Ice skating is a lot like parenting. You may not know all the tricks, but if you take a deep breath and hold your head high, you can convince your kiddos you know exactly what you’re doing. And luckily for us, Atlanta has some awesome outdoor rinks that are perfect for the entire family to enjoy. Read on for our picks of the most impressive ice in town.
Photo: Centennial Olympic Park via Facebook
Centennial Olympic Park
This Atlanta ice skating tradition returns for another year under the thousands of twinkling lights in Centennial Park’s holiday display. Lace up under the big top for all-weather skating, and thrill the kids with dinner at the rink’s concessions, featuring carnival favorites including funnel cakes, fried PB&J, and corndogs, as well as holiday treats such as hot chocolate and apple cider.
Admission is $12.00 per person for a 90-minute session (includes skate rental). Open through Jan. 8 weekdays from 4:30 to 10 p.m., Fri. from 4:30 to 11 p.m., Sat. from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Check website for holiday hours.
265 Park Ave W NW
Atlanta, Ga
404-223-4412
Online: centennialpark.com
Photo: Shelley Massey
The Astor Holiday Ice Skating Rink, St. Regis
Skate in style on the rooftop rink of The St. Regis Atlanta under a canopy of lights, and enjoy rink side hot chocolate, cider, s’mores, and craft cocktails. Admission to skate sessions are limited (which keeps the crowds under control), but reservations are a must.
Admission is $30 per hour for adults & $18 per hour for children under 16 plus tax and 22% service charge. Reservations are recommended through the St. Regis Atlanta Holiday Desk at 404-563-7797. Open through Jan. 1 Thurs.-Fri. from 12 to 8 p.m. and Sat. & Sun. from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check website for holiday hours.
88 W Paces Ferry Road
Atlanta, Ga
404-563-7900
Online: stregisatlanta.com
Photo: Park Tavern
Park Tavern at Piedmont Park
This winter staple in Atlanta offers enjoyment on the ice long after most outdoor rinks have closed. The Park Tavern’s Southwest Rink also offers ice skating lessons (ages 3 and older) for anyone “frost bitten” by the ice skating bug.
All-day skate admission is $15 to $20 for all ages until 8 p.m. Parking is $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends. Open to all ages Mon.-Fri. from 4:30-8 p.m. and Sat. & Sun. from 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
500 10th St NE
Atlanta, Ga
404-249-0001
Online: parktavern.com
Photo: Atlantic Station via Facebook
Atlantic Station
If it’s not on your list for your visit to Santa, a walk through the German holiday festival, or for a ride on the holiday train, add it to your holiday destinations for the open-air ice skating rink. Atlanta’s largest open-air skating rink is also nestled among the shops of Atlantic Station in case you need a little retail therapy in between triple axles.
Admission is $13 for adults and $10 for ages 12 and under. Open through Feb. 19 Mon.-Thurs. from 4-10 p.m., Fri. & Sat. from 12-11 p.m., and Sun. from 12-9 p.m. Check website for holiday hours.
1380 Atlantic Drive
Atlanta, Ga
404-410-4010
Online: atlanticstation.com
Photo: Historic Marietta Square via Facebook
Marietta Square
Head to the Marietta Square for a taste of small town winter wonderland, complete with open-air ice skating under twinkling lights, Santa’s Workshop, a multi-story Christmas tree, and holiday entertainment.
Admission is $12 and includes skate rental. Open beyond New Years Day, but hours vary based on school calendar and holiday schedule. Check website for daily hours.
50 N. Park Sq.
Marietta, Ga
Online: mariettasquare.com
Photo: Avalon via Facebook
Avalon
During the holiday season, Alpharetta’s newest development will turn The Plaza into an ice-skating rink the size of Rockefeller Center. Get there early to check out several of ITP’s favorite chefs’ newest ventures OTP, and to let the kids run around in the indoor/ outdoor squirrel themed play area.
Admission is $18 for adults and $12 for ages 12 and under, and includes skates. Open through Jan. 22 Mon.-Fri. from 3-10 p.m., Sat. from 10 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sun. from 12-7 p.m. Check website for holiday hours.
2200 Avalon Boulevard
Alpharetta, GA
770-765-2000
Online: experienceavalon.com
Where will you slice the ice this year? Tell us below!
—Shelley Massey
