Outdoor Ice Skating in Washington, D.C.

Ice Skating Rinks in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia

By
Rachel Cooper
Rachel Cooper
Rachel Cooper is a travel writer who has lived in the Washington, D.C., area for more than 25 years. She is also the author of several books covering the capital and mid-Atlantic regions.
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Rachel Cooper

Updated 09/19/19

Iceskating rink at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden
Jason Colston / Getty Images

The Washington, D.C. area offers a variety of destinations for outdoor ice skating during the winter months. Outdoor skating is becoming very popular and there are now many venues with interesting scenery in the capital region including locations Downtown and in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. Enjoy the crisp cool winter air and the ambiance of skating in the city. Although weather dependent, most of the ice rinks are open from mid-November to early-March.

In Washington, D.C.

Sculpture Garden Ice Rink - 7th St. and Constitution Ave. NW. The ice skating rink at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden is a long time favorite destination, attracting thousands of visitors to skate in the parklike setting on the National Mall, surrounded by extraordinary sculptures by renowned modern and contemporary artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Alexander Calder, Roy Lichtenstein, Claes Oldenburg, and Coosje van Bruggen. The skating season begins in mid-November and continues through mid-March, weather permitting. The Pavilion Café offers a panoramic view of the Sculpture Garden and ice rink as well as a variety of food and beverages.

The ice-skating season at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink begins in November and continues March, weather permitting. Hours are Monday - Thursday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Skating fee for two 45-minute sessions (beginning on the hour) is $9 for adults and children age 13 and over $8 for skaters age 50 and over, children 12 and under, and students with a valid school ID. Skate rentals are $4.00. Lockers are available.

Canal Park Ice Rink - 2nd & M St. SE. The park in the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood offers public skating, learn to skate programs, birthday parties, and special event rentals. Open November through February.

The hours are: Monday-Thursday: noon - 10 p.m. Friday: noon - 11 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Admission is: $9 Adults, $8 Children (under 12) and Seniors (55+). Skate Rentals are $5.

Washington Harbour Ice Rink - 3000 K St. NW. Washington Harbour, the multipurpose property along the Georgetown waterfront is offering ice skating with beautiful views of the Potomac River.

The rink is open mid-November through mid-March. Hours are: Monday – Tuesday: noon - 7 p.m. Wednesday - Thursday: noon - 9 p.m. Friday: noon - 10 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Admission is: Adults: $10, Children/Seniors/Military: $7, Skate Rental: $6.

In Maryland

Silver Spring Ice Rink at Veterans Plaza - 8523 Fenton St. Silver Spring, MD. The ice skating rink, located in the center of Downtown Silver Spring, is surrounded by a variety of restaurants and shops. Lessons and party rentals are available.

Hours are: Sunday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Monday - Thursday noon - 10 p.m., Friday noon - midnight, Saturday 10 a.m. - midnight. Admission is: Adults: $9, Children/Seniors: $8, Skate Rental: $5.

Rockville Town Square Ice Rink - 200 E Middle Lane, Rockville, MD. The ice rink at Rockville Town Square is the largest outdoor rink in Montgomery County and offers some family fun, lessons, and party rentals.

Hours are: Monday - Thursday, noon to 10 p.m., Friday noon to 11 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Holiday hours are 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Admission is: $8 (12 and under), $9 (13 and up), Skate Rental: $4.

In Northern Virginia

Pentagon Row Ice Rink - 1201 South Joyce Street, Arlington, VA. The popular shopping center offers ice skating, party rental, skating lessons, and ice hockey lessons. The rink is open late October through Mid-March

Hours are: Sunday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday - Wednesday noon - 10 p.m. Thursday noon - 7 p.m. Friday noon - 11 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. Admission is: Adults: $9, Children/Seniors: $8, Skate Rental: $5.

Reston Town Center Ice Rink - 1818 Discovery Street, Reston, VA. Reston Town Center, a popular shopping and dining destination, is home to a family-friendly ice rink. Special events include Rock the Rink, Fridays, 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. and Cartoon Skate, Saturdays, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Learn to skate programs and party rentals are available.

Hours are: Sunday-Tuesday: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. Admission is: Adults $10, Children under 12, Military and Seniors (55 & up) $9. Skate Rentals $6.

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