SKATING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND. There is a plethora of winter recreation opportunities in the Chippewa Valley, including in- and outdoor skating. (Photo via Unsplash)

With the cold winter in full swing, there are plenty of ways to keep the family out of the house and active. When it comes to us Midwesterners, there's something about frozen water that we love, and there's no better fun than to grab a pair of skates and get out on it. 

Aside from the obvious lakes and ponds, there are a few locations in the area that hold availability for open skating. Hobbs Municipal Ice Arena has a large calendar list of drop-in times (including 6:30-8:30pm most Wednesdays and Sundays) where you're able to come in and skate with the family. Skate rental is an added option upon admission, and the rates are very reasonable even if you do not hold an EC Rec Pass. Find details by visiting www.eauclairewi.gov and searching for "Hobbs."

In Chippewa Falls at Chippewa Area Ice Arena, open skate is ever Sunday from 6-8pm. Admission is free, skate rental is only $3, and concessions are open. Find more details online at chippewahockey.org.

Lastly, at the Don Fanetti Ice Arena in Menomonie, open skate is available to the public every Sunday from 6:30-8:30pm. There are options for daily, individual, and season passes on their website, and skate rental is also available. Learn more at menomonieyouthsports.com/openskate.

Looking for a list of outdoor rinks in the Valley? You’ll find that here!