It’s that time of year again. Time to lace up those ice skates and hit the rinks.
While it’s tempting to hibernate indoors during the colder months, we’re lucky to live in an area that has a generous number of rinks to pull us out of our warm and cozy houses to enjoy this fun winter activity. Ice-skating is not only fun but it is a great way to get exercise and burn off excess energy. It’s a great activity to do with family and friends and during the Winter break it will get kids out of the house, doing something they’ll love.
Here are some of our top picks for ice skating rinks in the Connecticut.
1. RoseGarden Ice Arena Norwich
The RoseGarden Ice Arena, located at 641 New London Turnpike in Norwich, offers public skating for the whole family throughout the week. The fun atmosphere welcomes skaters of all skill levels. The rink is open to the public Sunday through Monday and the hours vary so be sure to check the schedule online. Adult admission is $7 and children and seniors are $4.
2. Simsbury Farms Ice Rink
This covered outdoor rink is located at 100 Old Farms Rd in West Simsbury and is open through early March. It is open to the public on Saturdays from 2:15-4:15 p.m. and again from 7:30-9:00 p.m. On Sundays it is open to the public from 2:15-4:15 p.m. Check their website as they do close the rink to the public for hockey tournaments. Admission for residents is $4 for adults and $3 for children ages 15 and under. For adult non-residents admission is $6 and $5 for children ages 15 and under.
3. Danbury Ice Arena
The Danbury Ice Arena, at 1 Independence Way in Danbury, offers hockey lessons for men, women, and children in addition to figure skating lessons. They also have daily public skating Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. with additional evening hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Be sure to check the website for hours and current admission.
4. Westport Pal Rink at Longshore
This outdoor rink sets up seasonally in Westport and has great views of Long Island Sound. An all-day pass is just $11 for adults and $8.00 for children. Meet up with friends or bring the family and enjoy the beautiful sunsets while skating around the rink. Located at 260 Compo Road South in Westport.
5. Bolton Ice Palace
For those living near Bolton, Cromwell or Simsbury, this indoor ice-skating rink offers public ice time almost every day. Located at 145 Hop River Road in Bolton, admission is $7 per skater and $3 for rental. All children 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult, 18 years and older, on skates on the ice on a one-on-one basis at all times. Please check to verify session times as they may change or adjust session for special arena events.
6. Winterfest Hartford
On a budget? You’ll love Hartford’s annual Winterfest which not only offers free ice skating, but they also provide skate rentals for free as well. The skating rink is located in Bushnell Park and is open from 11:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. daily through early January.
7. Wonderland of Ice Bridgeport
Located at 123 Glenwood Avenue in Bridgeport, Wonderland of Ice boasts a state-of-the-art twin ice skating and curling facility. Public skating is open every day of the week. Be sure to check online for times. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children. They also offer lessons in skating, stick and puck handling, and Icerobics for those who are hoping to burn off some calories this holiday season.
8. Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum UCONN
The on-campus home for the University of Connecticut Men’s and Women’s ice hockey teams is the Mark Edward Freitas Ice Forum, which opened in the fall of 1998. Completely enclosed, the Freitas Ice Forum is a state-of-the-art facility located on the campus of the University of Connecticut in Storrs, Connecticut. They offer public skating, lessons, and blade sharpening and you get to skate on the same ice as the Huskies. Admission is $7 and skate rentals are $5. Note: This Facility accepts Cash and Checks Only; No Credit or Debit Cards.
9. City of Middleton’s Ice Skating Rink
Open every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. until early Spring, the City of Middleton’s Ice Skating Rink hosts a fun theme night one Saturday a month from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Admission for Middleton residents is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Non-residents is $8 for adults and $3 for children. Season passes for the family are $25 and for individuals, $15. Opens late November through early Spring. Five individual or family passes are available at the Russell Library for Middletown residents at no charge through the Russell Library’s Museum Pass Program.
10. Mill River Park Stamford
This 9,000 sq. ft. open air ice rink in Stamford, Connecticut, has two roles. It acts as an interactive fountain during the summer and an ice-skating rink during the winter months. Larger than the famed rink at Rockefeller Center in New York City, the center is open 7 days a week until mid-March. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for children, seniors, and active military. Bring your own skates or rent from the park for $4.
