Ice skating is among New England’s absolute favorite winter pastimes. For many natives of Massachusetts, many days of the year are spent inside of a rink for early morning hockey practice or figure skating lessons. It’s kind of in our blood. There are plenty of both indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks to go around throughout the Bay State. Here are 10 of the best.
Providing skaters with ice hockey and figure skating programs, as well as beginner learn-to-skate programs, the Henry Graf Jr. Memorial Ice Skating Rink in Newburyport is a year-round staple for those who love the ice. Call for private rink rental and birthday party options.
Whether you love to watch ice skaters or hit the ice yourself, the Rockland Ice Rink has everything you need. Watch adult and junior hockey leagues compete or learn to figure skate. The programs at this rink are plentiful. With a pro shop on site you can purchase skates or get your old skates serviced.
Even if you’ve never hit the ice before, you can give it a try in East Boston at Porrazzo Skating Rink. The family-friendly rink rents skates for those who want to try before they buy. Check the website for public skating times, which cost just $6.
Rent the entire rink for an hour for just $250 at Marlboro’s Navin Arena. Learn to figure skate or join an adult no-check hockey league. (You’ll thank yourself for that one!) Public skating is only $6 and skate rentals cost $6.
Hockey fans can watch the Worcester State University hockey team take to the ice at Auburn’s Horgan Arena. The Central Mass Outlaws play there, too. In addition, public skate time allows for your own creativity on skates. Rentals are available and private rink time may be scheduled.
The Frog Pond at Boston Common is an all-time favorite of outdoor ice skaters. Although it’s weather-dependent, the rink is typically open from mid-November through mid-March. It costs just $8 to take to the ice. Skate rentals are available.
Skate at Canal District Kendall in Cambridge is a wonderful place enjoy the great outdoors on ice skates. The Charles hotel offers ice skate rentals and refreshments when you need to warm your chilly hands and feet.
Patriot Place—a popular shopping plaza adjacent to the New England Patriots’ home field in Foxborough—has an outdoor ice skating rink where skating is affordable and parking is free. It costs just $5 to skate—only $4 for kids and seniors. Rentals are available. Plan to stay for the day or evening, as shops, restaurants and a movie theater are all available, too.
Boasting hockey teams for all ages and all levels, the Flynn Rink is an exceptional rink to learn to play hockey or figure skate. Exercise your inner Bobby Orr and join a league!
In addition to public skating, figure skating lessons, and hockey leagues, the Aleixo Arena in Taunton even offers ice hockey clinics for those wishing to perfect their style. An on-site pro shop makes buying equipment accessible, and the arena rents private rink time as well as birthday party options.