The DMV has no shortage of places to glide, spin and laugh your way through the winter season. From festive outdoor rinks with twinkling lights to dependable indoor ice houses with options for skating lessons, each spot offers a fun outing for your family. Here are some of the best places to skate through the region this year.
Virginia
Outdoor Options
Westpost Outdoor Ice Rink
At 7,200 square feet, the Westport Outdoor Ice Rink is the largest outdoor ice skating rink in Northern Virginia. It is located in the Plaza at Pentagon Row with shops, restaurants and coffee shops flanking the rink for a fantastic family outing. Reservations open two weeks in advance and are highly recommended.
- Location: 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington
- Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Monday; noon p.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; noon p.m.-11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday
- Pricing: Admission is $12 for skaters 12 and under and $13 for adults. The rink offers a $1 discount for reservations made online in advance. Skate rentals are available for an additional $6.
Reston Town Center Ice Rink
Families can skate under the twinkling pavilion at Reston Town Center all through the winter season. The rink also offers private and semi-private lessons for skaters of all ages. The rink’s skate shop stocks over 500 pairs of skates from toddler to adult sizes so you’re sure to find your perfect fit!
- Location: 1818 Discovery St., Reston
- Hours: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday
- Pricing: Admission is $9 for kids under 12, $11 for adults and skate rentals are available for an additional $8. The rink also offers special pricing for groups, seniors and military families.
Indoor Ice Houses
Ashburn Ice House
The Ashburn Ice House has two full-size skating rinks open year-round for figure skaters, hockey players, and of course, families looking for a fun outing. They host a public skate session daily plus a fun Friday night skate every week. Registration is required for all skating events.
- Location: 21595 Smith Switch Road, Ashburn
- Hours: 6 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 5:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
- Pricing: Public skate admission is $15 per person and skate rentals are available at an additional cost.
Fairfax Ice Arena
Established for over 50 years, the Fairfax Ice Arena was Virginia’s first year-round ice rink. Still a beloved skating location, the Fairfax Ice Arena offers beginner lessons, hockey and figure skating clinics and camps for kids. They have a themed public skate the first Wednesday of the month from 8:30-9:45 p.m. and daily general public skate sessions.
- Location: 3779 Pickett Road, Fairfax
- Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
- Pricing: Weekday public skate admission is $10 per person and weekend prices are $11 per person. Skate rentals are available for an additional $4.
DC
Outdoor Options
Canal Park Ice Rink
Located on the Capitol Riverfront, Canal Park Ice Rink is almost a city block wide and uniquely in the shape of a figure eight, making it feel more like an ice trail. Their learn-to-skate series is perfect for want-to-be hockey players and figure skaters or kids who just want to feel comfortable on the ice. Opening in late November, the rink offers public skating daily.
- Location: 200 M St. SE, Washington, DC
- Hours: 2 p.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
- Pricing: Admission for children under 13 and seniors is $12. Adult admission is $15. Skate rentals available for $6.
Washington Harbour Ice Rink
As the largest outdoor ice rink in DC, the Washington Harbour Ice Rink is a great spot to enjoy views of the Potomac River and the Georgetown Waterfront. The surrounding area has plenty of restaurants and cafes to make your ice skating adventure a fun family outing.
- Location: 3050 K St. NW, Washington, DC
- Hours: 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-10:30p.m. Friday-Saturday; 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Sundays
- Pricing: Admission for children 12 and under is $9, adult admission is $11 and skate rentals are available for $7. Special pricing for seniors and military families available.
The Wharf Ice Rink
Sitting along The Wharf — a mile-long stretch of DC’s waterfront filled with shops and restaurants, The Wharf Ice Rink is a great place to soak river-side views while gliding on ice. The rink reopened Nov. 26 for the winter season.
- Location: 970 Wharf St. SW, Washington, DC
- Hours: 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; noon-10 p.m. Saturdays; noon-8 p.m. Sundays
- Pricing: Admission for children 12 and under is $15, adult admission is $20 and skate rentals are available for $5. Special pricing for seniors and military families available.
Maryland
Outdoor Options
Rockville Town Square
One of the largest outdoor skating rinks in the region, Rockville’s town square boasts an impressive ice rink open from October to March each year. With weekend group lessons, it’s a great spot to learn to skate or just try lacing up some skates for fun during their opening hours.
- Location: 131 Gibbs St., Rockville
- Hours: noon-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-11p.m. Saturdays; 10 a.m.-10p.m. Sundays
- Pricing: Admission for children 12 and under is $11, adult admission is $12 and skate rentals are available for $6. Discounts available for tickets booked in advance online.
Merriweather District Ice Rink
Just inside Color Burst Park in Columbia, you can bring the whole family for a fun day of skating, shopping and dining at Merriweather District. They regularly host themed celebrations and events and have a season pass option for folks who just can’t get enough time on the ice.
- Location: 6100 Merriweather Drive, Columbia
- Hours: 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Fridays; noon-10 p.m. Saturdays; noon-8 p.m. Sundays
- Pricing: Admission is $12 per person and skate rentals are an additional $3 per person.
Indoor Ice Houses
Bowie Ice Arena
The city of Bowie’s Ice Arena is a year-round skating facility offering ice skating for all levels. With lessons, camps and clinics, it’s a great place for kids to try something new. On Tuesdays, they also have a great two-for-one admission deal.
- Location: 3330 Northview Drive, Bowie
- Hours: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays
Pricing: Admission is $9 per person for public skate and $3 per person for skate rentals. Discounts available for city of Bowie residents.
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