When it comes to winter activities, there are few things that epitomize the winter season quite like ice skating. While we don’t have frozen ponds in our backyards like some of the colder states, there are still plenty of ways to get out and enjoy some time on the ice – especially in Richmond.
Richmond offers a number of ice skating locations – some indoors and some outside. We’ve taken at look at the local options and made list of the top five places in the area that offer ice skating fun for the whole family.
To make our list, we compared the following factors:
- Cost
- Time available for public skating
- Overall atmosphere and ambiance
Take a look at the options below and start planning your next ice skating outing! It’s a great way to wear everyone out on those long winter break days – and who knows, you might just discover a new hobby!
Southhampton Recreation Association Ice Rink
Southhampton Recreation Association
While the Southhampton Recreation Association is known for its fabulous pool and outdoor activities during the warmer months, it doesn’t fall short in the winter months either! This one-stop shop for recreation keeps you moving all winter season with an indoor ice rink that offers lessons, hockey and open skating sessions. Lessons are available on weekdays and weekends with a dedicated staff of instructors, plus you can enjoy Sunday hockey clinics and open skating session that are perfect for those long winter days when the kids are out of school. The only downside is that you do have to be a member, but with so many activities and events throughout the year, you might just want to consider a membership if you don’t have one already!
Why we love it: Because Southhampton Recreation Association is just that, an association, you’ll benefit from a fantastic community, in addition to great activities. The ice rink season includes opportunities to get involved with other members for volunteer activities, as well as fun family events like Ice Socials and more.
Hours: See the full Ice Calendar here.
Cost:
Click here for weekday classes (available for everyone from tots to adults!)
Click here for weekend classes and hockey clinics
Find out more about membership costs and details.
Location and Contact:
Website: www.sra-fun.org/icerink
3201 Chellowe Rd
Richmond, VA 23225
(804) 272-7401
sra2office@gmail.com
Richmond Ice Zone
Richmond Ice Zone / Facebook
As one of Richmond premiere indoor rinks, Richmond Ice Zone has everything you could want from an ice rink – lessons, figure skating, hockey leagues and clinics and public skating. Best of all, because the rink is indoors, you don’t have to worry about the weather. Richmond Ice Zone is open year round so that when the winter weather finally hits, you can be ice-ready thanks to their large, NHL-regulation size rink. With a full-service café and arcade, there’s plenty of ways to enjoy yourself off the ice, as well. And if you have one of those special winter babies (you know, the ones that are always frustrated by having a birthday so close to the holidays), you can still make their special day special with a birthday party at the rink.
Why we love it: Richmond Ice Zone provides year-round entertainment, as well as plenty of opportunities to improve skating skills or get involved in ice-related sports. Plus, if you click here and you can see a live “Ice Cam”…now, that’s cool!
Hours:
Click here for public skate times
Click here to see Richmond Ice Zone’s full schedule.
Cost:
$9 / all session
$3 / skate rentals (optional)
Location and Contact:
Website: www.richmondskating.com/riz/ 636 Johnston Willis Dr.
North Chesterfield, VA 23236
(804) 378-7465
info@RichmondIceZone.com
The Rink at West Broad Village
The Rink at West Broad Village / Facebook
This outdoor rink hasn’t been around long, but it has already become a Richmond area favorite. Located in Glen Allen, just down the road from the Short Pump Town Center, The Rink at West Broad Village not only offers public skating everyday, it also provides lessons, special events and extended holiday hours. Plus, with a location convenient to plenty of shops and restaurants, there’s plenty to do if you need to take a break from the ice. Even better, if you get tired of falling (wait, is that just me?) you can sit at one of the outdoor patios nearby with a warm drink and watch the kids zip by. Or if your kids need a little help, “The Rink” offers skate aids (which are basically bladed “walkers” to help littler kids make their way around the rink). Now if only those came in adult sizes…
Why we love it: We love the super-friendly staff and outdoor atmosphere! Not everyone is an expert skater, and The Rink’s staff helps you with everything from finding the right skates (there are plenty of rentals) to making your way around the ice. And because of its location in West Broad Village, it has a hip, urban vibe that makes outdoor skating that much more fun.
Hours:
Monday: 3pm – 7pm
Tuesday – Thursday: 3pm – 9pm
Friday: 3pm – 11pm
Sunday: 11am – 7pm
Click here to see extended holiday hours and special events!
