Where to Go Ice Skating in Boston This Winter
From the iconic Boston Common Frog Pond to indoor rinks to escape the cold.
Given that it’s the most wonderful time of the year in Boston, you’ve probably crossed a number of items off your winter bucket list. But if you haven’t paid a visit to the city’s local ice skating rinks, it’s about time.
Whether you’re a seasoned or amateur skater, the ice rink is a place for those of all coordination levels to gather, especially with an abundance of festive activities conveniently located nearby. So lace up your skates and check out our top picks for where to go ice skating in and around Boston this winter.
Fenway
Returning for its third season, The Rink at 401 Park is conveniently located between Time Out Market Boston and Trillium Fenway, which means your dinner and drink plans are covered for the night. The rink is open through the end of February, and to get your tickets, you’ll need to purchase in advance online for $10 per adult and $6 for college students, seniors and kids under 12. Skate rentals are available for $7.
Jamaica Plain
Located behind the Stony Brook T stop, the Kelly Outdoor Rink in JP is ready for its 2022-23 season through March 12, open Sunday to Friday. Even better news? The rink’s open skate is free of charge with no registration required and only $3 to rent skates. If that’s not enough reason to check out the space, Sam Adams Brewery is only a few tempting blocks away.
Kendall Square
A five-minute walk from the Kendall/MIT T stop, Skate @ Canal District Kendall is yet another premier outdoor rink surrounded by a fair share of activities, open now through mid-March. You have your choice of lunch options from Bon Me Test Kitchen to CAVA and Tatte, or for dinner, you’re not too far from wood-fire pizza joint Area Four, all-day rotisserie, bar and cafe Shy Bird and the always-popular Legal Sea Foods. Admission is $6 for adults, $4 for students and seniors, and $1 for children, and rentals are $10 per adult and $6 for children under 13.
Boston Common
You really can’t visit Boston without making a stop at The Common—especially during wintertime. With plentiful lights strung overhead making a perfect seasonal stroll, The Common’s outdoor skating rink, which is open through March, is the cherry on top. To get yourself on the ice, you’ll have to pick up tickets in-person, which will only cost you $8 per person (or, for individuals under 58-inches-tall, there’s no charge). If you don’t have your own equipment, rentals are available as well for $15 per pair of skates and $10 for kids’ skates. Food and drink wise, The Frog Pond Cafe is located on site for quick snacks, burgers, hot dogs, and more. But if you’re in the mood for something boozy, one of Boston’s best neighborhood pubs, The 21st Amendment, isn’t too far away along with other nearby spots like Beacon Hill’s The Paramount and The Seven Ales House.
Brookline
Open for public skating through the first week of March, the Jack Kirrane Ice Skating Rink offers arguably some of the best scenery around, as the rink is located right in Brookline’s beloved Larz Anderson Park. Pre-registration is required so be sure to reserve your time online. For non-Brookline residents, admission is $9 per adult, and skate rentals are $7. The park is also a short ride away from Beacon Street, with options like pub favorites The Abbey or The Publick House, and for dinner ideas, Barcelona Wine Bar is a hit with its delectable Spanish tapas.
South Boston
Currently open for public skating through March 19, South Boston’s indoor Murphy Memorial Skating Rink had an early start to the season considering it doesn't have to rely on the elements. Pre-registration is not required for time on the ice, and admission is free unless you’re planning on renting skates. When you’re craving a snack, there’s a food stand at the rink as well with homemade chips that you most definitely deserve. And if that’s not cutting it, you can grab a bite and some brews at the long list of nearby bars like Murphy's Law, The Broadway, and the legendary L Street Tavern.
North End
Located right in the North End to provide top-notch harbor views, Steriti Memorial Rink’s public skating is open now until mid-April. With this prime rink location, you’re not far from the North End’s endless Italian restaurant options from Massimino’s to Tony & Elaine’s and quick-and-easy slices from the famed Regina Pizzeria. Plus, admission is always free with skate rentals available for a small fee.
East Boston
Porrazzo Skating Rink in East Boston hosts practices for a few local hockey teams in addition to the official Boston Broomball league. And although the rink has plenty going on, public skating is also available through April and you can take a peek online to see when the rink is available. A spin on the ice will cost you $6 per person and another $6 if you need to rent skates. For things to do outside of the rink, you’re only a short drive away from the historic Cunard Tavern, which draws inspiration from the East Boston Shipyard along with the builders, welders, carpenters, and more who landed at Cunard Wharf decades ago. There’s also Italian restaurant Rino’s Place and Pazza on Porter to help fill you up after your skate.
Charlestown
Charlestown’s Emmons Horrigan O'Neil Memorial Rink is yet another skating destination that offers free admission, with public skating open now until March 19. It’s also conveniently close to a bunch of worthwhile spots for before or after your skate including Monument, Brewer’s Fork, and Warren Tavern, one of the oldest taverns in America and the oldest in Massachusetts.