There’s nothing quite like bundling up in a jacket, gloves, and a cozy hat before setting off on an ice skating adventure with a thermos of hot chocolate to keep you warm. Whether you fall on your butt the second you step on the ice or skate backwards with ease, ice skating makes for memories that last a lifetime. Around the city of Pittsburgh, there are many ice rinks, both indoor and outdoor, that offer experiences to families and adults. So lace up your skates during public skate days on the weekends or gear up for hockey lessons during the week. Either way, be sure to get your time to relaxingly drift across the ice.
The UPMC Rink at PPG Place
Downtown
Live out your big-city fantasies of ice skating underneath the brightly lit Pittsburgh skyscapers. This outdoor skating rink in the heart of Downtown is a magical experience for people of all ages. Plus, it’s located right beside Market Square, so you can stop for a bite of local food and even catch events on special days.
Ice Castle Arena
Castle Shannon
Since the weather fluctuates so often in Pennsylvania, you may choose to spend the day skating indoors to escape bitter-cold winds. Get your gear on at the Ice Castle Arena and skate the day away with a concession stand close by just in case hunger cravings strike! Plus, on the weekends, the arena is all a-glow with “disco” lighting and music.
North Park Ice Rink
North Park
The North Park Ice Rink has public skating most days and evenings, with skate rentals and sharpenings available. The rink also offers open stick times for any future hockey stars. With such an open schedule, you can plan to go out on a snowy day and enjoy the perfect atmosphere.
South Park Ice Rink
South Park
Across the city from the North Park Ice Rink — and also located outside — you’ll find the South Park Ice Rink. Much like North Park, there are skate rentals and sharpenings available as well as open stick time. But, the ice rink at South Park features an NHL-size rink and a skate trail that loops throughout the trees.
Pittsburgh Ice Arena
New Kensington
Are you in need of skating lessons? How about hockey lessons for youth and adults? Pittsburgh Ice Arena has you covered with both, as well as public skating times on the weekends. However, if you are a more experienced skater, you can also plan to attend their freestyle figure skating time slots.
Alpha Ice Complex
Monroeville
Take a day off to skate around the Alpha Ice Complex, home to the University of Pittsburgh hockey teams. Glide around the rink with your family or stop in to try their drop-in hockey league, where you can play a game on a team for a small admission fee. The rink also has a winter learn-to-skate program for ages 3+ (yes, this includes adults!).
UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex
Cranberry Township
Experience the NHL quality ice that the Pittsburgh Penguins use for practice at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. How cool would it be to say you skated on the same ice as the Penguins? Attend public skating sessions Fridays through Sundays and, for a limited time, you can receive your 10th admission free when you buy 9 admission passes.
Hunt Armory Ice Rink
Shadyside
Stay close to home at the city’s first community indoor ice rink. All week long, you’ll find various sessions for public skating, freestyle ice time, and adult pick-up hockey. Or, if you really want to go all out, you can rent out the entire rink for a birthday party or other events.
Ice Center
Mt. Lebanon
No matter what type of skater you are, you can find the right skating schedule at Mt. Lebanon Park’s Ice Center. With a large regulation-size main rink and a studio rink, it’s great for speed and figure skaters alike. Even if you’re just a casual skater, check out their late-skate TGIF parties every Friday night.
Story by Kylie Thomas
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