California isn’t exactly known for freezing conditions but it does have a good amount of cold-weather activities, including several excellent ice skating rinks. From seasonal winter rinks that sparkle during the holidays to year-round arenas where professionals and amateurs hone their skills, California boasts an abundance of high-quality locations to lace up the skates. Here are the 10 best.
The ice skating rink in Yosemite’s Half Dome Village is a seasonal tradition dating back to 1928. It is rumored to have started as flooded parking lot and since those early days has grown to be one of the most popular things to do in the national park. The family-friendly tradition also includes getting s’mores after a spin on the ice.
Orange County’s Aliso Viejo Ice Palace offers lessons, public skating hours, hockey leagues, and much more. You can have a birthday party on the ice or enjoy any number of ice-centric sports and events.
The Adventist Health Ice Center of Bakersfield is a newer ice skating rink in California and features a variety of ways to get kids on the ice from lessons to hockey leagues. There are also open hours for public skating as well as birthday party events!
Pidwick Ice features an NHL-sized rink but there are plenty of smaller ways to enjoy the ice as well. Plan to spend a day and enjoy time in the lounge when you’re off the ice. There are also skating lessons, hockey programs, birthday parties, music skate sessions, and more—including a clever seal device that kids can ride on the ice to aid them in their skating.
Center Ice Arena has been a prominent part of the Ontario community since 2001. The NHL-sized arena offers a variety of programs and activities and is easily located off the area’s major freeways. Rent skates and head out on the ice or sign the kids up for lessons and leagues.
The Oakland Ice Center has a vast variety of ice programs available for all ages and abilities. Public skating schedules are available, including an adults-only event that includes coffee and pastries. You can plan an event or sign the kids up for hockey or figure skating lessons.
Iceoplex has been a favorite spot for families in the Conejo Valley for years. Public skating access tends to be inexpensive enough for teens to drop by or families looking for something new. There are also lessons for all ages as well as leagues and other activities.
The Tahoe area has lots of ice rinks that open outdoors during the winter season, but Tahoe Arena remains the only year-round indoor option. Look for specials and deals on public skate sessions. Locals can participate in early-morning free skate sessions during the school year. Also find tons of other ice skating activities, events, classes, leagues, etc.
The notoriously hot San Fernando Valley isn’t exactly known for its ice skating but Iceland in Van Nuys is pretty much an institution. The no-frills retro rink has appeared in films and is an active part of community fundraising, special events, skating classes, and general good times—including birthday parties featuring bumper cars on ice.
Throughout Orange County, you can find several locations for the Rinks, a series of ice rinks in Southern California. At Yorba Linda Ice, you can enjoy public skating as well as skating lessons for all ages and hockey or figure skating. And there are birthday parties too.
