As the New Year sets in motion, the DMV continues to provide fun winter ice- skating activities at local ice rinks. With occasional snow still in the air, ice-skating is the perfect family activity. From indoor rinks with controlled climates to those outside where you can enjoy the fresh air, the DMV has everything you need to make this winter a memorable one. Check each ice rink’s website for up-to-date information and specific times for activities.
Maryland
City of Bowie Ice Arena
The City of Bowie’s Ice Arena has an indoor ice rink with public skating, as well as ice-skating lessons for individuals of all ages. The rink is also home to the Bowie Figure Skating Club, Bowie Hockey Club, Bowie High School Ice Dogs and the Bowie ISI Figure Skating Team. The indoor ice rink is open from July to April at 3330 Northview Drive, Bowie, Md.
Rockville Ice Arena
Being the community’s area’s premier hockey and ice-skating facility, the Rockville Ice Arena has three indoor ice rinks. The ice rinks are open year-round and offer both public skating and “stick time” for those wanting to practice hockey. The indoor ice rink usually offers public skating every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 12-2 p.m. at 50 Southlawn Court, Rockville, Md.
Silver Spring Civic Center
The Silver Spring Civic Center hosts a new outdoor ice rink that offers group lessons, private skating and public skating. Tickets should be purchased two weeks in advance. The outdoor ice rink is open every Monday-Thursday from 12-10 p.m., Friday from 12 p.m.-11 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. at 8523 Fenton Street, Silver Spring, Md.
Virginia
Ashburn Ice House
The Ashburn Ice House contains two ice rinks open year-round for public skating, skating lessons and drop-in sports. Adults should set up a Daysmart Recreation account to register for public events for themselves and their children. The indoor ice house is open every Monday-Friday from 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 5:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. at 21595 Smith Switch Road, Ashburn, Va.
Fairfax Ice Arena
Open for indoor ice skating year-round, the Fairfax Ice Arena has lessons, hockey and camps. Online registration is optional for drop-in skating and walk-ups are accepted. The indoor ice arena is open 24 hours a day at 3779 Pickett Road, Fairfax, Va.
MedStar Capitals Iceplex
Open year-round, the MedStar Capitals Iceplex offers both scheduled and drop-in activities. The rink has recreational, pickup and professional sports programs, as well as public skating time almost every day. Preregistering online is required for all sessions. While the indoor rink’s operation depends on the ice schedule, the front desk is open daily from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. at 627 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800 Arlington, Va.
Westpost Outdoor Ice Skating at National Landing
Formerly known as Pentagon Row Outdoor Skating, the Westpost Outdoor Ice Skating at National Landing is the largest outdoor ice-skating rink in Northern Virginia. The rink has youth group lessons and adult group lessons, as well as private lessons. The plaza also has many shops and restaurants to explore before or after skating. While walk-up reservations are accepted, online reservations are encouraged and discounted. The outdoor arena is open every Monday-Thursday from 12-10 p.m., Friday from 12-11 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.-11 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. at 1201 S Joyce Street, Arlington, Va.
D.C.
Washington Harbour Ice Rink
Larger than the Rockefeller Center’s ice rink in New York City, the Washington Harbour Ice Rink has beautiful views of the Potomac River. Open skating occurs in 90-minute intervals and rentals are available. The surrounding area also offers many restaurants for an energy boost before or after skating. The outdoor ice rink is open from November 22-February 23 every Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-10:30 a.m. at 3050 K Street NW, Washington, D.C.
Canal Park Ice Rink
The Canal Park Ice Rink is currently the hot spot for public indoor ice-skating in the D.C. area as Fort Dupont Ice Arena undergoes construction. The rink offers public skating, lessons and rentals and has party reservations available as well. The indoor ice rink is open late November-early March every Monday-Friday from 2-8 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 12-10 p.m. at 3779 Ely Place SE, Washington, D.C.
Ice Rink at the Sculpture Garden
The Ice Rink at the Sculpture is an outdoor rink that offers both public skating and skating lessons. It is recommended to arrive close to the top of the hour as that is when sessions start. Rentals are available and tickets can only be purchased in person. Parties of over 20 can reach out over email or text to purchase tickets. The outdoor rink is open November 23–March 2 on Sunday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. at the National Gallery of Art 101 9th Street, NW Washington, D.C.
Wardah Karman is an editorial intern with Washington Parent.
Wardah Karman is an editorial intern with Washington Parent
