REGIONAL ICE SKATING
BY JAYNE CLARK
Washington ’ s typically mild winters limit many cold-climate sports — one exception : ice skating . The D . C . region is home to many outdoor skating rinks that whirl into action from November to March . And this being the nation ’ s capital , some come with unequaled perks , like a sculpture garden backdrop and Potomac River views .
Here ’ s the lowdown on where to strap on skates and revel in the season .
NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART SCULPTURE GARDEN ICE RINK
A seasonal fixture for five decades , the rink is located near art created by Marc Chagall , Joan Miro , and other renowned sculptors . Thanks to its iconic location , it ’ s a date-night favorite among locals and draws plenty of out-of-towners , too .
The lowdown : Open daily through Mar . 2 . $ 12 adults ; $ 10 kids and seniors ; $ 6 skate rental . Free lockers are available on a first-come , first-served basis .
Insider tip : 45-minute sessions begin on the hour , so arrive before the top of the hour .
On Constitution Avenue NW between 7th and 9th Streets ; 202-216-9397 ; nga . gov / skating
WASHINGTON HARBOUR
D . C .’ s largest outdoor ice rink sits on the Potomac River at the base of Georgetown , just steps from Georgetown Waterfront Park .
The lowdown : It is open daily until late February for 90-minute sessions . Admission is $ 11 for adults , $ 9 for kids and seniors , and $ 7 for skate rentals .
Insider tip : Work up an appetite on the ice , then dine at a Washington Harbour restaurant .
3050 K St NW ; 202-788-0944 ; thewashingtonharbour . com
THE WHARF ICE RINK
Located on the Transit Pier at this bustling riverfront complex , the rink claims distinction as the city ’ s only over-water skating venue .
The lowdown : It is open Wednesday through Sunday until late February . The entry fee is $ 15 ( good for multiple entries on the day of purchase ), and skate rentals are $ 8 .
Insider tip : A free shuttle makes regular runs between the National Mall and the Wharf .
RESTON TOWN CENTER PAVILION
This open-air pavilion is the centerpiece of a sprawling outdoor retail development . Its dramatic transparent dome tops it . The pavilion is on Washington Metro ’ s Silver Line , which connects to Dulles Airport .
The lowdown : It is open daily until mid-March . Admission is $ 11 for adults , $ 9 for kids and seniors , and $ 7 for skate rentals .
Insider tip : This is a popular venue ; reservations are encouraged .
11900 Market St ., Reston , Va ; 703-709-6300 ; restontowncenter . com
ROCKVILLE TOWN SQUARE
This outdoor rink , located in the heart of suburban downtown Rockville , offers 7,200 square feet of smooth skating . Tickets are valid for up to two hours on the ice .
The lowdown : Open daily to mid-March ; $ 11 adults ; $ 10 kids and seniors ; $ 6 skate rental .
Insider tip : Buy tickets online up to two weeks in advance for discounted prices .
131 Gibbs St ., Rockville , Md .; 301-545-1999 ; rockvilleiceskating . com
HARRIS PAVILION
The handsome skating pavilion has an old-timey vibe , which suits its location in Manassas ’ s old town district .
The lowdown : Closing early in 2025 ( in January ) for upgrades ; $ 10 adults ; $ 8 kids ; skate rental $ 6 .
Insider tip : Take a stroll through the Manassas historic district . Its 1914 Railroad Depot houses a visitor center .
9201 Center St ., Manassas , Va .; 703-403-8297 ; manassasva . gov / parks
Note that operating times are weather dependent .
Ice Skating at Washington Harbour
Credit : Washington Harbour
970 Wharf St . SW ; 202-317-9643 ; wharfdc . com WINTER 2024-25
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