21 Ice Skating in Boston Locations For a Perfect Winter Activity

Close up of someone in ice skates on an outdoor skating rink

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Ice skating is always a blast and Boston has plenty of rinks where you can enjoy this winter-worthy activity. This guide offers suggestions for ice skating in Boston including both outdoor and indoor rinks.

Many of these spots are located in and around the heart of the city, but we also included some places that are just a few miles drive away.

For more things to do in Boston in the winter, read this guide.

Places to Ice Skate in Boston

Boston Common Frog Pond

If you’re looking for amazing outdoor skating, the Boston Common Frog Pond is a classic option.

Boston Common’s ice skating rink is a local favorite; keep an eye out for special discounts and event nights.

Go on a romantic date or take the whole family skating for a full afternoon of joy and excitement.

If you’re not ready to leave the Common, plan your accommodations at the Found Hotel (78 Charles St South).

Boston Common also features in our guide to free things to do in Boston.

Ice skating on Frog Pond Boston Massachusetts

DCR Murphy Memorial Rink

There are so many DCR rinks, but Murphy Memorial Rink (1880 William J Day Blvd) is a local favorite.

This Department of Conservation and Recreation skating rink is open from November through March.

You can choose between either of the two skating rinks, and rentals are available to anyone who needs them.

Murphy Memorial Rink is open for most holidays, so if you’re looking for family holiday fun, be sure to stop by!

DCR Emmons Horrigan O’Neil Memorial Rink

The DCR-owned and operated Emmons Horrigan O’Neil Memorial Rink (46 Union St) is a sports-focused skating rink.

It is open a few days per week from November to March.

Since it is an indoor rink, warm or rainy weather is no issue for wishful skaters.

This is also an accessible rink, which means that there is adaptive skating equipment available for anyone who needs it.

DCR Steriti Memorial Rink

One of several Department of Conservation and Recreation rinks, the Steriti Memorial Rink (561 Commercial St) is located in the gorgeous North End of Boston.

This indoor ice skating rink in Boston is perfect for seasonal, winter skating.

Ice skating in the North End is an ideal way to spend the afternoon with the family.

Steriti ice rink Boston Massachusetts

Porrazzo Skating Rink

Skating in Boston is made fun and special by the Porrazzo Skating Rink (199 Coleridge St).

This public skating arena is managed by the DCR and offers tons of programming for all ages.

You’ll love the party room and snack bar, as well as the free wi-fi and skate sharpening service.

Skate @ Canal District Kendall

Kendall Square ice skating (300 Athenaeum St) is a great idea for anyone who is looking for a perfect Boston winter activity.

Skate @ Canal District Kendall is outdoors, seasonal, and in a great location.

The Kendall Rink is professionally maintained and offers affordable admission and skate rentals.

Check the website’s schedule for updates on Kendall Square Holiday on Ice, a yearly festival featuring a free ice skating show performed by professional skaters!

For a totally unique trip in Kendall Square, book your stay at the Kendall at the Engine 7 Firehouse (350 Main St).

You may also like our guide to Christmas lights in Boston if you want to catch some holiday-worthy events during your visit.

Rink at 401 Park

If you’re looking for an outdoor skating rink, Boston’s 401 Park (401 Park Dr) is the place to go.

The Rink at 401 Park is a newer Boston skating rink, and it is only open in the winter.

Opening day is celebrated for each new season with a themed event, so check their website in the late fall for updates.

Book a stay downtown Boston at The Godfrey (505 Washington St) to keep the fun going!

Want to do something more kid-friendly during your visit? Check this guide.

The Godfrey Hotel in Boston Massachusetts

Walter Brown Arena

The Walter Brown Arena (285 Babcock St) offers some great indoor ice skating in Boston, especially if you’re a Boston University student.

While open skating hours are limited during Boston University’s semesters, you can still head to the arena, rent some skates if you need them, and glide around on the ice.

Be sure to check the website for a full public skating schedule.

Warrior Ice Arena

An ice skating Boston, MA adventure would not be complete without a trip to Warrior Ice Arena (90 Guest St).

This iconic arena can be seen from Route 90 as you enter the city, and it is the official practice facility for the Boston Bruins.

Check the schedule for public skate times and other skate-related programming.

It’s easy to fall in love with the Allston/Brighton area, so be sure to plan ahead and book your stay at the Studio Allston Hotel (1234 Soldiers Field Rd).

Bobby Orr statue at TD Garden Boston Massachusetts

Chandler Pond

Free ice skating in Boston is easy if you don’t mind the natural magic of an outdoor, icy pond.

Chandler Pond (Lake Shore Rd) is another natural beauty in the city, and skating on its frozen surface is a favorite winter activity of locals and travelers alike.

