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For those who aren’t scared off by cold weather and wind, here are seven outdoor skating options in and around DC.
National Gallery of Art
6th & Constitution Ave., NW
If you’re going to skate outdoors, you might as well be surrounded by works by Roy Lichtenstein, Louise Bourgeois, and other masters. A ticket buys you two hours of rink time. Look for events like Happy Hour Skate (wine with your group skate lesson) and Mom/Dad/Me (parent-child lessons). Adult admission is $8.50; $7.50 for kids.
Washington Harbour Ice Rink
3050 K St., NW
National Harbour’s circular rink—a fountain during warmer months—is the largest outdoor skating spot in DC. The Potomac makes for a scenic backdrop; lessons and birthday parties are offered. Adult admission is $10; $9 for kids.
Pentagon Row Ice Skating
1201 South Joyce St., Arlington
Pentagon Row’s nearly 7,000-square-foot rink is the largest in Northern Virginia and the second largest in the state. Parents can keep warm by the dual-sided outdoor fireplace; kids will welcome the assistance of a push penguin. Check out the skate school. Adult admission is $9; $8 for kids.
Reston Town Center
11900 Market St., Reston
Between early November and mid-March, the open-air pavilion at Reston Town Center transforms into an ice rink, complete with skate rental. It’s on the smaller side, but it shares its space with shops, restaurants, and a movie theater, so you’ll have options before or after a go on the ice. Adult admission is $10; $9 for kids.
Rockville Town Square
131 Gibbs St., Rockville
Located in the center of Rockville Town Square, this rink is surrounded by shops and restaurants. At 7,200 square feet, it’s the largest outdoor rink between DC and Baltimore. Skating and hockey lessons are offered, as are skate rentals. Adult admission is $9; $8 for kids.
Herbert Wells Ice Rink
5211 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park
Herbert Wells is semi-enclosed (there’s a roof overhead), so you’re shielded from the full brunt of winter weather. The regulation-sized rink (the College Park Adult Hockey League plays here, as does the Wells Warriors USA Hockey Youth Recreation League) is fully equipped with locker rooms, a vending area, a warming hut with fireplace, and skate rentals. Adult admission is $5 for Prince George’s County residents; $6 for non-residents. Children are $4 (residents) and $5 (non-residents).
Tysons Corner Ice Rink
1961 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean
The 5,200-square-foot rink at Tysons Corner Center offers programming like a live DJ on Saturday nights from 7 to 10 PM, and, also on Saturday, skating cartoon characters for kids from 11AM to 1 PM. Adult admission is $10; $9 for kids.
