When asking yourself about something to do near me in Chicago with a group of friends or family, consider
McFetridge Sports Center

Why McFetridge Sports Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
McFetridge Sports Center, located on California Avenue in Chicago, is an exceptional sports and recreational facility that serves as a prime gathering place for friends and families looking to enjoy a diverse range of athletic activities year-round. Owned by the Chicago Park District and managed by ASM Global, this center boasts Illinois' only indoor NHL-size ice rink, seating 1,200 spectators, and six tournament-quality indoor tennis courts, making it a unique destination for ice skating, hockey, and tennis enthusiasts. The center remains vibrant 18 hours a day, seven days a week, welcoming over 2,000 visitors weekly for both competitive and recreational programs. Besides ice and tennis, McFetridge also offers dance studios, a fitness center overlooking the rink, and a yoga studio, catering to wellness and creative activities. The facility is fully accessible, ensuring inclusive participation, and the adjacent parking lot provides ample free parking with 150 spaces. Youth programs are particularly popular, engaging children from the Chicagoland area in sports and wellness activities. This combination of top-tier amenities, an accommodating environment, and variety of programs makes McFetridge Sports Center an outstanding venue to meet up with friends, stay active, and enjoy community events.
Here's what people think of McFetridge Sports Center
As of recent, McFetridge Sports Center holds a 4.5-star rating based on 458 reviews.
User reviews consistently praise McFetridge Sports Center for its well-maintained facilities and the variety of activities offered, especially highlighting the six indoor tennis courts and the year-round accessibility of the ice rink and tennis courts. Guests appreciate the ease of booking tennis courts online and the welcoming atmosphere created by the staff and fellow players, particularly noting opportunities for mixed doubles and group activities organized by community members. The center’s clean, accessible environment and ample parking also receive positive remarks from visitors. Positive reviews often mention the friendly and social nature of the tennis groups, the quality of coaching and clinics available, and the convenience of having both ice and tennis facilities under one roof. Conversely, some users have mentioned less favorable experiences with the customer service staff, indicating occasional challenges in communication or support. Despite these isolated complaints, the overall impression remains strongly positive with appreciation for the center's comprehensive sports programming and community spirit. In conclusion, reviews depict McFetridge Sports Center as a favored local hub for sports, social interaction, and wellness, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and quality amenities.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Pepper Giese
The only year round park district skating rink. Reasonable prices. Skate rental available. Classes and public open skating. Family bathroom, snacks, recycling, music piped into the skating rink, lockers. Water fountains, playground and some tennis courts outside.
Leslie Bell
We came during the designated adult skating time and it wasn't being enforced. I think they must have taken it off the schedule and it hasn't updated yet. The rink was 90% children and pretty crowded. We still had a good time.
Amin
This is one of the best park districts in Chicago. There are various sports classes that you can participate in at a very good price
Cat Ramos
I absolutely LOVE Mcfetridge! I have been going there for years, I took lessons as a kid and I go for Free skate on weekends. Great affordable price. It is indoor so it is year round. I always get a couple of friends and go for an hour. There is also indoor tennis and a gym! Great and well kept facility. Yes, there is a place to sit and wait if you don't want to go on the ice.
Trinity
My daughters have enjoyed going for tennis lessons the past couple of years. Great program for the price!
How to reach McFetridge Sports Center
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Why McFetridge Sports Center may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at McFetridge Sports Center with your friends? This vibrant sports hub in Chicago offers an unbeatable setting to come together, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to spend quality time actively with friends or family. From its welcoming atmosphere to expansive amenities, McFetridge Sports Center radiates energy that makes group gatherings both fun and memorable. The center’s wide range of activities suited for all ages and skill levels means your group can customize the experience—be it on the ice, the courts, or in fitness studios. With its NHL-sized ice rink, multiple indoor tennis courts, and inclusive facilities, the center supports everything from casual play to spirited competition. No matter the season or the weather outside, you’ll find a comfortable, climate-controlled environment that encourages play, laughter, and reconnecting. For groups who enjoy staying active together, McFetridge Sports Center provides a dynamic backdrop that fosters camaraderie and fun, backed by convenient amenities such as locker rooms, shower facilities, and ample parking. A 4.5-star rating from hundreds of reviews highlights its reputation as a well-loved venue, perfect for rallying your friends around health, sport, and social time.
What activities are available at McFetridge Sports Center? McFetridge Sports Center offers a diverse array of athletic activities tailored for groups and individuals alike. Its premier feature is the NHL-size indoor ice rink with seating for 1,200 spectators, supporting a wide variety of ice sports, including public skating sessions, hockey leagues, and figure skating programs. Skating rentals are available on site, making it easy for groups who might not have their own equipment. Beyond the ice, the center boasts six tournament-quality indoor tennis courts and four outdoor courts that allow year-round tennis play, while also offering clinics, private lessons, and ball machines for practice. The facility also features a fully equipped fitness center overlooking the rink, yoga and dance studios that host wellness and dance programs, and vibrant youth athletics programs. Moreover, for added variety, the adjacent California Park provides outdoor basketball courts and Illinois’ first wheelchair baseball field, broadening activities for inclusiveness and versatility. This full spectrum of sports and wellness options makes McFetridge truly stand out as a multipurpose venue ideal for groups wanting both casual recreation and competitive play.
