Top Ice Skating In Denver Metro Area

The Southwest Ice Rink at Skyline Park (credit: CBS)

With the arrival of winter snow and cold weather comes the arrival of wintertime sports. True, you can enjoy several of them indoors year-round but there is something about going ice skating with the family in the cold winter months that just feels right. Grab your family, bring a date, get a thermos of hot chocolate and head out to one of these fun locations for some perfect cold weather activity. You can take classes, try your hand at hockey or just hold hands with your sweetie and skate around the rink. Here are some perfect spots for ice skating in the Denver area.

Skyline Park
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 534-6161
www.downtowndenver.com

Skyline Park is a picturesque oasis, nestled in the middle of downtown Denver. You'll find all sorts of fun things to do at this little park all year long but it is the wintertime ice skating that really brings everyone out to play. The ice skating is always a lot of fun as you skate around the rink surrounded by the beauty of Denver's downtown architecture. There are often food vendors on hand ready to sell you some munchies or some hot chocolate, and there is a lot to enjoy nearby as well.

Big Bear Ice Arena
8580 E. Lowry Blvd.
Denver, CO 80230
(303) 343-1111
www.bigbearice.com

Craving some ice hockey time? Looking for some classes on how to skate for all ages and levels? Want to learn the basics of ice dancing? Or what about yoga for skaters? These programs and more are available at Big Bear Ice Arena where you can enjoy public skate time or take one of many different classes for children and adults. You can even book the arena for a birthday party or other special event. All of the rentals are available here so you can just show up and find everything you need to hit the ice. Make sure to check the schedule online ahead of time for public skate times and drop-in availability.

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The Rink at Belmar
439 S. Teller St.
Lakewood, CO 80226
(303) 742-1525
www.belmarcolorado.com

If you are looking for a fun, casual place to skate around a rink with your sweetie, then The Rink at Belmar is the place for you. You won't find a bunch of hockey fans waiting for you to clear the ice and you won't have to deal with specific one-hour blocks of open-skate time. It isn't a rink for tricks and professionals. This rink is for families looking for a fun activity to enjoy together or for that perfect date night when going to another movie is just not in the plans. Rentals are available and the prices are quite affordable.

Edge Ice Arena
6623 S. Ward St.
Littleton, CO 80127
(303) 409-2222
www.ifoothlls.org 

Edge Ice Arena is a public rink with two NHL-sized rinks to enjoy. There are hockey leagues to join for both adults and children, a pro shop and plenty of rentals. Lots of classes provide curious skaters with all of the skills needed to expertly navigate the ice, while public skate and freestyle times keep the rinks open for those that just want to play and have some fun. There are also drop-in hockey and puck times, allowing those that want to practice hockey a chance to hit the rink as well. There are even child care options available at the Peak Community and Wellness Center, providing parents a chance to get out and take a class or two as well.

Boulder Valley Ice
125 Superior Plaza Way
Superior, CO 80027
(303) 494-4777
www.bvice.pucksystems.com

Boulder Valley Ice is the only NHL-sized ice rink in the Boulder area and you can enjoy lots of different programs at this huge non-profit facility. With adult hockey, children's hockey and plenty of classes, ice lovers will have a blast trying all of the different activities. Nearly 500,000 people visit Boulder Valley Ice each year, making it one of the largest and busiest ice rinks in the state. Be sure to check the calendar for classes and public skate times, then just drop in and enjoy the ice. Rentals are available as well at really affordable prices.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.