Due to the continuing pandemic many locations are still in the midst of planning their programs. The local ice skating areas will make their decisions based on state regulations and the weather conditions. So before you leave be sure call or click on their website for updated information.
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
Town of Pawling
35 Dodge Road next to the baseball fields, Pawling, NY 12564
Check website often for open skate days/times... All conditions are weather permitting - Masks are always required when outdoors if unable to stay physically distant.
Orange County
Bear Mountain Ice Rink
3020 Seven Lakes Drive, Tomkins Cove, NY 10986
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; Non-skaters and seniors: $2 per person. Skate rental: $5. 845-786-2701, ext. 266
Mill Pond
7 Stage Rd., Monroe, NY 10950
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
Thomas Bull Memorial Park
211 Rte 416, Montgomery, NY 12549
The extensive park grounds include an artificial pond for skating - weather permitting. Signs are posted when it’s safe to skate. Fee: Free, bring your own skates. 845-615-3830.
Ulster County
Mohonk Mountain House Pavilion Ice Rink
1000 Mountain Rest Rd., New Paltz, NY 12561
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
The Rondout Ice Rink at Ole Savannah
100 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY 12401
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
Indoor Rinks
Dutchess County
McCann Ice Arena
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. Fee: $11 adult, $7 child (ages 10 and under). Skate rental: $5. Rental Walker: $3. 845-454-5800. Not currently open.
Bontecou Rink at Millbrook School - temporarily closed
131 Millbrook School Rd., Millbrook, NY 12545
Every Sunday December 11 – February 19 from 2:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.; no public skating December 25th, January 1st, and February 5th. Skating cost: $3. Skaters must provide their own skates. Skate sharpening is $5. Private parties available at a rate of $200/hr. 845-677-8261, ext. 118
Orange County
Ice Time Sports Complex
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. Fee: $11 adult, $7 child (ages 10 and under). Skate rental: $5. Rental Walker: $3. 845-567-0005
Ulster County
Kiwanis Ice Arena
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 $6, Students $4, Ages 5 and under, free. Skate, sticks, gloves, helmets rental: not available at this time. Limited public skating also. 845-247-2592
Places to Find New or Used Skates:
Joe Fix Its
Joe Fix Its stocks new and used hockey and figure skates and equipment during the winter. Everything from "I just need something to get me out on the pond with my kids" to "I want what Ryan Callahan is skating on." And if the skates are thermoformable, meaning they're made with a custom-fit upper that form-fits to your foot after some time in their special oven, the service is included (a $25 value). Most mid- to upper-level hockey and figure skates are thermoformable. Goshen: 845-294-7242.
Dick’s Sporting Goods
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: 845-297-4767 or Hudson Valley Mall, Kingston: 845-382-2151.
Updated December 21, 2021
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