Ready to lace up your skates? The best ice skating rinks in Boston await you.
As the chilly winter weather in Boston sets in, Bostonians and tourists head to public ice rinks to show off their figure eights. Pond skating in Massachusetts is also a big hit. With so many indoor and outdoor rinks to choose from, ice skating in Boston is one of the best things to do not only in the winter, but any time of year. Some Massachusetts ice skating rinks are even free!
Take in the breathtaking views of the Boston city skyline as you twirl around the skating rink. Then, cozy up inside a local café or coffee shop as you enjoy a cup of hot chocolate. It’s no wonder ice skating in Boston MA is such a popular pastime.
From seasonal pop-up rinks to neighborhood skating open year-round, here are the best ice skating rinks in Boston. This list also includes facilities in the Greater Boston Area within convenient reach of the city. Read on to find them!
1. Frog Pond at Boston Common
Looking for the quintessential Boston ice skating experience? Look no further than Frog Pond.
Located in the heart of America’s oldest public park, Frog Pond offers an amazing outdoor skating rink in the winter. It was voted the best outdoor ice skating rink in the country by USA Today, and it’s easy to see why.
Boston Common feels like a winter wonderland with all of its holiday decorations and lights. Skyscrapers also loom overhead, adding to the appeal of this top Boston ice rink.
Rent a pair of skates at the concession stand or bring your own. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned skater, you’ll find that ice skating on Boston Common is a fun activity during the winter months.
Admission: $6, free for kids under 58 inches tall
Skate rentals: $6 kids, $12 adults
Frog Pond Hours and Ticket Information
2. Boston Ice Rink at 401 Park
Located near Fenway Park, the Rink at 401 Park is the ultimate winter playground for ice skaters. This outdoor rink in Boston is open every day of the week (excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day), and even accommodates private events.
In addition to free skating, people also have opportunities for ice skating lessons, ice flow yoga, and broomball. If you don’t skate but would like to spectate, there’s also a beautiful viewing deck that looks out over the rink.
401 Park is nestled between Trillium and Time Out Market, offering an awesome après skate scene with plenty to drink and eat after skating. Is this one of the coolest places for Boston skating? It sure is!
Admission: $10 adults, $6 college students, seniors & kids
Skate rentals: $6
Rink at 401 Park Hours and Admission Info
3. Warrior Ice Arena
Warrior Ice Arena is one of the best spots for indoor ice skating in Boston. Located in Brighton, it’s the official practice facility of the Boston Bruins. But beyond being a hockey arena, this Boston ice skating rink offers public skating for all ages.
Warrior Ice Arena is a massive rink with many programs open to everyone, including skating lessons, youth hockey camps, hockey clinics, and private and special events. If you plan to skate here frequently, you can also sign up for the Warrior Membership Program, which includes benefits such as discounts and exclusive events and newsletters. With its Bruins acclaim and many program offerings, it’s no wonder this is among the best ice skating rinks in Boston.
Admission: $12
Skate rentals: $5
Warrior Ice Arena Public Schedule
4. Community Ice Skating at Kendall Square
Enjoy winter ice skating in Boston from this outdoor rink in Cambridge. It’s nestled in a landscaped courtyard at Kendall Square surrounded by beautifully lit trees, making it a winter wonderland this time of year. This seasonal Boston rink is typically open from mid-December through mid-March (weather permitting).
Skate at Canal District Kendall is an after-work favorite for those who work in the area. The rink offers group and private ice skating lessons and rentals for figure and hockey skates, so there’s truly something for everyone here. After an evening of skating, enjoy hot drinks and snacks at the concession stand right next to the rink. With its magical winter ambiance and variety of skate offerings, this Cambridge ice skating rink is a must-visit for Boston skaters.
Admission: $6 adults, $4 students and seniors, $1 children
Skate rentals: $10 adults, $6 children
Skate Kendall Admission and Rates
Read next: Coolest Attractions in Cambridge MA
5. Winter Skate at Patriot Place
Looking to go ice skating near Boston? Patriot Place in Foxborough is much more than just a football stadium. Here, you can go public skating on a 60 by 140 foot rink, perfectly suitable for recreational skating, figure skating, and non-contact hockey.
Take advantage of the other amenities at Patriot Place, including restaurants, shops, a movie theater, and more. There’s also a large observation deck overlooking the rink for non-skaters. Though this outdoor skating rink in Boston is closed for Patriots’ home games, it’s open virtually every other day from November through February.
If you have cabin fever, you won’t regret making the drive to Foxborough for this fun winter outing. This ice skating rink open to the public near Boston will surely amaze you!
Admission: $10 adults, $6 senior and children
Skate rentals: $5
Winter Skate at Patriot Place Hours & Pricing
6. Murphy Memorial Skating Rink
This is one of the best ice skating rinks in Massachusetts, hands down. Located in Southie, Murphy Memorial Skating Rink is an indoor rink with public skating between November and March. It’s run by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and has been a staple of South Boston for decades.
