Even if you’ll never be able to master the triple Salchow or a graceful Lutz, you can still relish the rush that comes from gliding across a slick ice rink on a pair of sharp blades. For some Hudson Valley parents, ice skating with their children is a ritual of winter family fun, eagerly anticipated as the cold weather sets in.
“There’s something about getting all bundled up in warm and cozy layers with the cold brisk air outside that makes us breathe a little deeper, smile a little wider, and enjoy being in the present moment,” says Diane Hoch, a Bardonia mother of three teenage girls. “I love taking my girls — and as many friends as they can fit in the car — to the outdoor rink in the mountains. What a magical place with the lights both on the ice rink and in the twinkling night sky.”
Hoch’s favorite place to slip and slide is the Bear Mountain Ice Rink, which she says holds many memories for her family.
“We have gone there to celebrate birthday parties, Friday nights, Sunday afternoons, and even ushered in the New Year with friends one New Years Eve!”
For other parents embarking on the teenage years with their children, a little togetherness at the rink goes a long way.
“We can both skate, but it’s not going to be together, as that would not be cool,” Jean Ralston of Lagrangeville says of her 13-year-old daughter, Kate (pictured at left).
“Ice skating is the perfect December birthday activity,” says Kate. “It’s fun and easy in the cold days of December.”
For some, ice skating with their children is as much about finding them new outlets for their athleticism and building blocks for their confidence as it is about family fun. And the affordable figure skating and hockey lessons available at local rinks are a real plus for parents.
Kathleen Willcox is a freelance writer who lives in Carmel with her husband and twins.
Outdoor Rinks
Dutchess County
85 Sheafe Rd., Wappingers Falls
The recent addition of a portable skating rink provides endless hours of winter fun. Skaters must bring their own skates and the rink is open during all park hours, daily 9am-5pm weather permitting. You can check their Facebook page for updates. 845-298-4600
Orange County
3020 Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove
Private skate sessions are available, but must be reserved by calling the office. Other winter fun includes sledding hills and trails for cross-country skiing. Fee: Adults (12 and up): $5 per person; Children aged 4 and under: free. Skate rental: $10. 845-786-2701, ext. 266
Erie Way Park, 1-31 Union Street, behind City Hall, Middletown
The rink officially opens on Friday, November 25th. Skate rental $1 (limited availability). Admission $1/kids; $3/adults 16+. Skate sharpening $5. For more information on rates, skates and more, give the Recreation & Parks Department a call at (845) 346-4180.
7 Stage Rd., Monroe
There are no extra frills at this pond, so bring your own thermos of hot cocoa. Skating is available when the flag beside the pond is green; when the flag is red, skating is a no-go. Free, bring your own skates. 845-782-8341
1847 State Route 17K, Montgomery
Skating and ice fishing available when the ice is safe enough to skate on. Fee: Must have a park permit and register at the Ranger’s office. Bring your own skates. 845-615-3830
Ulster County
1000 Mountain Rest Rd., New Paltz
Ensconced in the historic winter resort, the award-winning ice rink is open from Thanksgiving to late March. Enjoy recreational skating or exciting games such as broom ball on the 9,375 square foot refrigerated rink. Fee (includes rentals): $17 per person midweek, $27 per person on weekends and holidays. Session times vary. Frequent skater card available for $150 for 10 sessions. 845-256-2775
100 Rondout Landing, Kingston
New outdoor ice rink opening day. Perfect for families, friends, private parties and corporate events. Food, beverages and skate rentals available. Weekdays 4-9 p.m., Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Ole Savanna Southern Table & Bar. 845-331-4283
Grahamsville Fairgrounds, 8230 State Rte 55, Grahamsville
Opening Dec. 11. Ice rink hours are Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 7-9pm; Saturday 1-3 & 7-9pm; Sunday 1-5pm. If it is to be closed, we will post a notification to everyone. ALSO HOT COCOA AND SNACKS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE RINK (thru Tri-Valley school organizations) UNLESS OTHERWISE POSTED.
Indoor Rinks
Dutchess County
14 Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie
McCann offers skating lessons, a hockey skill development clinic, and birthday parties. There is also a Learn to Skate program for skaters who have little to no skating experience. The $130 program includes one free pass to practice during a public session and a free pair of figure or hockey skates for you to keep when you register. Adult Admission (13 & up) & Skate Rental $15; Child Admission (12 & under) & Skate Rental $10; Rental Walker $3.00 (ask for at front desk). Military, First Responders and Senior Discount with valid ID $2 OFF. 845-454-5800.
Orange County
21 Lakeside Rd., Newburgh
Ice Time has its own ice hockey league and figure skating club, and hosts special events. The rink has a concession stand and game room for those who need a break. Adult Admission (13 & up) & Skate Rental $15; Child Admission (12 & under) & Skate Rental $10; Rental Walker $3.00 (ask for at front desk). Military, First Responders and Senior Discount with valid ID $2 OFF. 845-567-0005
Ulster County
6 Small World Dr., Saugerties
The rink operates from the middle of August to the beginning of April. Learn to skate and learn to play hockey programs are free with admission on Sunday mornings. Fee: Adults $8, Students/Seniors $6, Ages 5 and under, free. Skate rentals $3 pair. Check website for public skating times as they change weekly. 845-247-2592
Places to Find New or Used Skates:
Joe Fix Its stocks a full line of hockey and figure skates. They also have a great selection of used skates available. There is a great selection of equipment too, and the knowledgeable staff to make sure it's just right for you. All skate sharpening is done on their Blademaster machine to your exact specifications and can usually be done while you wait. 845-294-7242.
Dick’s Sporting Goods stocks new hockey and figure skates and equipment in a range of styles for every budget (and online orders ship free). Poughkeepsie Galleria, 2001 South Rd., Poughkeepsie: 845-297-4767 or Galleria at Crystal Run, 1 N Galleria Dr., Ste 132, Middletown: 845-382-2151.
Updated December 21, 2023