many skate parks are unsupervised.

The Asylum Skatepark
29850 N. Skokie Hwy.
Lake Bluff, IL 60044
(847) 578-5103
asylumskatepark.com

Step out of the cold and rain and consider skating indoors at The Asylum Skatepar. Located about 30 miles north of downtown Chicago, this suburban indoor skate park is open for skateboards and inline skates, as well as BMX bikes and scooters. If it's been a while and your skateboard has gathered dust, don't worry. Skateboarding lessons are available. The skateshop also offers a selection of gear, apparel, skateboards and more.

Centennial Park
Naperville Park District
500 W. Jackson Ave.
Naperville, IL 60540
(630) 848-5000
www.napervilleparks.org

Skateboarders and inline skaters in the 'burbs have a place to call home at Centennial Park's skate park. The park offers half-pipes, rails and other fun structures for those on four wheels to show off or try new tricks. Centennial Park's skate park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset, weather-permitting, giving you plenty of time to get out and have fun at the skate park. Naperville Park District has a second skate park at Frontier Park (3380 Cedar Glade Dr., Naperville); additional information on that park is available through the park district's website.

Chicago Park District
(312) 742-7529
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

With a total of six skate parks located throughout the city, the Chicago Park District offers a selection of places for skaters to cut loose and try out new tricks. The six skate parks feature concrete ramps and are free to use. If you have a BMX bike, you should make plans to bring your bike to the Logan Boulevard Skate Park in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood for some fun. For location information and specific rules for each skate park, check out the Chicago Park District's website.

Skate Park At Olympic Park
Schaumburg Park District
1675 E. Old Schaumburg Road
Schaumburg, IL 60194
(847) 891-1266
www.parkfun.com

If you're in the northwest suburbs, there are still plenty of places where you can skate to your heart's content, starting with the Skate Park at Olympic Park in Schaumburg. The skate park boasts 13,000 square feet complete with bowls, benches, staircases and more, allowing users to try out new tricks without worrying about pedestrians. Schaumburg Park District's website has additional information regarding protective gear, too. The skate park is open weather-permitting, and is not lighted. BMX bicycles and inline skates are permitted, too.

Stevenson Park
Park District of Oak Park
49 Lake St.
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 725-2000
www.pdop.org

With 12,000 square feet, Stevenson Park's skate park offers plenty of room for skateboarders to zoom around on wheels while enjoying the sunshine. The skate park also requires users to wear helmets. If you feel like taking a break and trying something different, you're in the right spot. Stevenson Park also boasts basketball courts, a playground and more. For operating hours of the skate park, check out the park district's website; keep in mind the skate park is open only if the outside temperature is above 40 degrees. The park isn't far from Oak Park's famed downtown, where you can grab a bite to eat after an afternoon of skateboarding.

Megan Horst-Hatch is a runner, reader, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in "-er." She is also the president of Megan Writes, LLC. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.