Outdoor Ice Skating Around The Bay Area

Erynn:  It's still outdoors, but this ice rink is covered, so you get the ambiance of the chilly weather but have a bit of protection against potential sprinkles. There's also Skate School for those who need help mastering the ice!

Cost: Tickets include skate rental and start at $12 for ages 13+; $6 for 12 & under

Holiday pricing is $15 adults; $10 for 12 & under

Erynn:  Downtown Ice has been part of San Jose since 1994, and these days, families can enjoy skating inside an enclave of palm trees between the Museum of Art and the Fairmont Hotel.

Kristi Yamaguchi grew up in Fremont and skated in San Jose (and has been part of the Downtown Ice program for nearly a decade)--which just might inspire your own budding skater to try it out!

Cost: Adults $17; Kids under 10 $15

Season passes are also available!

Erynn:  The skating rink at The Veranda is over 3,000 square feet with enough space for 100 skaters a t a time. Skate sessions last 90 minutes, but your time starts when you arrive, not at specific intervals. Of course, shopping and dining are all conveniently located--but there are no lockers on site.

Cost: $15/skater (includes skate rental)

Erynn:  Take the family for public skating hours, or enroll in classes with the Ice Skating Academy. Also, check out special events like guest appearances from your favorite wintery characters!

Holidays have specific hours, so check the calendar before heading over!

Cost: Mon-Thurs & Fri before 5 PM is $12; Friday at 5 PM through Sunday night is $15

Erynn:  Palo Alto's premier outdoor ice skating lodge has been around since 1956 and boasts warm fireplaces, cold ice, and plenty of family-friendly fun. The skating takes place outside, but you can pop into the lodge to warm up.

Public skating is open throughout the season, along with classes and group reservations for special events.

Cost: Admission is $12; skate rental $5

Erynn:  This spot is at the corner of 9th and Washington Streets and is conveniently located near shopping and dining. There are grown-up beverages for parents and other refreshments for purchase, too (plus skating aids if you need them).

Cost: General admission is $13, skate rentals are $5

Erynn:  This company operates seasonal rinks that are open daily throughout the season--including holidays--so San Mateo On Ice is an ideal spot to celebrate with family and friends!

Ice skating is all well and good, but San Mateo On Ice takes the fun a step further with Bumper Cars, too! Sessions run every 20 minutes, and kids have to be six years old and 42" tall to ride alone.

Cost: Admission is $16/person & includes skate rental

Erynn:  This expansive and accessible ice rink is located next to Four Embarcadero Center, right across from the Ferry Building. Skating sessions begin on every hour and last an hour and a half.

Note that some sessions may be closed to the public; check ahead for closures before heading over!

Cost: General admission is $12; Ages 7 & under $7; Skate rental is $5

Erynn:  Bring the whole family to enjoy festive decorations during your 90-minute skate session! They even have a Holiday Spirits Rewards Program where you can earn free passes after a specific number of visits. Of course, there are plenty of restaurants and shopping within walking distance, too, so you can make a day of it.

Note that there are closures for private events; check the calendar for details.

Cost: Admission w/skate rental is $18; Kids 8 & under $13

Erynn:  Skating sessions last 75 minutes at Civic Center, but the ice rink isn't the only attraction for families. And throughout the holiday season, the Winter Park also has events like curling lessons, holiday tree lighting, free skate nights, and more.

Cost: Ice skating is $20 for adults; $15 kids 8 & under, and skates are included; special discount sessions are $5 for kids 8 & under (12PM & 2PM)