When it's cold out, there's no better activity than wrangling the family and heading out to one of D.C.'s beautiful outdoor ice skating rinks. Grab a hot chocolate and get ready to make fun memories. Here's a list of some of the best rinks in and around the city for families of all ages!
Reston Town Center - Ice Skating
christadiserio: During colder months, the beautiful Pavilion floor at the Reston Town Center is transformed into a stunning ice skating rink. This is the perfect rink for a family outing, especially if the older kids choose to skate while parents or other family members do some holiday shopping and grab a bite at the surrounding shops & restaurants.
Cost: $9/child (12 & under), $10/adult, & $6 skate rental
Rockville Town Square Ice Rink
christadiserio: The Rockville Town Square ice rink prides itself on being the largest ice skating rink between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The whole family will enjoy all 7,200 square feet of this rink that's surrounded by numerous restaurants and shops. While you're in the area, it might also be worth a visit to VisArts Center or the Rockville Public Library with the kids. Why not make your adventure to this ice rink a day of pure family fun?
Cost: $8/child (12 & under), $9/adult, & $5 skate rental
Washington Harbour - Ice Skating
christadiserio: The beautiful ice skating venue at the Washington Harbour is one for the books. It's the largest outdoor ice skating rink in the area (11,000+ square feet), surrounded by the Potomac River and great restaurants. Your family will enjoy this picturesque scene, especially after dark when the snowflakes are falling - it's pretty magical.
Cost:$9/child and $10/adult
The Watergate Hotel - Top of the Skate
christadiserio: What if a superior ice skating experience could be combined with some of the best views of the nation's capital and wrapped up in a pretty red bow? That's exactly what you'll find at The Watergate Hotel's "winter wonderland," where guests and local will be wow-ed by the rooftop synthetic ice rink setting with spectacular 360-degree views of the city. Adults can also enjoy some winter cocktails and kids will love the hot chocolate.
Cost: $10/child (ages 5-12) & $20/adult
Pentagon Row - Ice Skating
christadiserio: The Pentagon Row Plaza recently completed major renovations, which included making the ice skating rink 50% bigger. Now, this nearly 7,000 square foot ice rink is the second largest in the state of Virginia and one that all families love. It's especially friendly for those kids who are learning to ice skate. If anyone in the family needs a skate break, there's a nice outdoor fireplace for them. This rink is also surrounded by several shops and restaurants.
Cost: $8/child (12& under), $9/adult, $5 skate rental
Silver Spring Ice Skating
christadiserio: The Silver Spring Ice Skating Rink sits smack in the middle of downtown Silver Spring in Veterans' Plaza and is surrounded by numerous restaurants, shops and plenty of parking. The rink is uniquely covered by an overhang that lights up with neon color lights - kids love this! This is a convenient location for Maryland families or for those in the city looking to make their way outside. Silver Spring Ice Skating Rink is also a quick walk from the Metro.
Cost: $8/kid (12 & under), $9/adult, & $5 skate rental
National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink
christadiserio: It doesn't get more stunning than an ice skating rink in the middle of the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. You and your family will be surrounded by some incredible works of art, as well as other families enjoying ice skating under string lights and in a picturesque environment. Pro tip: tickets are sold at the top of the hour for two-hour sessions. Visit the garden only after buying your tickets, if there's time.
Cost: $8 (ages 12 & under or ages 50+), $9/adult & $4 skate rental
The Wharf Ice Rink
christadiserio: Picture yourself and the family on an ice skating rink overlooking the water. Well, that's exactly what you'll experience at The Wharf Ice Rink. Sitting right on The Wharf's Transit Pier is an incredible ice skating rink under beautiful string lights with views of the riverfront. This ice skating experience is especially awesome after sunset. When you're ready to warm up, grab the family and head to the fire pit, stroll the shops or grab a bite at one of the restaurants in the area.
Cost: $12/adult & $8/child (12 & under), $6 skate rental
Canal Park Ice Rink
christadiserio: This is one of the newer ice rinks in town but one that the family will love because it's less crowded than the others. Smack in the middle of the Navy Yard neighborhood, this rink is one of the more unique ones in town, as it's set on a track for skaters to go around. Everyone will have great views of the city from here, too. After you're done skating, take the family out for a bite at one of the plethora of nearby restaurants.
Cost: $8 children/seniors, $9 adults, & $5 skate rental
Pandora Ice Rink
christadiserio: The Pandora Ice Rink is located at the beautiful Inner Harbor, where there are a number of activities for the younger ones in the family. Not only will they have a blast ice skating but they might also enjoy the Maryland National Aquarium and Port Discovery. Truly, you could spend a whole day in this area and have a lot of family fun. Also, be sure to check out the special events page or Facebook at Pandora Ice Rink, like Skating with Santa, NYE, or Skate With A Superhero.
Cost: $9/child & $10/adult
Primary photo: Upparent
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