10 best ice skating rinks in Boston

What is it?  Located in the center of the Boston Common, the magic of the Frog Pond is apparent as you stroll up. Open from December to March, depending on how cold the winter is, you can take a spin around the pond—or just watch skaters zoom by.

Why go? Bring your own skates or rent some at the concession stand. Lessons for all ages are available, and there are cute seal-shaped skating aids for children. Open seven days a week, the weekends and holidays are the busiest. While you wait your turn, there’s a café and free WiFi to keep you occupied. The admission price is based on the skater’s height – 58 inches and over is $12, under 58 inches is free.

Address: Boston Common, Boston

Opening hours: Sun., Tues.-Thurs.: 10am- 9pm; Mon. 10am-3:45pm; Fri. and Sat.: 10am- 10pm

What is it?  At Boston Landing in Brighton, this enormous indoor rink is the home of the Boston Bruins. This is where the team trains, but their practice facility is open for public skating for all ages and skill levels.

Why go? If you’ve ever dreamed about skating on the same ice as the Bruins, this is your chance. Dates and times vary—the Bruins sometimes need their practice space outside of the usual schedule—and you’ll need to pre-register, so check their website beforehand to sign up. You can rent skates for $6, and the admission is $15 on weekdays and $18 on the weekend. Rock out every Friday night at 9pm with Rock ’n Skate for an unforgettable skating experience and the perfect start to your weekend.

Address: 90 Guest St., Boston, MA 02135

Opening hours: Check here for public skating schedule.

What is it?  Open mid-December through mid-March, this pretty outdoor rink is located in Kendall Square’s North Plaza, off Athenaeum Street, perfect for some after-work fun, if you’re an office-goer in this tech hub.

Why go? There is a concession with a snack bar, lockers and skate sharpening. Lessons are available, and the rink can be rented for private events. They offer one-day, individual and family season passes, and you can rent or bring your own skates.

Address: 300 Athenaeum St., Cambridge, MA 02142

Opening hours: Mon. and Tues.: Noon-5pm; Wed.-Thurs.: Noon-8pm; Fri.: Noon-9pm; Sat.: 11am-9pm; Sun.: 11am-6pm

What is it?  This indoor rink—owned by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)—has been a Southie staple for public skating since 1965. The facility offers on-site parking, two rinks, and skate and balancing walker rentals.

Why go? Open to the public Nov 28 through mid-April, don’t miss the better-than-you’d-expect snack bar offering Italian sausage, house-made chips and more. 

Address: 1880 William J Day Blvd, Boston, MA 02127

Opening hours: Check here for hours. 

What is it?  If you grew up here, you’ve probably laced up your skates at this long-time North End staple. Like many rinks, it’s open seasonally, November through March, and the rink offers some seriously lovely water views.

Why go? There's on-site skate rental and a snack bar serving hot dogs and the like to keep skaters fueled. You can skate for free, but if you don’t have your own blades, be ready to rent, and as it's a community hockey arena, check ahead to make sure it isn’t booked for a game or private event.

Address: 561 Commercial St, Boston, MA 02109

Opening hours: Sunday: 3-6:50pm; Tues. and Thurs.: Noon-2:20pm; Wed.: Noon-2:50pm, Fri.: Noon-3:50pm, 7pm-9:50pm; Sat.: 4-9:50pm

What is it?  One of the DCR skating rinks, this seasonal, public outdoor rink in Jamaica Plain is very kid-friendly, so it’s gonna be packed with little people during winter weekends and holidays.

Why go? Skating is free and skate rentals are a cheap $5 (and for even greater savings, just bring your own pair). There are lessons on Saturdays. Skating begins in mid-December and continues through March, usually. Just remember that because it’s outside, it may be closed if the notoriously fickle New England weather isn’t cooperating.

Address: 1 Marbury Terrace, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Opening hours: Sun.-Fri.: Noon-7:30pm; Sat.: 1-7:30pm

What is it?  Brookline’s Jack Kirranne ice skating rink at Larz Anderson Park is open to the public for skating and drop-in informal, non-checking hockey games.

Why go? You can take a class with the Bay State Skating School, join a hockey team for the season and of course, just go skating. Concessions are available, and admission is usually $10 ($8 for residents of Brookline), with $8 skate rentals. Stick and Puck sessions have been added to Sunday evenings for an informal way for guests to work on their skills and enjoy some quality ice time (it’s $10 per session).

Address: 23 Newton St., Brookline, MA 02445

Opening hours: Sat.: Noon-2pm, 2:30-4:30pm; Sun.: Noon-2pm, 2:30-4:30pm 

What is it?  The Patriot’s place of play offers so much more than just football. Winter Skate at Patriot Place at Gillette Stadium offers day and evening public skating.

Why go? Lot 12B of South Marketplace has been turned into an exciting, freshly-designed skate path, so you can experience the joy of outdoor skating on a scenic route, dotted with twinkle light-covered trees.

Address: 2 Patriot Place, Foxborough, MA 02035

Opening hours: Mon.-Thurs.: 4-9pm; Fri.: 4-10pm; Sat. 11am-10pm; Sun.: 11am-9pm

What is it?  Part of the Babson College facilities in Wellesley, the Babson Skating Center  offers skating lessons, public skating, training sessions, hockey, private rentals and more in top notch facilities.

Why go? Public skating is offered somewhat regularly, but the real win here is for $10 you can skate (skate rental included) on a college athlete level rink. Check the rink’s website for details about public skating and lots of classes for all levels.

Address: 231 Forest Street, Babson Park, MA

Opening hours: Check here for hours. 

What is it?  The Porrazzo Skating Rink in East Boston is a Commonwealth of Massachusetts public ice skating facility.

Why go? This arena is a full service skating facility offering an extensive variety of skating programs for all ages and abilities. For only $10, you can join public skates, and Porrazzo also offers full rink rentals for parties and events. You can find the open skate sessions on their website.

Address: 199 Coleridge St., East Boston, MA 02128

Opening hours: Check here for skating schedule.