Lace-up for the perfect winter date or family outing.
Getting read to explore the DC area? Bring your skates! The DC suburbs are packed with amazing ice skating rinks, both indoors and out.
Washington, DC
Canal Park Outdoor Ice Skating Rink (Navy Yard)
Be sure to reserve your tickets online before you head to this popular figure 8-shaped rink. In addition to open skating, you can sign up for adult skating lessons or put your kids in ice hockey classes.
There are tons of outdoor dining options in the Navy Yard District, like Bammy’s for Caribbean-inspired fare or The Salt Line for New England-style seafood dishes.
The Washington Harbour Ice Rink (Georgetown)
Georgetown’s outdoor rink seems like it was made for a date night. Plan to come around golden hour to take in the colorful sunset as you skate. You’ll even get to enjoy the twinkling string lights overhead, which just add to the romantic atmosphere.
Book an outdoor “igloo table” at the nearby Bourbon Steak for a unique dining experience to cap off the night.
National Sculpture Gardens Ice Rink (National Mall)
This outdoor rink in the heart of DC is just $10 for adults and $9 for kids. It’s easy to combine with a visit to one of the Smithsonian Museums.
When you’re ready to warm up, make your way to Urban Roast for some hot chocolate or s’mores.
The Wharf Ice Rink (Southwest Waterfront)
DC locals know that The Wharf’s ice rink is a can’t miss. Consider reserving a ticket for Curling & Cocktails or taking advantage of the Date & Skate special. Restaurants in The Wharf, including the chic rooftop bar at Officina, offer discounted skating tickets if you dine there first.
Virginia
Ashburn Ice House (Ashburn)
Ashburn residents can enjoy year-round indoor staking at the Ashburn Ice House. They offer more than just lessons and public skating sessions. Every Friday the rink turns back the clock for the Rockin’ Skate event. Kids can even host their next birthday party on the ice.
Fairfax Ice Arena (Fairfax)
If your family loves getting on the ice, you’re going to really love the Fairfax Ice Area. You can bring the kids for ice skating year-round or sign them up for hockey or ice skating lessons. They can even join camps during school breaks and try out for the competitive ice skating programs.
And if you’ll be spending a lot of time at the arena, you’ll want to know where to enjoy a bite to eat nearby. Lazy Dog, Urbano, Bear Branch Tavern, 54 Restaurant, and Oh George! are all great options with outdoor tables not too far from the rink.
Pentagon Row Outdoor Ice Skating Rink (Arlington)
Arlington is home to the largest outdoor rink in the area. Reserve a timeslot online before bundling up and heading to the ice. This is a perfect place to bring first-time skaters since they have plenty of penguin-shaped skate aides.
Planning to tour some nearby suburbs? Alexandria is just a short drive away and home to some top-notch outdoor dining spots. The pizza at Osteria Marzano is hard to beat. Insider’s tip: they are also offering a Chocolate & Wine Dinner for Valentine’s Day.
Prince William Ice Center (Woodbridge)
This is the place in town for serious winter athletes. Woodbridge locals can join the Potomac Hockey Academy or take figure skating lessons to enhance their skills. Adult hockey players can also join one of the leagues — which is an easy way to start building a community in town. But if you’re more of a casual skater, you can still take advantage of the ice rink. Check out the public skate calendar to plan your visit.
Reston Ice Skating (Reston)
When there’s a chill in the air, Reston residents head to the outdoor skating rink in Town Center. They offer rental skates for everyone from toddlers to adults plus skate aides for beginners.
After, keep exploring the Town Center. Bring the kids to the Reston Regional Library or Town Square Park. Need to defrost first? Sip a hot chocolate from La Madeleine to warm up.
Maryland
Cabin John Regional Park Ice Rink, Rockville Town Square Outdoor Ice Skating Rink and Rockville Ice Arena (Rockville)
If ice skating and hockey top your must-do list, Rockville is the place for you. This town has three different skating rinks — two indoor and one outdoor. The Cabin John Regional Park Ice Rink figure skating and hockey lessons and camps plus public skating sessions. The Rockville Ice Arena also offers hockey leagues and clinics.
But when you want a winter date night or just a relaxed family outing, visit the rink in Rockville’s Town Square. Make advanced reservations online for 80 minutes of skating. For a delicious post-rink meal, grab an outdoor table at Bombay Bistro, Fontina Grille, or Matchbox.
Quiet Waters Park Ice Rink (Annapolis)
Quiet Waters Park’s outdoor rink offers winter-time-fun for Annapolis locals. Consider buying a season pass to bring the kids again and again. You can even sign up for lessons if you want to enhance your figure skating skills. Besides the scenic rink, residents love this 340-acre park for its paved jogging trails, playground, and beach-front dog park.
Glen Burnie Outdoor Ice Skating (Glen Burnie)
This seasonal rink is found in the heart of town from November to February. Lace-up for daily public skating sessions or sign the kids up for private lessons. It’s even a great date night spot — especially if you time your skating reservation for sunset just as the twinkling string lights turn on overhead.
Silver Spring Outdoor Ice Skating Rink (Silver Spring)
Silver Spring’s outdoor ice rink is a great place to spend a winter afternoon. Skaters of all levels — from hockey players to beginners needing skate aids — are welcome to glide around the rink. Lessons are offered on weekend mornings and there are public skate hours every day during the winter season. Just be sure to book ahead because tickets are not sold on-site.
If you’re planning a winter date night (maybe even for Valentine’s Day), relax in Denizens Brewing Co’s outdoor beer garden once you finish on the ice. For something a little more elevated, book a table in Zinnia’s garden for small plates and craft cocktails.
Don’t let the cold stop you from exploring the DC area. If you’re ready to ramp up your suburbs search, we’re here to help. Schedule your FREE Suburbs Strategy Session today to get started.