Cost:
$10 / adults
$8 / kids 10 and under
$4 / skate rentals (optional)
$5 / skate aid
Location and Contact:
Website: www.westbroadvillageicerink.com
2301 Old Brick Road
Glen Allen, Virginia 23060
(804) 221-4242
TheRinkWBV@gmail.com
Skate Nation Plus
Skate Nation Plus / Facebook
What makes this far west end rink a winner in our book is that huge array of activities. We know that ice skating is not for everyone. So if you want to take the family out for a day of fun, but not everyone wants to spend their time on the ice, Skate Nation Plus is the place to go. In addition to an NHL-regulation rink, they offer one of the area’s largest (and best) laser tag arenas, along with a full-service café and arcade. And, of course, if you do have hard-core skaters, or even just those who want to learn, Skate Nation Plus provides lessons, figure skating and hockey leagues and clinics, as well as public skating hours. Be sure to check out their corporate and special events page – or plan a birthday party. There’s really not much you can’t do at this Richmond rink!
Why we love it: We love that Skate Nation Plus provides such a wide range of activities all year round. Plus, it has a sister-rink at the Richmond Ice Zone, which means that you can enjoy fun on ice no matter which side of the city you’re on.
Fall/Winter Retail Hours:
Thursday: 4:30pm – 9pm
Friday and Saturday: 12pm – 11pm
Sunday: 12pm – 6pm
Click here for public skate times
Click here for a full schedule of special events and school holiday hours.
Cost:
$9 / all session
$3 / skate rentals (optional)
$19.99 / Holiday Break Day Pass – includes all day skating, skate rentals and unlimited Laser Tag. Available now until January 1, 2017.
For Laser Tag and Arcade costs, click here.
Location and Contact:
Website: www.richmondskating.com/skp/ 4350 Pouncey Tract Rd
Glen Allen, VA 23060
(804) 364-1477
info@SkateNationPlus.com
Stony Point Ice Rink
Stony Point Fashion Park / Facebook
What’s not to love about the outdoor rink at Richmond’s Stony Point Fashion Park? It wins our number one spot thanks to it’s size, location, “winter” feel and many special events and options. With an all-new 2,500 square foot rink, the rink at Stony Point offers a skating experience that is perfect for the whole family. With special events throughout the season, plus more than 300 public skating sessions, there’s never a bad time to head to the rink. Conveniently located in Triangle Park between Sak’s Fifth Avenue and Dick’s Sporting Goods, you can take a break from your winter shopping, or make it your destination with plenty of shops and restaurants to visit after you’re done. The rink offers great deals, as well, including special passes for the season, frequent skater discounts, and special discount days. And you can make the season even better with birthday parties or special event rentals. While Stony Point doesn’t offer lessons or ice sports like some of our other rinks, it’s just simple skating fun with plenty public skating that means that everyone in the family can join in.
Why we love it: Not only is this an affordable family outing (especially if you have your own skates!), the setting is ideal. You’ll enjoy outdoor ambiance, but with shops and restaurants close at hand, there are plenty of places to warm up after your time on the ice. We also love that Stony Point offers so many special events and friendly skate guards who are available to lend a helping hand at all public skating sessions.
Hours: Click here to see a complete schedule, including special holiday hours.
Special Events:
James River Ice Theatre Holiday Shows – Final show Friday, December 23 at 5:30 pm.
Skate with a Super Hero – Monday, January 16th noon – 2 pm
Cost:
$7 / session
$7 / skate rentals (optional)
Cheap Skate Mondays
$2 off on Mondays 12pm – 6pm, Mondays, January 2 & 9
Season Skating Pass
Unlimited skating all season for $199 per skater, includes skate rental. Details available at the ticket office near the rink.
Frequent Skater Pass
Skate 9 times throughout the season and receive your 10th skate for free! Ask for a Frequent Skater Pass at the ticket office near the rink.
Location and Contact:
Website: www.shopstonypoint.com/icerink
9200 Stony Point Parkway
Richmond, VA 23235
(804) 503-2880
Ronald.blakeslee@icerinkevents.com
With plenty of options on every end of town, ice skating is a perfect way to enjoy the winter season with your family. Whether you choose to be indoors or out, don’t miss your chance to get on the ice. We would love to hear about your favorite ice skating locations. Be sure to let us know in the comments below.
