Sections
  • News & Politics
  • Food
  • Things to Do
  • Washingtonian Events
  • Home & Style
  • Editors’ Picks
  • Events Calendar
  • Health
  • Longreads
  • Parenting
  • Real Estate
  • Shopping
  • Travel
  • Weddings
Reader Favorites
  • Subscribe
  • Neighborhoods
  • Newsletters
  • Directories
  • Washingtonian Events
Washington’s Best
  • Apartment Rentals
  • DC Travel Guide
  • Dentists
  • Doctors
  • Financial Advisers
  • Health Experts
  • Home Improvement Experts
  • Industry Leaders
  • Lawyers
  • Mortgage Professionals
  • Pet Care
  • Private Schools
  • Real Estate Agents
  • Restaurants
  • Retirement Communities
  • Wedding Vendors
More
  • Subscribe
  • Manage My Subscription
  • Digital Edition
  • Shop
  • Contests
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Jobs
© 2022 Washingtonian Media Inc.
Privacy Policy
All Rights Reserved
 Rss
Skip to content
Washingtonian.com
  • Search
  • Subscribe
  • Menu
  • News & Politics
  • Things to Do
  • Food
  • Health
  • Shopping
  • Home & Style
  • Real Estate
  • Weddings
  • Travel

  • Subscribe
  • Neighborhoods
  • Newsletters
  • Directories
  • Washingtonian Events
  • Trending Now in Things to Do
  • Fashion show
  • Costumes
  • Festivals
  • Day Trips
  • Heat Emergency
Things to Do

12 Great Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Around DC

Lace up your skates and hit the ice this season.

Written by Daniella Byck
| Published on February 13, 2019
Tweet Share
Reston Town Center. Photograph by Greg Hess.
Winter Fun

About Winter Fun

This article is a part of Washingtonian’s feature: Winter Fun Indoors & Out. Our editors and staff pulled together the best things to do this winter, including snowball fights, cozy places to get a drink, ice skating, and more.

More from Winter Fun

Canal Park

Loop around this figure-eight-shaped rink near Nats Park and, afterward, check out the seasonal flavors at nearby Ice Cream Jubilee. 200 M St., SE; 202-850-0859.

C&O Canal

One silver lining when there’s a stretch of sub-freezing days: You can bring skates (no rentals) to this picturesque haven. To be safe, wait until the ice is at least four inches thick—which doesn’t happen often.

Constitution Gardens

Nothing shouts winter like ice-skating with the Washington Monument as a backdrop. The park service posts signs when the pond is sufficiently frozen over. You’ll need your own skates. 1850 Constitution Ave., NW.

Gardens Ice House

Along with three indoor rinks, this 150,000-square-foot facility maintains an outdoor rink in winter. 13800 Old Gunpowder Rd., Laurel; 301-953-0100.

Harris Pavilion

This covered rink boasts satellite music booming from a high-quality sound system. 9201 Center St., Manassas; 703-361-9800.

National Gallery of Art

Skate alongside sculptures by famous artists, and enjoy mulled wine or latte at the cafe. Seventh Street and Constitution Ave., NW; 202-216-9397.

Pentagon Row

The outdoor fireplace is a welcoming spot to warm up before returning to the ice. 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington; 703-418-6666.

Reston Town Center

Twinkle lights deck out the pavilion and surrounding trees for a dose of winter cheer. 1818 Discovery St., Reston; 703-709-6300.

Rockville Town Square

Make a night of it: The rink is surrounded by restaurants and down the street from a movie theater. 131 Gibbs St., Rockville; 301-545-1999.

Veterans Plaza

Nail your ice-skating Instagram under a canopy of rainbow-colored lights on the ceiling of this rink’s pavilion. 8523 Fenton St., Silver Spring; 301-588-1221.

Washington Harbour

The harbor’s fountain converts into DC’s largest outdoor rink in the winter, with a view overlooking the Potomac River. 3050 K St., NW; 202-706-7666.

The Wharf

Worked up an appetite while skating? This waterside rink puts you in the thick of restaurants, including Hank’s Oyster Bar and Mi Vida. 960 Wharf St., SW; no phone.

A version of this article appears in the January 2019 issue of Washingtonian.

More: C&O CanalConstitutional Gardensice skatingNational Gallery of ArtOutdoor Ice RinksPentagon Row Ice SkatingReston Town CenterRockville Town SquareThe WharfWashington Harbour Ice RinkWinter Fun
Join the conversation!
Share Tweet
Daniella Byck
Daniella Byck
Assistant Editor

Daniella Byck joined Washingtonian in August 2018. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she studied journalism and digital culture.

Most Popular in Things to Do

1

First Look: Sandlot Anacostia Opens Soon With Go-Go and Good Eats

2

Last-Minute DC-Area Ideas 5/19-5/22: Bourbon and Bluegrass Festival, Catacombs, and Birthday Parties

3

The Three-Day FantasyWood Festival Transforms a Maryland Farm Into a Magical Forest

4

Blossom Alert: the Peonies at Seneca Creek State Park Will Be at Peak Soon

5

Best Things to Do in the DC Area 5/16-5/23: Silk Road Festival, Strawberries, and Cookbook Talks

Washingtonian Magazine

May 2022: Fantastic Foodie Getaways

May 2022: Fantastic Foodie Getaways

View Issue
Subscribe

Follow Us on Social

We'll help you live your best #DCLIFE every day

Follow Us on Social

We'll help you live your best #DCLIFE every day

Related

Jazz in the Garden Makes Its Big Return May 20

C&O Canal Boat Tours Are Back in Georgetown

Best Things to Do in the DC Area, 4/25-5/1: C&O Canal Boats, Georgetown French Market, and a Chocolate Festival

5 Fascinating Works From the “Afro-Atlantic Histories” Exhibit

More from Things to Do

5 Great Ways to Cool Off This Weekend

The National Memorial Day Parade Is Back for the First Time Since 2019

First Look: Sandlot Anacostia Opens Soon With Go-Go and Good Eats

Need a Last-Minute Campsite or Glampsite for Memorial Day? We Got You.

Last-Minute DC-Area Ideas 5/19-5/22: Bourbon and Bluegrass Festival, Catacombs, and Birthday Parties

The Lincoln Memorial Is 100 Years Old. Here’s How to Celebrate It.

The Three-Day FantasyWood Festival Transforms a Maryland Farm Into a Magical Forest

The Renwick Set Out to Acquire Hundreds of Objects From Diverse Artists. Now You Can See the Results in a Massive Exhibition.

© 2022 Washingtonian Media Inc.
All Rights Reserved.
Washingtonian is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Privacy Policy and Opt-Out
 Rss
Get the best news, delivered weekly.
By signing up, you agree to our terms.
  • Subscribe
  • Manage My Subscription
  • Digital Edition
  • Shop
  • Contests
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Contact Us
  • Jobs