Chandler Pond is one of the last surviving ponds in the Allston/Brighton area, and it’s definitely a hidden gem in Boston.

Watch the sun set over the trees as you skate late into the afternoon on Chandler Pond.

Daly Memorial Rink

Daly Memorial Rink is an indoor ice skating rink located in Newton and was built in 1966.

The rink is fully staffed and offers public skating, skate rentals, skate sharpening, and skate lessons for beginners.

Be sure to check the rink’s opening schedule here.

DCR Kelly Outdoor Rink

Jamaica Plain ice skating is made easy at the Kelly Outdoor Rink (1 Marbury Terrace).

This is one of the DCR skating rinks that is fully outdoors, and the skating season is shorter, taking place from December to March.

The Kelly Outdoor Rink is some of the best outdoor ice skating in Boston, and it features multiple accessibility accommodations.

To warm up after your outdoor skating adventure, head just down the street to Ula Cafe (284 Amory St) for a hot drink and tasty treats.

Editor’s note: My friend owns the cafe, tell Beth that Amanda sent you!

Next door to Ula, you can enjoy a fantastic meal and a wide selection of whiskies from The Haven, a Scottish restaurant.

Or, take a Sam Adams Brewery Tour for a perfect way to end the day!

Sam Adams Brewery during Christmastime in Jamaica Plain, Boston, Massachusetts.

Jack Kirrane Ice Skating Rink

Of all the ice rinks in Boston, the Jack Kirrane Ice Skating Rink (23 Newton St) might be one of the best.

Public skating is open almost every day of the week, admission is affordable, and there is weekly programming for hockey, skate school, and more.

Plus, there are a few residents-only time slots for locals who don’t want to deal with crowds.

Jim Roche Community Arena

The Jim Roche Community Arena (1725 VFW Parkway) is a popular ice skating rink in the West Roxbury neighborhood.

This rink is particularly special because you can choose between general public skating or public hockey time.

Each type of skating time has its own admission fee, so check the website for more information.

You’ll love the snack bar, the pro shop, and the skate-sharpening service at the arena.

Jamaica Pond

Outdoor skating in Boston doesn’t always have to be at a perfectly groomed rink.

Jamaica Pond (507 Jamaica Way) is a small Boston outdoor skating option that allows you to be out in nature this winter.

It is the most well-known pond in the city besides Frog Pond in the Boston Common.

People love Jamaica Pond’s programming all year round, but skating is a special gem here.

This natural beauty is the largest and cleanest body of water in the city, and it is absolutely gorgeous in the winter.

Sailors Home Pond

There are so many options to skate in the city, but if you’d like to find good ice skating near Boston, head to Sailors Home Pond (35 Ridgeway St) in Quincy.

This pond is a popular skating spot for locals, and it is located in a quiet neighborhood with lots of beautiful trees.

It is surrounded by a fence that is only open in the winter when the ice is a safe 4 inches thick.

Close up of someone in ice skates on an outdoor skating rink

Skating Club of Boston Performance Center

The Skating Club of Boston Performance Center (750 University Ave) is a little limited for public skating in Boston compared to other options because they are mostly open to the public on the weekends.

Still, it is your absolute best option for one thing in particular: lessons.

You won’t find better ice skating lessons in Boston, so check out their website for beginners, competitions, synchronized, and more.

Skating Club of Boston East Rink

Boston figure skating is very popular at the Skating Club of Boston East Rink (750 East Ave).

While it is located in the same building, it hosts public skating on Sundays and is home to most of the hockey practices for the Skating Club.

Check the website for scheduled time slots and admission fees.

LoConte Memorial Rink

LoConte Memorial Rink (97 Locust Street, Medford) is located just around half an hour away from Boston.

The rink was built in 1974 and features a spectator viewing area, a lobby, and locker rooms.

At certain months of the year, the public can access the rink for free.

Check their updated schedule here.

Spy Pond

Spy Pond in Arlington is a large pond, at nearly 102 acres.

If you’re looking for places to ice skate near Boston, Spy Pond is one of the best places to ice skate for free.

Unfortunately, skate rentals are unavailable in this natural area.

This pond features lots of plants and wildlife, and is such a peaceful spot to glide on the ice with friends and family.

Ristuccia Memorial Arena

Ristuccia Memorial Arena (190 Main St) is a year-round ice hockey and skating facility in Wilmington.

Though the arena is used as a training ground by a few local ice hockey teams, there’s a schedule available for the public to access the ice skating rink with a fee.

Check their page for an updated schedule.

You may also like our weekend getaway in winter guide if you’re looking to explore more places near and outside Boston during the season.

Ice skates on ice.

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed exploring the ice skating rinks in Boston through this guide.

If we missed any places, feel free to let us know in the comments below.

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