There's something about outdoor ice skating in crisp (but not freezing!) SoCal winter weather that absolutely makes the season.
Local parents share the best outdoor ice skating rinks around Los Angeles and Orange County on our interactive guide, with a map to help you find a rink near you. Grab a coat, whip up some homemade hot chocolate, and enjoy some ice skating at any of these great rinks in LA and OC .
And if we've missed your favorite outdoor ice skating rink, recommend it below so we can add it to the list - our parent-sourced lists continue to improve when you add your comments and favorites, too!
Irvine Spectrum Center - Skating Under the Stars
Erynn: The seasonal ice rink at Giant Wheel Court hosts a few public skating sessions per day, so you can get your holiday gift shopping done and take the kids for a romp on the ice, too. Tons of restaurants at Irvine Spectrum Center cater to any taste, so stop in for a quick bite before or after your session. You can also pick up socks at the rink if your kids forget theirs.
Winter Fest OC - Frozen Pond Ice Rink
December-January
Admission starts at $13/person + $15/ice skating session
Erynn: Skate under the stars (and under Winter Fest's 50 foot tall tree!) right in the middle of this OC holiday event. Stay for the nightly fireworks and snow flurries, too- plus visit the Alpine snow play area, maze, model train exhibit, nightly parade, and more. This is one of the LA & OC holiday events you won't want to miss!
Pershing Square Holiday Ice Skating Rink
Erynn: During the holiday season, Pershing Square transforms into an ice-covered oasis that includes themed skate nights and a coffee and snack bar. This rink stays open in light to moderate rain, and even sells mittens and socks if you're in need.
LA Kings Holiday Ice - L.A. LIVE
Erynn: Head to L.A. LIVE on Xbox Plaza for the annual LA Kings Holiday Ice and let the whole family get out on the ice. Admission includes skate rental and please note, this outdoor location will stay open during light rain.
Ice at Santa Monica
Erynn: This 8,000-square foot outdoor rink sits at the corner of Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue and invites beachgoers to trade their swimsuits for ice skates! This rink is all weather and will stay open in rain conditions that are deemed safe by staff. You can even rent a cabana!
Primary photo: Upparent
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.