Why is McFetridge Sports Center perfect for group meetups? The design and offerings of McFetridge Sports Center lend themselves exceptionally well to group gatherings. First, the facility is spacious and welcoming, with amenities that support socializing before, during, and after athletic activity. Groups can reserve tennis courts or skate sessions in advance, ensuring coordinated play without waiting. The center’s layout—with locker rooms, showers, and accessible parking—caters to convenience and comfort, which is essential for groups with mixed ages or ability levels. McFetridge’s location in Chicago’s California Park area is accessible and well-serviced, making arrival and departure stress-free for everyone. Additionally, the active schedule and range of programs create opportunities for groups to mix with others in leagues, clinics, or special events, adding a social dimension beyond just your own circle. Whether your group prefers vigorous sports or more relaxed wellness activities such as dance or yoga, the center’s multiple activity hubs enable simultaneous use without crowding, avoiding long downtime and keeping energy high throughout your meetup.
How accessible and accommodating is McFetridge Sports Center for diverse groups? Accessibility is a core strength of McFetridge Sports Center. The entire facility is designed to be fully accessible to people of all physical abilities, ensuring inclusivity for everyone in your group. For those with mobility challenges, the center offers smooth access points, adapted locker rooms, and other accessibility features that remove barriers to participation. Having one of Illinois’ first wheelchair baseball fields adjacent to the sports center also emphasizes its commitment to adaptive sports. This dedication to accessibility, combined with wide-ranging programs, ensures that no matter your group’s physical abilities or sports experience, they can feel welcome and engaged. Furthermore, the center’s professional management and onsite pro shops provide equipment rentals and expert assistance, helping newcomers or less experienced players feel comfortable. The broad scope of activities available creates a welcoming environment that accommodates varying interests and skill levels, making McFetridge Sports Center an excellent venue for diverse friend groups or family gatherings.
What are the logistics involved in hosting a meetup at McFetridge Sports Center? Planning a meetup is straightforward at McFetridge Sports Center thanks to its well-organized operations and amenities. The center is open long hours, from 6 a.m. until midnight, permitting flexible scheduling that fits most group timetables—whether you’re an early morning crew or a night owl sports team. Advance online reservations are available for tennis courts, and public skate sessions allow for drop-in visits, supporting different group styles of engagement. Onsite parking is ample, making arrival easy for attendees driving in from various parts of the city or suburbs. The presence of locker rooms and showers ensures that guests can freshen up after their activities, an important convenience for longer meetups or those continuing their day elsewhere. For food and refreshment needs, groups can explore nearby dining options or bring their own snacks for post-activity socializing. Such logistical support combined with the vast array of sporting options makes McFetridge Sports Center an exceptionally practical and enjoyable place to host friends and family meetups.
How do users rate their experience at McFetridge Sports Center? With a solid 4.5-star rating based on 458 reviews, McFetridge Sports Center is highly regarded by its patrons. Reviewers frequently praise the quality of the NHL-size ice rink and the well-maintained indoor tennis courts, noting how these facilities contribute to enjoyable and competitive play year-round. Many appreciate the center’s welcoming environment and its commitment to including athletes of all ages and skill levels, highlighting its suitability for families and friend groups. Some feedback mentions the convenience of onsite amenities like equipment rentals and locker rooms, which enhance the overall experience. While a few reviews note room for improvement in customer service interactions, the overwhelming consensus recognizes McFetridge as a top-tier sports venue in Chicago, especially for group activities. This strong user endorsement reinforces the center’s reliability as a social and athletic hub for meetups around ice skating, tennis, fitness programs, and more.
What makes McFetridge Sports Center unique compared to other Chicago sports venues? McFetridge Sports Center distinguishes itself through its combination of features, accessibility, and comprehensive programming under one roof. It houses Chicago Park District’s only indoor ice rink, which alone attracts a large and consistent crowd, ensuring that your group experiences a lively, energetic atmosphere. The presence of six indoor tennis courts alongside outdoor tennis and basketball courts offers a unique versatility hard to find in a single location. Its investment in facilities like the NHL-sized rink, wheelchair-accessible sports fields, and dance studios showcases a forward-thinking approach to inclusiveness and community engagement. Additionally, the center’s proximity to the Chicago River and location within California Park provide a scenic yet urban backdrop that enhances the ambiance. Combined with extensive youth programs and wellness classes, McFetridge Sports Center proves itself as an all-encompassing sports complex geared toward building community through active fun and social connection, ideal for groups seeking a place to rally, play, and connect year-round.