Skating under the stars at Washington Harbour in Georgetown
The weather may not be an indicator, but outdoor ice skating season around the area has begun! A couple of local rinks have already opened, and more will welcome skaters over the next few weeks. As long as the surface isn’t melting beneath your blades it’s a super cool way to enjoy some active fun, especially during the cold months. So, lace up your skates and get out there — this list has details on where to glide under the sky (and indoors, too) around the DMV!
Outdoor
DC
Canal Park Ice Rink
Where: 220 M Street SE
Cost: $9/adult, $8/child, $5/rental
Hours: Mon-Tues: 12-7pm, Weds-Fri 12-9pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-7pm
Open: November 17 – mid-March
Bonus: They just started offering skating aids for beginners to push around the rink. The Park Tavern restaurant is closed until later in December, but will be reopening as a pizzeria. There are also several eateries and a Starbucks across the street and even more restaurants at the nearby Yards Park.
Washington Harbour Ice Rink
Where: 3050 K Street NW
Cost: $10/adult, $9/child, seniors, military, $5/skate rental
Hours: Mon–Tues 12-7pm, Weds-Thurs 12-9pm, Fri 12-10pm, Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-7pm
Open: November 18 – March 11
Bonus: Location, location, location. Not only do you get a lovely view of the Potomac, you’re right in Georgetown, where there’s great shopping and places to eat, so you can really make a day and/or night of it. Also, with push penguins available, it’s a good rink for newbie skaters.
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink
Where: 7th St. & Constitution Ave. NW
Cost: $8/adult, $7/child, $3/skate rental (ID required)
Hours: Mon–Thurs 10am–9pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm, Sunday 11am–9pm
Open: Mid-November – Mid-March, except December 25 and January 1
Bonus: You can check out some art on your outing — the rink is literally in the middle of the Sculpture Garden that showcases many big, bold works of art. You can also plan to visit a museum before or after your skating session; it’s easy enough to pop in to one of the free Smithsonian galleries. For some fuel, the Pavilion Cafe is also located within the Sculpture Garden and offers light fare, including warm beverages.
Top of the Skate Ice Rink
Where: Watergate Hotel Rooftop, 2650 Virginia Ave. NW
Cost: $20/adult, $10/12 & under (includes skate rental)
Hours: Wed-Fri 5-10pm, Sat-Sun 1-10pm
Open: November 16 – Mid-March
Bonus: There the obvious: The views, which are unmatched by any other rinks in the area. And adults can skate right up to a bar and order a cocktail!
Where: District Wharf Ice Rink
Transit Pier, Water Street Southwest
Cost: $10/adult, $8/12 & under
Hours: Mon-Tues 12–7pm, Weds-Thursday 12–9pm, Fri 12–11pm, Sat 11am–11pm, Sunday: 11am–7pm
Open: Early December – Late February
Bonus: The rink at the just opened Wharf is located on the Transit Pier, so you’re practically skating over the water. When you’re done zipping around on blades, warm up by the cozy fire pit, grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, browse the shops, or hang out and enjoy the views of the Anacostia River.
Maryland
Silver Spring Veteran’s Plaza Ice Rink
Where: 8523 Fenton Street, Silver Spring
Cost: $9/adult, $8/child, $5/skate rental
Hours: Mon–Thurs 12–10pm, Fri-Sat 10am–12am, Sun 10am–10pm
Open: Mid-October – Mid-March
Bonus: The rink is right in downtown Silver Spring, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and plenty of parking. It’s also an easy walk from the Metro.
Rockville Town Square Ice Rink
Where: 131 Gibbs Street, Rockville
Cost: $9/age 13 and up, $8/age 12 and under, $4/skate rentals
Hours: Mon-Thur 12-10pm, Fri 12-11pm, Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 10am-10pm
Open: Mid-October – Mid-March
Bonus: Skate in the largest outdoor ice skating rink — 7,200 square feet! — between Baltimore and Washington DC. While you’re at the Town Square, take advantage of the selection of restaurants and shops, or spend some downtime at the Rockville Library or VisArts Center.
Pandora Ice Rink
Where: 201 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore Inner Harbor
When: Late October – Mid-March
Cost: $9/adult, $7/child, $/skate rentals
Open: Mon-Thurs 3-8pm, Fri 3-11pm, Sat 11am – 11pm, Sun 11am – 8pm
Bonus: Located at the Inner Harbor, where there are several great attractions for kiddos — Port Discovery, Maryland Science Center National Aquarium, and more — you could easily add this to a whole day or even weekend spent in Charm City. Head to the Little Italy area after for a yummy bite!
Virginia
Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating Rink
Where: 1201 South Joyce Street, Arlington
Cost: $8/adult, $7/children, $3/skate rental
Hours: Mon–Thurs 12–10pm, Fri 12–11pm, Sat 10am–11pm, Sun 10am–7pm
Open: Mid-November – Mid-March
Bonus: Recently renovated and expanded, it’s a good choice for kiddos learning to skate — Penguin Skating aids are available at the rink kiosk. Also located amid many shopping and dining options. Skate in the snow December 7 – January 1, when “snow” falls nightly on the ice rink. And be sure to check the calendar for occasional special events.
Reston Town Center Ice Skating
Where: 11900 Market Street, Reston
Cost: $10/adults, $9/children, $5/skate rentals
Hours: Sun-Tues 11am-7pm, Weds-Thurs 11am – 10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
Open: Early November – Mid-March
Bonus: The Town Center is like a mini downtown, so you can do some shopping, have a bite to eat, check off some errands, even see a movie along with your skating excursion.
Tysons Corner Center Ice Rink
Where: 1961 Chain Bridge Road, McLean
Cost: $10/adults, $9/children, $6/skate rentals
Hours: Mon-Tues: 3-7pm, Wed-Thurs: 3-9pm, Fri: 1-11pm, Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-7pm
Open: November through Mid-March
Bonus: Tack on a skating session to some shopping at the mall — or vice versa.
Indoor
DC
Fort Dupont Ice Arena
Where: 3779 Ely Place, SE
Cost: $5/adults, $4/children, $3/skate rental
Hours: Fri 12-2pm, Sat 12:45-1:45pm
Maryland
Herbert Wells Ice Rink
Where: 5211 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, Md
Cost: $6/adult, $5/child ($1 off for PG County Residents), $2/skate rental
Hours: Friday 12-2pm, Saturday 1-3pm, Sunday 2:30-4:30pm
Open: Late October through mid-March
Cabin John Ice Rink
Where: 10610 Westlake Drive, Cabin John Regional Park
Cost: $7/age 11+, $4/age 3-4, $6/age 5-10 $3.50/skate rental
Hours: Vary by day, view the current schedule here
Open: Daily, except for Thanksgiving and Christmas
The Gardens Ice House
Where: 13800 Old Gunpowder Road, Laurel
Cost: $7.70/adult, $6.60/student, $4.15/skate rental
Hours: Vary by day, see the schedule here
Wheaton Ice Arena
Where: 11717 Orebaugh Avenue, Wheaton
Cost: $7/age 11+, $4/age 3-4, $6/age 5-10 $3.50/skate rental
Hours: Vary, see the schedules here
Virginia
Kettler Capitals Iceplex
Where: 627 N. Glebe Road, Arlington – 8th Level of Ballston Parking Garage
Cost: $9/adults, $8/children, $5/skate rental
Hours: Vary by day, view the current public skate schedule here.
