Want to take the kids ice skating? These family-friendly ice skating rinks in the Bay Area are full of fun, lights, and sometimes, can all be had for free
Ice skating is a great family tradition during the holidays. Bundle up, find your favorite rink and get ready to lace up those skates. From festive holiday lights and special events to beautiful decor and some of the best hot cocoa in SF, there are plenty of ice rinks to choose from in the area, although below our some of our favorites. Added Bonus: There are skating aids for even the littlest skater.
The Best Place to Ice Skate in San Francisco
1. The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square
Rockefeller Center meet Union Square! In addition to public skating hours they have special events: such as Drag Queens on Ice, Flashback Fridays, Silent Skate and the Polar Bear Skate, all returning this year. Free skate lessons every weekend at 8 a.m., advance registration required.
When: Now-Jan. 16
Cost: $20/ticket which includes skate rental/ ages 8 and under are $15
Union Square
San Francisco
Online: unionsquareicerink.com
The Best Place to Ice Skate in the East Bay
2. Kristi Yamaguchi Ice Rink at City Center Bishop Ranch
This spot in San Ramon is perfect as there is tons of room for you and the little ones to skate under the stars! An array of skating aides are available including ones where you can push your little ones around the ice. Early bird hours are available and you can even celebrate your winter birthday here. Score!
When: Now-Jan. 8
Cost: $21/ages 5 and up, $15/ages 3-8, $10 skate aide rental
City Center Bishop Ranch
San Ramon
Online: citycenterbishopranch.com
3. Walnut Creek on Ice
Glide in style at Walnut Creek on Ice this winter and enjoy family skate night and hockey events, too! Looking for a private skate lesson? Book with an experienced instructor and get your triple axel on! Rink capacity is limited so advanced booking is encouraged.
When: Dec. 9 through Jan. 16
Cost: $20/90-minute session/ages 3 and under are free with a paid adult
Civic Park, 1375 Civic Dr.
Walnut Creek
Online: walnutcreekonice.com
4. Ice at the Veranda
Ice at the Veranda returns this year and is ready to welcome skaters! There are loads of dining spots right around the rink including Puesto and PopBar so make it a day at The Veranda shopping center!
When: Now-Feb. 14
Cost: $17/skater including skate rental for a 90-minute session
2001-2003 Diamond Blvd.
Concord
Online: shoptheveranda.com
5. Oakland Ice
This rink is open year-round for your ice skating adventures. Open skate is available daily with special times devoted to bucket skating for the little ones. Oakland residents receive 10% off admission.
When: Daily
Cost: $13.50/ages 13 and up, $12.50/ages 12 and under
519 18th St.
Oakland
Online: oaklandice.com
The Best Ice Skating Rinks on the Peninsula & South Bay
6. Winter Lodge
Open since 1956, this ice rink has brought fun and smiles to families over several generations. Warm up by the fire pits when your little ones need a break from skating. Added Bonus: Ice skating lessons are also available.
When: Now-Apr. 8
Cost: $17/admission, $5 skates
3009 Middlefield Rd.
Palo Alto
Online: winterlodge.com
7. San Mateo on Ice
Located in Central Park, this 9,000-square foot rink is the largest in the Bay Area with real ice. Don’t miss free community skate days on Dec. 7, 13 & Jan. 5.
When: Now-Jan. 8
Cost: $18-21/person including skate rental
50 E. 5th Ave.
San Mateo
Online: onicerinks.com
8. WinterFest at California's Great America
Winter takes over Great America in Santa Clara on November 25 and you can ice skate right in front of the iconic double decker carousel, one of the largest in the world. Sign up for your spot when you arrive in the park as this activity is very popular.
When: Select dates now-Jan. 1
Cost: $17 for ice skating in addition to regular admission
4701 Great America Pkwy.
Santa Clara
Online: cagreatamerica.com
The Best Places to Ice Skate in North Bay & Marin
9. Iceless Rink at the Bay Area Discovery Museum
Kick-off the winter season with a spin around the "ice!" BADM's popular Iceless Skating Rink returns this year, so families can experience another year of fun—without the fear of falling. Admission to the rink is included with your museum admission. It is open throughout Dec.
When: Opens Dec. 1
Cost: Included with museum admission
557 McReynolds Rd.
Sausalito
Online: bayareadiscoverymuseum.org
10. Ice Skating at Vista Collina
This new attraction is ready for skaters! This rink rink features real ice and will transform into a winter wonderland with special events and theme nights plus 100% chance of snow every night at 6 p.m.! Can't beat that? Children can keep warm by the toasty fire pits while beer and wine keeps the adults happy in a brand new Napa holiday tradition!
When: Now-Jan. 8
Cost: $25
850 Bordeaux Way
Napa
Online: meritagecollection.com
11. Snoopy’s Home Ice
This picturesque indoor spot, next to the Charles M. Schulz museum, is open year-round, but they make it extra festive at Christmas time. Be sure to check their daily schedule for session times.
When: Open year round, Holiday season starts Dec. 1
Cost: $11/ages 12 & up, $9/kids 11 & under. Skate rental $4
1667 W Steele Ln.
Santa Rosa
Online: snoopyshomeice.com