The indoor skating facility in Boston offers two rinks (large and small) as well as on-site parking and a snack bar. It’s a great place for kids to learn how to skate, and ideal for all other skills levels. After a fun afternoon of skating, be sure to visit Castle Island, less than a 10-minute walk away.
As a Bostonian, this is one of the best places to go ice skating near me. I’m sure you will enjoy it, too!
Admission: Free
Skate rentals: $5
DCR Murphy Memorial Rink Information
7. Kelly Outdoor Rink in Boston
Located in Jamaica Plain, this outdoor rink in Boston is the perfect place for public skating. The Kelly Rink is also owned by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, providing affordable ice skating lessons and rentals to the community.
Kelly Outdoor Rink is open for public skating from December through March. With free parking and admission, it’s one of the best free ice skating rinks in Boston. All you have to do is pay a small fee for rentals, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying this beautiful outdoor skating rink in Boston.
Admission: Free
Skate rentals: $2 youth, $3 adults
DCR Kelly Rink Ice Skating Information
8. Steriti Memorial Rink
Enjoy public ice skating in Boston from this indoor rink in the North End. Steriti Memorial Rink is open seasonally from November through March, offering gorgeous waterfront views while skating.
After free skating, stroll through the Italian neighborhood of the city, which is known to have the best restaurants in Boston. Whether you’re looking for a spot to visit with your best friends or a fun family outing, you’ll find that this is one of the best places to skate in Boston.
Admission: Free
Skate rentals: $5
Steriti Memorial Ice Skating Rink Information
9. The Rink at MarketStreet
Located in Lynnfield, the MarketStreet Rink is a top spot for public skating in the Greater Boston area. It’s nestled in the heart of a state-of-the-art shopping center with lots of lights and music adding to the winter wonderland scene.
In addition to the ice skating rink, there’s plenty of seating along the rink with chimenea gas fire pits. So, after skating with family and friends, curl up by the fire and relax as you take in this magical winter atmosphere. Is this a top Boston outdoor skating rink? 100%!
Admission: $10
Skate rentals: $5
MarketStreet Lynnfield Hours and Admission Info
10. Porrazzo Skating Rink in East Boston
Located in East Boston, Porrazzo Rink is a popular place for Massachusetts ice skating. It’s a cheap skating rink offering a variety of programs for all ages and abilities, including lessons in skating and hockey.
In addition to public skating and programs, this rink also accommodates corporate meetings and events, birthday parties, and more. If you’re looking for a full-service ice skating rink in MA, look no further!
Admission: $6
Skate rentals: $6
Porrazzo Skating Rink Schedule & Prices
11. Snowport is one of the top spots for public skating in Boston
Located in the Seaport district, Snowport is a magical place to go ice skating in Boston. It’s known for its European-style Holiday Market, which features over 60 small and local businesses.
Here, you can enjoy everything from holiday shopping and festive foods to rooftop igloos and outdoor games. There’s also free curling open to the public with lessons every Saturday. In prior years, there was a 3,000 square foot ice rink at Snowport. However, this winter, the rink is closed until further noticed. Refer to the official Snowport website for more information.
Snowport 2021 Schedule and Activities
12. Jack Kirrane Ice Skating Rink
Last but not least in this article of the best Boston public skating is this outdoor rink in Brookline. Jack Kirrane Ice Skating Rink is open from December through March, offering public skating lessons, hockey leagues, and private rentals – all outdoors!
Unlike many of the other Boston ice skating rinks on this list, the vast majority of visitors here tend to be experienced skaters. The Jack Kirrane Rink is also located on a hill with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. So, it’s no wonder this is a top ice skating rink in Massachusetts.
Know before you go: All ice skaters must pre-register for open skate ahead of time. Refer to the Brookline Recreation site for more information.
Admission: $7-9 adults, free for all kids under 24 months
Skate rentals: $7
Jack Kirrane Skating Rink Schedule 2021-2022
Coolest places to go ice skating in Boston
I hope you enjoyed reading about these unique ice skating rinks open to the public in Boston! There are so many to explore in the Greater Boston Area.
One of my other favorite ice skating rinks in Boston is at the City Hall Plaza. There’s also a holiday market here, as well as food trucks, a beer garden, and other fun winter attractions. However, due to construction and renovations, this rink has been closed for the past couple of years. When it reopens, I will certainly add it to this article!
Are there any other cool skating rinks in Boston MA that should be added to this list? Let me know!
Happy Travels and Happy Holidays!
Jon
Looking for more Boston travel inspiration? Read next:
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– Unique Weekend Getaways in New England
– Underrated Places to Visit in New England
– Coolest Vacation Homes in the Northeast
