Frederick's Child Magazine
Whether you’re taking a day trip or visiting local favorites, the Frederick area has plenty to offer when it comes to seasonal ice skating. Explore indoor and outdoor skating—and maybe sledding, too—at these locations in Frederick, Howard, Montgomery and Washington counties.
Pinecliff Park
8350 Pinecliff Park Road, Frederick | Open 8 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily
Pinecliff Park is an all-around fantasy for kids. From an ice skating pond to a 20-foot wide and 150-foot long sled run, this wintery wonderland has fun for all ages. Because these attractions are naturally occurring, they are dependent on snow level and ice thickness to ensure families can enjoy them safely. Please call 301-600-6291 to check and see if the pond and sledding hill are open before arriving. When open, the area closes at 10 p.m.
Free to enjoy; bring your own skates/sled
recreater.com/306/Sled-Run-Ice-Skating-Pond
Skate Frederick
1288 Riverbend Way, Frederick | Public skating times updated each month; see online calendar
Enjoy a day of ice skating at Frederick’s most popular indoor rink—with public skating, figure skating and hockey. If you’re planning on skating during the holidays, holiday camps offer ice skating instruction for every level. Take a Parent and Me class before a public skate to help little ones ages 3-6 feel comfortable on the ice. Year-round skating passes are available to help save on individual skating costs during the season. Reservations are not required.
Admission starts at $7 on weekdays and $8.50 on weekends (ages 11 and younger); Skate rental is $3 skatefrederick.com
Hagerstown Ice & Sports Complex, Howard County
580 Security Road, Hagerstown | Public skating times updated each month; see online calendar
Between 30 minutes and 40 minutes northwest of Frederick is another large indoor rink, complete with a full schedule of hockey and figure skating opportunities, including stick and shoot practice, special events to try hockey for free and youth rec leagues. Come for one of the many public skating times throughout the week or weekend with your family this season, or learn a new skill. Group rentals are also available.
Admission is $6; skate rental is $3; skate aids are $3
hagerstownice.org
Color Burst Ice Rink at Merriweather District, Columbia
6000 Merriweather Drive, Columbia; parking at 6275 Mango Tree Road, Columbia | Open Monday through Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m.; Friday, 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.
About 45 minutes east of Frederick is a fun day trip for families looking for holiday skating opportunities. Skate in downtown Columbia at an outdoor rink in Color Burst Park with pop-up food and beverages and themed events throughout the season. Parking is available at Symphony Woods Garage, and the first four hours are free. Season passes to skate are $99; the season runs through Feb. 28. Reservations are recommended.
Tickets are $15 (including skate rental); child skate aids are $5
merriweatherdistrict.com
Rockville Town Square Outdoor Ice Skating
131 Gibbs St., Rockville | Open Monday through Friday, Noon to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; extended holiday hours when school is out; see website
About 45 minutes southeast of Frederick is another fun outdoor skating opportunity. Enjoy area shopping and restaurants, and stop in for a timed entry skate. Each session is an hour and 20 minutes, with two hours of validated parking. Reservations are required. Kids and families looking to expand their skillset might also want to consider hockey, beginning figure skater and adult skating lessons at the Square. Birthday rentals are available for $17 per person.
Admission starts at $10; skate rental is $5
rockvilleiceskating.com
