Go Ice Skating in Maryland This Winter

Some of my favorite memories from my childhood were made during the winter months, including sledding with all our neighbors down the big hill in our backyard in Bowie and ice skating on Allen Pond when it froze. Making outdoor memories doesn’t need to be attached to the warmer months only—there are plenty of things to do outdoors that are fun, too. If you’re looking to create lasting impressions for your family, I’d suggest lacing up your skates and checking out these places to go ice skating in Maryland.

If you live in the D.C. metro area, Silver Spring boasts a beautiful outdoor skating rink right in the heart of its downtown area. Visit Silver Spring Ice Skating at Veterans Plaza’s website to purchase tickets in advance and reserve your time to skate. Admission tickets are valid for up to 2 hours of admission.

Make a day of it and see a movie at the adjacent Regal Majestic and IMAX Theatre. For food, try Kusshi Sushi for authentic Japanese food, or for American fare, take the short walk to Copper Canyon Grill. There’s a lot to do in the area, so you can certainly make a day or afternoon of it. 

In nearby Rockville, Maryland, you’ll enjoy Skating at The Square in Rockville. Known as the largest outdoor skating rink between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and the biggest in Montgomery County, the rink offers 7,200 square feet of rink for its skaters. The rink also features Skate School Open Houses, where you can take lessons and learn a spin or two. Lessons for parents and kids are also available. Reserve your tickets online at rockvilleskating.com. The rink will also validate your parking for up the 2 hours.

Nearby, you can dine at First Watch for a great breakfast before taking to the ice. Or, if you’re an afternoon-to-early-evening skater, try East Dumpling House for Chinese food or El Mercat for tapas.

Check out Color Burst Ice Rink—part of Merriweather District in Columbia, Maryland. Skaters are given 75 minutes to skate, and the rink offers specials on Monday-Thursday. Everyone skates for $10 on Tuesdays! Find free parking at Symphony Woods Garage at 6275 Mango Tree Road.

Anne Arundel County features two wonderful outdoor rinks where you can skate. Visit the all-new rink at the Glen Burnie Outdoor Ice Skating Rink in the middle of the Glen Burnie Town Center. With features such as skating lessons, rental of the rink for private and corporate parties, and opportunities to feature a fundraiser at the rink, this rink is active! Grab some food before or after at the Honey Bee Diner, a local favorite that never closes. Bubba’s 33 features American fare, such as burgers & pizza.

For a more serene experience in nature, check out Quiet Waters Park Ice Skating Rink in Annapolis. It’s a good-sized rink in a picturesque park setting with lamplights for evening skating. On a nice day, you can also take the trails through the park that lead down to the water. It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends, and historic Annapolis is only 3.6 miles away if you want to see the city in all its holiday splendor. Take an even shorter drive to Eastport, which features a host of restaurants you can try, such as Boatyard Bar & Grill, Carrol’s Creek Café, Davis’ Pub, Blackwall Hitch, and Adam’s Taphouse & Grille. All of these locations are perfect for curing your hunger after an afternoon of active skating.

Finally, if you’re making your way to Baltimore, you will want to reserve time to skate at the Inner Harbor Rink.

With views of the Inner Harbor, you’ll make meaningful memories skating in the daylight or under the lights. The rink is open now through January 15. There are a lot of winter and holiday events scheduled for Baltimore, and you can see them all by visiting the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore website. With scores of restaurants and Little Italy and Harbor East only a walk away, you’ll have fun exploring Baltimore after you do a twirl or two on the ice.

Happy skating!

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Lead Photo Credit: Merriweather District