Ice Skating in CT – 15 Best Ice Rinks in Connecticut [2024]
I was recently looking for a place to go ice skating in Connecticut but was having some difficulty finding a good rink. So, I did some research to find out where the most popular ice skating rinks were located.
After a few searches, I quickly realized that not all ice skating rinks are created equal. Many of the spots listed online are now closed. So, I decided to put together my own list of the best ice skating rinks in the state. So without further ado, these are the places to go ice skating in CT.
Top Ice Skating Rinks in Connecticut
1. Winterfest Hartford (Bushnell Park) – Hartford
Winterfest Hartford is a free skating rink set up every year in Bushnell Park. It opens the day after Thanksgiving and usually closes in January. You can skate from 11 am to 8 pm, plus they provide free skate rentals and free skating classes.
- Location: Jewell St, Hartford, CT
2. Steven & Alexandra Cohen Skating Center – Stamford
The Steven & Alexandra Cohen Skating Center is a large skating rink in CT found in Stamford. This is the perfect place for beginners to work on their skating skills since there is so much room on the ice.
If you plan on skating here, you’re encouraged to purchase a ticket online so you can ensure your spot. The ice rink is open from November to February.
- Location: 1050 Washington Blvd, Stamford, CT
3. Simsbury Farms Ice Rink – Simsbury
The Simsbury Farms Ice Rink is another great spot to skate in CT. Tickets for Simsbury residents only cost $5, while non-residents cost $7.
If you need to sharpen your skates they offer that as a service here, but you can also rent a pair if you don’t have your own skates. Simsbury Farms Ice Rink is open from early November through March.
- Location: 100 Old Farms Rd, West Simsbury, CT
4. Eastbury Pond – Glastonbury
Eastbury Pond is a popular outdoor skating rink in Glastonbury that opens in the winter once the water freezes over. It’s free to skate on the pond, so you don’t have to worry about purchasing a ticket. Just know that it’s an unsupervised pond, so there are no rentals available.
- Location: 39 Fisher Hill Rd, Glastonbury, CT
5. Wonderland of Ice – Bridgeport
Wonderland of Ice is a professional indoor skating rink located in Bridgeport. Hockey teams typically practice here, but they are open to the public on most days (but make sure you check their hours before heading over).
In addition to public skating, Wonderland offers lessons in hockey, figure skating, and basic skating. Rentals are always available.
- Location: 123 Glenwood Ave, Bridgeport, CT
6. Enfield Twin Rinks – Enfield
Enfield Twin Rinks is a top place to skate in Connecticut if you leave in the northern part of the state. Admission for public skating is only $10, while skate rentals are $5. Since it’s an indoor rink, ice skating is available year-round. Enfield Twin Rinks offers lessons as well and does recommend helmets for kids.
- Location: 1 Prior Rd, Enfield, CT
7. RoseGarden Ice Arena – Norwich
RoseGarden Ice Arena is one of the few ice skating rinks in Connecticut found in New London County. They’re open most days of the week for public skating, and tickets cost $12 for adults (there is also a $4 discount for kids, military members, and seniors). If you don’t have skates, you’re able to rent them at the arena.
- Location: 641 New London Turnpike, Norwich, CT
8. Westport PAL Rink at Longshore – Westport
Westport PAL Rink at Longshore is a Connecticut ice skating rink with a beautiful view of the shoreline. On the weekend, ice skating costs $15 for adults and $12 for kids. During the week, skating is only $12 for adults and $10 for kids.
The rink offers season passes and discounts for large groups as well. You can even throw birthday parties here.
- Location: 260 Compo Rd S, Westport, CT
9. Skating Rink at Veteran’s Memorial Park – Middletown
The Skating Rink at Veteran’s Memorial Park is a great place to have some fun in the winter. This outdoor ice skating rink is open from early November to mid-March.
During that time, you can skate on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm. Admission is free for Middletown residents, but non-residents must pay $5 for adults and $3 for kids.
- Location: Walnut Grove Rd, Middletown, CT
10. The Cohen Skating Center (Mill River Park) – Stamford
The Cohen Skating Center is a convenient spot for skaters to hit the ice in Stamford. This is one of Connecticut’s ice rinks that’s open 7 days a week. Tickets are only $10, and rental services are $4. You can find the rink in Miller River Park.
- Location:1050 Washington Blvd, Stamford, CT
11. Veterans Memorial Ice Rink – West Hartford
Veterans Memorial Ice Rink is one more great place to skate in Connecticut. This recreational skating facility offers a ton of winter sports and activities, like figure skating, hockey, and learn-to-skate classes for skaters of all levels.
Plus, the rink is climate-controlled so you don’t have to worry about getting too cold on the ice.
- Location: 56 Buena Vista Rd, West Hartford, CT
12. Danbury Ice Arena – Danbury
The Danbury Ice Arena is another excellent spot to skate in Connecticut. The rink offers programs for skaters of all levels, like youth leagues, skating clinics, speed skating classes, and public skating sessions.
Prices for public ice skating sessions cost $15 a person but are reduced to $12 if you make a reservation online. Skate rentals are $5. This is one of CT’s indoor skating rinks, so it’s open year-round.
- Location: 1 Independence Way, Danbury, CT
13. Bolton Ice Palace – Bolton
Bolton Ice Palace is one of the few ice skating rinks in CT found in Tolland County. This is the perfect place to go ice skating with your family as ice skating only costs $10 per person (rentals are only $4).
Public ice skating sessions are held regularly but the times change often, so it’s best to check their public skate schedule online before arriving. Bolton Ice Palace offers hockey and ice skating lessons as well.
- Location: 145 Hop River Rd, Bolton, CT
14. Osbornedale State Park – Derby, CT
Osbornedale State Park is a classic outdoor skating pond found in the town of Derby. As one of the few state parks that’s been designated as an ice skating area, Pickett’s Pond is great for all types of ice sports, including hockey and figure skating. There are even lights that allow you to continue your ice skating experience once the sun goes down.
- Location: 43 Chatfield St, Derby, CT
15. Beaverbrook Linear Park – Wethersfield, CT
Beaverbrook Linear Park in Wethersfield has a 14 acres pond that’s perfect for skating. You can only skate here once the Parks and Recreation Department says the ice is thick enough to support a person’s weight. The pond can be found on Spring Street.
- Location: Spring Street, Wethersfield, CT
Best Place to Skate in Connecticut
Regardless of your age, ice skating is a ton of fun for the whole family. And fortunately, Connecticut has some of the best ice skating rinks in New England. The state is great for skiing too.
If you haven’t already, I highly recommend you check out our article about the best places to ski in CT.
