Winter is coming in Denver, which means the mountains are calling all skiers. But what about the rest of us?
The ones who like the snow and cold but aren’t interested in downhill mountain sports. We need something to keep us active and occupied while just about everyone we know spends each weekend on the slopes.
Enter: skating.
This centuries-old activity is maybe the original way of beating the elements, and (unlike skiing) it doesn’t cost hundreds of dollars to get started.
If you want to cool down, save on gas, and avoid the backups on I-70, skip the slopes and head to one of these nearby ice skating spots. We visited rinks all over the Denver metro area to offer up our 12 faves. We considered amenities, proximity to shopping centers and historic downtowns, availability of classes for beginner skaters, and events on the ice. Each rink’s hours vary from week to week, so check public skating hours online or call ahead.
(Looking for hockey ice time? Find our seven favorite adult hockey leagues in the metro area here.)
1. Parker Ice Trail
Where: Parker
Admission: $10 ($8 for kids 10 and under)
Skate rental: $4
Open seasonally, beginning Nov. 29, 2024
This outdoor rink is more like a small, asymmetrical ice track than an actual trail. The ice circles a center grassy area and is fenced in on both the inside and outside, offering more space for beginners to hold on as they get accustomed to the ice. Located at the edge of downtown Parker in Discovery Park (behind the library), the ice trail offers concessions, skating aids for new skaters, and a handful of fire pits and seating for spectators to keep warm.
2. South Suburban Sports Complex
South Suburban Recreation District’s newest skating facility features three NHL-regulation-size sheets of ice. Sports Complex public skating times occur in the morning, afternoon, and evening, depending on the day, so regardless of your work or life routine, there should be a time that fits your schedule. If not, check out the complex’s sister location, Family Sports Ice Arena—the practice ice for the Colorado Avalanche is a quick, six-mile drive away. Along with ice rinks, the Sports Complex has pickleball courts and indoor turf fields, as well as a restaurant and full bar. Folks who live in the South Suburban Recreation District can create an account online to get the district rate for public skating.
3. Rink at Belmar
Where: Lakewood
Admission: $10 ($8 for kids 12 and under; seniors and children two and under skate free) or $6 if you bring your own skates
Skate rental: Included in admission
Open seasonally, Nov. 22, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025
Park in the lot at Teller Street and West Virginia Avenue, enjoy dinner at Wasabi Sushi Bar, and then head out to the plaza to skate under the string lights. Even in the daytime, the Rink at Belmar can get plenty of shade, so make sure you check the weather and bundle up. Extreme conditions may close the rink, so check online or call ahead to make sure the rink is open as planned. Outdoor heaters and fire pits help friends or parents stay toasty. Admission is first come, first served.
4. Edge Ice Arena
Adjacent to the Ridge Recreation Center, Edge Ice Arena is part of the Foothills Park & Recreation District. The facility serves hockey leagues (check the trophy cases upstairs) and Mountain Edge Figure Skating Club, and offers skate sharpening and repairs on-site. The Penalty Box bar and grill on the main floor keeps skaters and friends satisfied between sessions on one of the two NHL-size rinks. Nice touch: Beginner-friendly, double-runner skates are available for children, starting with size 5.
5. Old Town Skate in Historic Downtown Louisville
Where: Louisville
Admission: $10 (or $5 if you bring your own skates; children four and under skate free)
Skate rental: Included in admission
Open seasonally, beginning Nov. 16, 2024
One of the bigger outdoor rinks near Denver, Old Town Skate is located in Louisville’s historic downtown next to Steinbaugh Pavilion, an oversized picnic pavilion at 824 Front Street. Louisville boasts free street and lot parking in the walkable downtown area. The rink offers extended hours during the holidays, so if your kiddos are itching for activity, this could be the path to delightfully sleep-filled nights. Tickets are available in person only, first come, first served.
6. McGregor Skate
Where: Denver
Admission: $15 ($9 for kids and children under two and seniors skate free; flat rate of $6 if you bring your own skates)
Skate rental: Included in admission
Open seasonally, Nov. 29, 2024–Jan. 26, 2024
Caught in the glow of the Christmas tree, the rink at McGregor Square sits in the plaza across the street from Coors Field, close to Union Station (making it easily accessible by bus or light rail). Look out for special skating events this winter; in the past, there’s been “Watch and Skate with the Avs” and chances to skate with Colorado sports mascots like Dinger (Rockies), Miles (Broncos), and Chip (University of Colorado Boulder). For those 21 and older, hit up Milepost Zero food hall for holiday cocktails at the Sleigh Bar.
7. Ice Centre at the Promenade
Where: Westminster
How about dinner, a movie, and some skating? Ice Centre is the perfect destination for a winter date or family outing. Located at Westminster’s Promenade, the facility is a short walk over a pedestrian bridge from the AMC theater and Dave & Buster’s sports bar. Ice Centre has three regulation-size rinks, one of which is available during public skating. Skaters go downstairs to rent skates and access rinks. Lockers are available to stow your belongings for a fee. Have your own skates? Stop by Ice Centre’s pro shop to get them sharpened.
8. Apex Center Ice Arena
The first Friday of each month, Apex Center Ice Arena combines the best of roller rink birthday parties and ice skating with Glow Skate. Lights on the ice are turned down low (but not off), colored lights are turned on, and skaters receive glow sticks or other wearable ambiance.
9. Skating in the Square
Where: Arvada
Take the G Line to Olde Town Arvada, and you’ll find a cozy little skating rink in the square on 57th Avenue, between the library and the pedestrian mall. Pick up your skates at the nearby shed and take to the (synthetic) ice.
10. Evergreen Lake
Where: Evergreen
Admission: $15 (children four and under skate free); $20 with skate rental included
Skate rental: $10
Open seasonally, weather-dependent
Winning the prize for best views while skating, Evergreen Lake is open throughout the winter as weather permits. Learn to Skate classes are available for children, and athletes can sign up for hockey and broomball online. Regulars or families can purchase 10-punch skate cards for $120 ($30 savings). Park at Evergreen Lake House or take the shuttle from Stagecoach Park lower parking lot on weekends and holidays.
11. Downtown Denver Rink
Where: Denver
Admission: Free
Skate rental: $12 ($9 for kids 12 and under)
Open seasonally, Nov. 21, 2024–Feb. 2, 2025
The downtown rink sits in Skyline Park, in the shadow of the Daniels & Fisher clocktower between the 16th Street Mall and 17th on Arapahoe Street. Look for the chain-link fence wrapped with blue Southwest branding and enter from the sidewalk on Arapahoe. Open late on weekends, the rink offers concessions and locker storage for your belongings. Double-bladed skates are available in children sizes.
12. Pindustry on Ice
Where: Greenwood Village
Admission: $15 per hour on the ice
Skate rental: $5
Open seasonally, beginning Nov. 22, 2024
Though a bit pricier than the other options, this rooftop rink (covered) offers plenty of space to glide and ample entertainment options for anyone in your group who would rather not risk their ankles. Part of Pindustry, a souped-up bowling alley and arcade, the 2,400-square-foot rink sits on an open pavilion with views of the city and suburbs. The rink also boasts the longest planned season, with visitors able to get their Kwan on through mid-March.
Read more at 5280.com
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