‘Skating Together’
courtesy of ‘Karon’

There are few outdoor activities I enjoy when the weather gets this cold. Skiing and ice skating are about the only two that I daydream fondly about. So just in case this week’s iceageddon didn’t take you down, and you’re itching for more (or you want to tackle the ice with proper equipment), you’re in luck.  DC is home to tons of great indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks for you to take a spin (or a fall) on. 

The District:

The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden has a lovely outdoor skate rink. “View magnificent works of sculpture while skating in the open air and enjoying music from the state-of-the-art sound system.” Located right on the national mall.  For a two-hour session, beginning on the hour the prices are: $7.00 adults,  $6.00 seniors (age 50 and over), students (with valid ID) and children (age 12 and under). There’s a $3 skate rental fee.

Fort Dupont Ice Arena, which is located in 3779 Ely Place, SE, Washington, DC, sort of near the Benning Road Metro (but not walkable, really). Public ice skating arena with figure skating and ice hockey classes available. Open year-round.

Maryland:

Herbert W. Wells Ice Rink, 5211 Calvert, College Park, Maryland. Run by PG County parks, it’s used as a roller skating rink in the off-season.

Gardens Ice House, 13800 Old Gunpowder, Laurel, Maryland.  The Garden’s has “1 olympic size (200′ x 100′) and 2 NHL Size (200′ x 85′) [rinks]. Logsdon Pavillion includes retractable walls for ‘pond’ skating.” So you can pick your poison.

Rockville Town Square Ice Rink, Rockville, Maryland. Outdoor ice rink opens every winter in the middle of Town Square. Go skating then have dinner somewhere as a perfect date night. Skate rentals located at 100 Gibbs Street, between Acqua Nails and Town Square Jewelers.

Virgina:

Mount Vernon Ice Rink, 2017 Bellview Blvd, Alexandria, Virginia. Run by Fairfax County, Mount Vernon Ice Rink is year-round and indoor.

Kettler Capital Iceplex,627 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, Virginia This is where the Caps practice, and it’s a packed, family-centric ice rink with open skate pretty regularly. You can also go upstairs to one of the viewing windows and watch 10 year olds compete in hockey games and watch figure skating practice for your “aww” factor.

Pentagon Row Ice Rink, 1201 South Joyce Street, Arlington, Virginia Right in the middle of Pentagon Row (next to Pentagon City) the rink is open right now through mid-March. There’s  a Starbucks nearby for you to grab your post-skate hot chocolate.

For even more rinks, About.com has an incredibly comprehensive listing.

Katie

Katie moved to DC in 2007, and has since embarked upon a love affair with the city. She’s an education reform advocate and communications professional during the day; at night and on the weekends, she’s an owner here at We Love DC. Katie has high goals to eat herself through the entire city, with only her running shoes to save her from herself. For up-to-the-minute news and reviews (among other musings), follow her on Twitter!