Have you ever taken your kids ice skating? We recently took Scout, our seven-year-old, for her first ice skating experience and it was fun! Our firstborn child, Lulu, went ice skating when she was four and I couldn’t get her off the ice! Scout was a little more careful, holding the rail around the rink, using it to pull herself along. Twice I was able to get her to hold my hand and try to come out a little further on the ice skating rink, but she was very apprehensive. By the time it came time to leave, she didn’t want to go despite the fact she was barely moving at the pace of a snail.
What to Wear for Ice Skating with Kids
We always wear our jeans with wool socks and a long-sleeved shirt with a sweatshirt and a coat on top. I put the kids in gloves and some sort of head cover that protects their ears from the cold. Often, they’ll end up in just their sweatshirt and gloves, but I’ve found that dressing them in layers works well in case it’s cold or windy.
Ice Skating Rinks in Indianapolis
One of our favorite things to do in the winter is to go ice skating. It just seems like something you should do in the winter! However, many indoor rinks remain open year-round and can be a great place to cool down and change the scenery on a hot summer day.
Here are the best indoor ice skating rinks and outdoor ice skating rinks in Indianapolis and the surrounding area. Beginner ice skaters are welcome, as there are ice skating classes available, and skate aids or skate mates can be rented at many of the locations. If you have the next forward or defense for the Indy Fuel Hockey Team, many ice rinks have special Stick & Puck times so kids can work on their hockey skills.
Admission rates and hours are accurate at the time of publishing, but subject to change. We recommend verifying these details directly with the venue before your visit.
Ice Skating in Indianapolis
Elevance Health Rink on Bicentennial Unity Plaza
117 S Pennsylvania Street, Indianapolis
Indy’s newest outdoor ice skating venue is located in the heart of downtown, right outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse. If you haven’t made it to this events and activities hub yet, why not take the opportunity to go skating during the Bicentennial Unity Plaza ice rink‘s inaugural year? The Plaza’s holiday tree makes a gorgeous backdrop for the experience and food and beverages are available for purchase.
It is highly recommended that you make reservations for your 90-minute skating session. Rates are $11 per person, Sunday through Thursday, and $13 per person on Fridays and Saturdays. Skate rental is $4 and skate aids are available for $10 each. The rink opens for the season on November 19 and will close on January 21, 2024.
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The Ice Rink at Holliday Park
6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis
Back in 2023 for a second year, Holliday Park will provide residents and visitors to Indianapolis a beautiful outdoor location for ice skating in a favorite local park. The Ice Rink at Holliday Park will open to the public on November 24 and close on February 29. Admission can be purchased in advance online, or at the gate with limited availability, for $14 per person. Ages 4 and under are free. Skate rental is included in your ticket price. Enjoy concessions near the rink, including beer and wine available on Fridays and Saturdays!
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State Fairgrounds Youth Pavilion Ice Rink
1202 E 38th St, Indianapolis
The Youth Pavilion is part of the giant Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The Pavilion hosts youth hockey programs and public ice skating as well as birthday parties. The Youth Pavilion is managed by the Fuel Tank at Fishers. Public ice skating at the Fairgrounds takes place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from September through February. See the Pop Weaver Pavilion website for skate times.
Admission is $9, Skate rental $3. Please note that there is a $10 parking fee at the Fairgrounds and you may be charged more depending on the events occurring at the Fairgrounds.
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Ice Skating After Indy Fuel Hockey Games
1202 E 38th St, Indianapolis
On select game nights, fans can ice skate with the Indy Fuel team after the game. Skate rental is included on a first-come, first-served basis. Dress ready to skate after cheering for the Indy Fuel!
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Perry Park
451 E Stop 11 Rd, Indianapolis
Public ice skating is a seasonal offering at Perry Park. Check their website for public skate times and any closures due to hockey tournaments. Perry Park Ice Rink admission is $5 for children (17 & under), $7 for adults, and $3 for non-skating guests. Skate rentals are $3 and Skate Helpers can be rented for $5.
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Ice Skating in Fishers
Fuel Tank
9022 East 126th Street, Fishers
TWO skating rinks are open for public skating most weekends during the fall and winter months and the week. Check the schedule to confirm public skate times. Indy Fuel Tank ice skating in Fishers also offers ice skating birthday parties.
Admission is $12 for ages 4 and up, and skate rental is $3 for all ages.
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Ice Skating in Carmel
The Ice at Carter Green
10 Center Green, Carmel
This Carmel outdoor ice skating rink opens in mid-November along with the Carmel Christkindlmarkt and is available through February 29. The cost for adults and youth 11 and up is $11 and children’s admission is $9. Skate rental is an additional $4. Skate times vary from Wednesday through Sunday.
