The Glenview Community Ice Center is making room for a new addition: on-ice bumper cars. This year-round offering allows visitors to have fun on the ice— no skates required. Ice bumper cars are set to debut at the facility during Thanksgiving week activities, Nov. 21-27. They will also be available during “Winter Breakaway”, a two-week event over winter break.

A total of eight bumper cars will be available on the facility’s studio rink; one rider per car is permitted. Rides start every 30 minutes and can be booked online at https://glenviewparks.org/ice-bumper-cars/. Walk-in registration is permitted if space allows.

Rides will be available weekly during Friday night public skates. The ice center will also offer additional rides over holiday breaks and days off school. A 15-minute ride costs $8, and a 20-minute ride is $12. The Ice Center is offering discounted bumper car rides for $5 in November and December. Riders must be at least 6 years or older and at least 48 inches tall and under 300 pounds. Private rental and birthday party options are also available.

Each car is powered by an electric motor that controls and turns the wheels underneath. These wheels feature special, custom-made rubber tires that provide traction but won’t damage the ice surface. The outer ring on the car is made of a PVC air tube that protects the car frame and absorbs the impact of bumping cars. Riders control the vehicle using a pair of joysticks to move forward, backward, turn, or spin.

“The controls are like playing a video game,” according to Glenview Community Ice Center General Manager Brian Montgomery. “People can slide around the ice, spin and bump into each other.”

Ice bumper cars are a creation of IBC International, based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. They have been a popular attraction during Chicago’s annual Winterland celebration at Wrigley Field.

“We are thrilled to offer ice bumper cars at the Glenview Community Ice Center, Montgomery said. “They provide another opportunity for visitors and groups to enjoy our facility.”

The Glenview Community Ice Center is a year-round destination for recreation, instruction, competition, and fun, and attracts over 150,000 visitors annually. Following a successful community referendum, the facility underwent a $29.4 million renovation and reopened in the Fall of 2020 and now features two NHL-size rinks, a studio rink, eleven team rooms, a dryland training room, meeting rooms, pro shop and dining options.