The Best Ice Skating Venues in the United States

With winter upon us, the need to put on a pair of ice skates and hit the ice is always present, no matter if it is for fun or for added exercise. The United States has some of the best rinks out there for ice skating and below are reviews of the top five ice skating rinks throughout the states. So, lace up and get ready to perfect your double sow cow on the rinks listed below.

Ice Skating Rink #1 - Central Park, New York (Wollman Rink)

This rink is by far the best rink I believe to skate on. The reason being is due to it's history wrapped up in the ice. For decades of generations, children and adults have been lacing up their skating boots and brisking the New York Winter nights under the sky line of the tall sky scrapers.

Central Park has two rinks. The first one is the Wollman Rink located between 62nd and 63rd street. Weekday rates are $10.25 for adults, $5.50 for children and $4.75 for seniors. The weekend rates are a little higher at $14.75 for adults, $5.75 for children and $8.25 for seniors. During both times skate rentals will cost you $6.25 and if you are just going to watch from the side while your family skates on then it will cost you $5.00. The times for this rink are Monday and Tuesday 10am - 2:30pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10am - 10pm, Friday and Saturday 10am - 11pm, and Sunday 10am - 9pm. Call 212-439-6900 for more information on this rink.

Ice Skating Rink #2 - Central Park, New York (Lasker Rink)

The second rink in Central Park is on my top five list due to the cheaper prices then the one above. I always am looking for a deal and with this rink you can skate at a cheaper price but still have the fun atmosphere of the New York life in your background.

Lasker Rink is located between 106th and 108th street. The rink is opened daily with the times being Monday 10am - 3:45pm, Tuesday 10am - 3:30 and then again from 8pm - 10pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10am - 3:45 pm, Friday 10am - 5:15pm and then again from 7pm - 11pm, Saturday 1pm - 11pm and Sunday 12:30pm - 4:30pm. The daily rates are $6.25 for adults, $3.50 for children, and $2.25 for seniors. You may also rent your skates at this park for only $5.50. For more information call 212-534-7639 or 917-492-3856.

Ice Skating Rink #3 - Chicago, Illinois (McCormick Tribune Ice Rink)

In it's ninth season the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink draws in more than 100,000 skaters per year. Understandably so due to the downtown atmosphere of the Chicago city life. After you have had your skating fill, plop those skates off and walk right next door for some great grub at the Park Grill located right next to the rink. The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink is located on the famous Michigan Ave. between Washington and Madison streets.

The ice rinks hours for the season are Monday through Thursdays 12pm - 8pm, Fridays 12pm - 10pm, Saturdays (through January 2nd) 10am - 10pm, Saturdays (beginning January 9th) 10am - 9pm, and Sundays 10am - 9pm. The rates for skating at the McCormick Tribune Ice Rink are free to the general public but if you need to rent your skates then skate rental will cost you $10.

Ice Skating Rink #4 - Gatlinburg, Tennessee (Ober Indoor Ice Rink)

If you are ever in the Smokey Mountains and need to escape the chilly air, head on into Ober Gatlinburg to their mall where you will find a massive indoor ice skating rink. You can still enjoy the Winter sport of ice skating but at least you can take your coat off and enjoy the indoor feeling for a while. Once you are done skating then you can catch up on your shopping at the same mall you just did a few laps in. With over 400 pairs of rental shoes available the cost for each person no matter what age is only $9 for an hour or for a full day! Head on over to http://www.obergatlinburg.com/ for more information!

Ice Skating Rink #5 - Washington, DC (Sculpture Garden Ice Rink)

Smack dab in the National Mall the Sculpture Garden Ice Rink allows ice skaters to enjoy their childhood once again while skating around amazing sculptures by modern and contemporary artists. Some of the artist's are Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van. Once you have skated enough you can rest your toes and warm your body at the Pavilion Cafe. There you can still enjoy the Sculpture Garden for all it has to offer while grabbing a bite to eat and something to drink.

The hours of operation are Monday - Thursday 10am - 9pm, Friday and Saturday 10am - 11pm, and Sunday 11am - 9pm. Admission is only $7.00 per person. Go to http://www.nga.gov/ginfo/skating.shtm for more information on this great ice rink!