Carmel Ice Skadium
1040 3rd Avenue SW, Carmel
This rink has ice skating year-round. Be sure to check the calendar for public skate times because Carmel hosts the Zionsville Arctic Eagles Ice Hockey team, as well as several leagues and lessons. Ages 10 and under pay $8 admission, and ages 11 and up pay $9. Skate rental is $4. The Ice Skadium also offers “Stick and Puck” times!
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Ice Skating in Westfield
Arctic Zone Ice Plex
16616 Southpark Drive, Westfield
Arctic Zone is open for public skating year-round. There are also “Stick and Puck” times and Cosmic Skate. Check the calendar for a public skate schedule. Admission is $8 for 10 and under, $9 for 11 and up. Skate rental is $4.
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Ice Skating in Noblesville
Federal Hill Commons Ice Plaza
175 Logan Street, Noblesville
Generally, the Ice Plaza is open during the holiday season and features fun, themed skate nights and activities. The rink opens in mid-November and closes in early January. Admission is $13 for adults and $11 for children, including skate rental. Passouts are allowed, so you can leave for lunch or shopping and come back on the same day for no extra cost.
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Ice Skating in Columbus
Hamilton Community Center & Ice Arena
2501 Lincoln Park Drive, Columbus
This year-round facility offers public skate times, as well as lessons, camps, and clubs. Check their calendar for open skate times. Admission is $6.50 for adults, $6 for children (5-17), and skate rental is $2. Children 4 & under are free, although you’ll have to pay for the skate rental. They also offer season passes and a family season pass.
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Ice Skating in Kokomo
The Frozen Sandlot
400 S Union St, Kokomo
For the holiday season, Kokomo transforms its Municipal Stadium into an outdoor ice rink with real ice. All skaters pay $7 to skate all day, and admission is just $5 if you bring your own skates. Your fees go directly towards supporting the Bridges Outreach, which works to provide mentoring and tutoring to area youth. The rink opens the day after Thanksgiving and closes on January 7 in 2023. Please note that except for the weeks surrounding Christmas, there are no public skate times on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. All skaters will need to fill out a waiver before participation.
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Synthetic Skating Rinks Near Indy
Several communities in Central Indiana have begun installing temporary, seasonal synthetic skating rinks, typically during the holidays. These rinks are made from interlocking panels of a solid polymer material. However, you won’t feel like you’re skating on plastic! The material mimics the glide of real ice and skaters wear traditional metal skates to slide and spin around the rink.
Ice Loop at Grand Junction Plaza
121 Jersey St, Westfield
Central Indiana’s first ice skating ribbon is at Westfield’s Grand Junction Plaza. Just fifteen minutes north of Indianapolis, this synthetic rink switches up the skating experience by allowing residents and guests to glide along a wintery ice path through the Plaza. Come at night for a magical effect provided by the glittering lights strung above and don’t forget to grab a cup of cocoa from the concession stand.
The Ice Loop opens for the first time on November 18, 2023 and will close for the season on January 13. Public skating is available Thursday-Saturday, and special hours will be announced for winter break. Rates are $12 for ages 11 and up and $10 for ages 10 and under, which includes skate rental.
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Lawrence Winterfest Skating Rink
5710 Lawrence Village Parkway, Lawrence
Lawrence hosts their popular Winterfest on weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas each year and the synthetic skating rink is all part of the fun. Public skate times are on Saturdays and Sundays, November 25 through December 23, from 2-7 pm. Adults pay $10 for rink time and skate rentals and kids under 12 pay just $5. Come early or stay late to grab treats or do some Christmas shopping at the Winter Market or enjoy some live music.
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Ice Rink at Youngs Creek Park
237 W Monroe Street, Franklin
From November 16 through December 9, visitors and residents alike can skate at Franklin Amphitheater at Youngs Creek Park. The 1,000-square-foot synthetic rink is only in town for a few weeks, so make your plans and mark them on your calendar now! Public skating hours vary but are offered Thursday through Sunday, except for Thanksgiving Day. Pay just $5 per person for an hour of skating time, which includes your skate rental.
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Penguin Park at Murphy Aquatic Park
753 S Country Road 625 E, Avon
Avon’s Murphy Aquatic Park transforms in the winter to become Penguin Park. The synthetic rink is open by reservation only, but also hosts many special events for community members and guests. Check their calendar or schedule your birthday party or field trip now! Some opportunities to visit Penguin Park include Sensory Skate and Homeschool Skate. The rink also offers igloo rentals for those who want a cozy place to warm up after their time on the ice.
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