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Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia for Kids and Families

The popular Sculpture Garden ice rink is back at the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art. Photo by Elvert Barnes via Flickr 2.0
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11/3/24 - By Jennifer Marino Walters

What could be more enjoyable than ice skating on a beautiful winter's day? In 2024, families will have plenty of ice skating options in DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, from ice skating rinks that are part of special holiday events to outdoor ice skating rinks that stay open all winter long.

Weather permitting, outdoor ice skating rinks generally open in mid to late November and close in February or March. Many of them also host special skating events, so check the websites for more information. Otherwise, lace up your skates and enjoy ice skating at one of these great rinks near DC.

For more fun things to do this winter—from the best museums for kids in the DC area to the best places to go snow tubing near DC—check out out Winter Activities Guide for DC Kids.

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Take a glide on DC's largest outdoor ice rink. Photo courtesy of the Washington Harbour Ice Rink
Take a glide on DC's largest outdoor ice rink. Photo courtesy of the Washington Harbour Ice Rink

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in DC

The Washington Harbour Ice Rink

Daily, November 15, 2024 - February 23, 2025
Head to DC's largest outdoor ice rink to enjoy scenic views of the Potomac River, the Kennedy Center, Key Bridge, and historic Georgetown while you glide around the ice. Twinkling snowflakes and decorations light up the rink at night. Penguins for beginner skaters are available for an additional fee. READ MORE

Sculpture Garden Ice Rink

Daily, November 23, 2024 - March 2, 2025 (except Christmas Day and New Year's Day)
Take a spin on the popular ice skating rink in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. Guests can book two back-to-back, 45-minute skating sessions online. The Pavilion Cafe is open part of the time with food and seasonal treats like hot chocolate. READ MORE

The Wharf Ice Rink

Wednesday - Sundays, November 27, 2024 - February 28, 2025
Enjoy gorgeous views of the water and the DC monuments while skating at DC's only over-water ice skating rink. Rent skates or bring your own, then grab a bite at one of the Wharf's restaurants. READ MORE
Enjoy ice skating with a view of Baltimore's skyline at the Inner Harbor Ice Rink. Photo by Stephen C. Earley via Flickr 2.0
Enjoy ice skating with a view of Baltimore's skyline at the Inner Harbor Ice Rink. Photo by Stephen C. Earley via Flickr 2.0

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Near DC in Maryland

Inner Harbor Ice Rink

Baltimore, MD
Daily November 8, 2024 - January 20, 2025
Go for a spin around the ice and enjoy magical waterfront views of Baltimore's skyline at the Inner Harbor Ice Rink. Keep an eye out for special events at the rink throughout the season. READ MORE

Silver Spring Ice Skating

Silver Spring, MD
Daily through Sunday, March 30, 2025
This outdoor ice skating rink at Veterans Plaza is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. More than 400 pairs of ice hockey and figure skates are available in sizes 7 toddler to 14 adult, with double-bladed skates offered in toddler sizes 8 to 13. Private and group skating lessons are offered. READ MORE

Color Burst Ice Rink at Merriweather District

Columbia, MD
Daily, November 22, 2024 - January 31, 2025 (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
Take a 75-minute glide around the ice at the Color Burst Ice Rink at Color Burst Park. Plenty of themed events and celebrations take place throughout the season, and there is music and pop-up food and drinks. Skate aids for children are available for $5. READ MORE
Skate under twinkling lights in Reston Town Center. Photo courtesy of the Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion
Skate under twinkling lights in Reston Town Center. Photo courtesy of the Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Near DC in Virginia

Harris Pavilion Ice Skating

Manassas, VA
Daily, November 15, 2024 - January 5, 2025 (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
Harris Pavilion's ice skating rink is open daily (except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day) through January 5, 2025. Advance online registration is encouraged. READ MORE

Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion

Reston, VA
Daily November 8, 2024 - Sunday, March 9, 2025
The ice skating rink at Reston Town Center offers daily public skating. The skate shop has over 500 pairs of skates for rent in both figure and hockey styles, ranging from toddler size 8 through men’s size 15. Beginner skaters can try double-bladed, flat-edge skates to walk across the ice until they’re ready to advance to single-bladed skates. Penguin skate aids are also available.  READ MORE

Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

Alexandria, VA
Daily, November 29, 2024 - January 5, 2025
Ice & Lights offers a fun, outdoor family experience to see unique holiday lights, take family pictures or selfies with a variety of displays, and take a spin on the outdoor ice rink. The Village opens on November 15, 2024, and ice skating begins on November 29. READ MORE

Stonebridge Ice Rink

Woodbridge, VA
Daily, November 15, 2024 - Sunday, February 23, 2025
Make a reservation online for a 1.5-hour skating session at the outdoor ice skating rink at Stonebridge Potomac Town Center. Skating aids are available on a first-come, first-served basis. READ MORE

WestPost Outdoor Ice Skating at National Landing

Arlington, VA
Daily through March 14, 2025
At 7,200 square feet, the WestPost ice rink at National Landing is the largest outdoor ice skating rink in Northern Virginia and the second largest in the state. It features an outdoor dual-sided stone fireplace, shops, restaurants, and a coffee shop. READ MORE

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About the Author

Jennifer Marino Walters
Jennifer Marino Walters is the DC and travel editor for Mommy Poppins and the author of over 20 beloved children's books. A proud mom of three—plus twins!—she lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and busy brood. When she’s not writing or editing, you’ll find Jennifer cheering from the sidelines of a baseball game, supporting her daughter’s cheerleading squad, diving into a good book, or exploring new destinations. Connect with her on Instagram @jmwalters718.
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