Ice skating is a popular winter activity that transcends all ages. From the thrill of gliding on a smooth surface to the excitement of learning a new skill, ice skating Cincinnati offers a unique blend of fun and fitness. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best places for ice skating in Cincinnati, highlighting their unique features, skating schedules, and other relevant information.
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Embrace the Chill at Northland Ice Center
Northland Ice Center, Cincinnati’s first indoor ice rink that opened in 1973, is a popular destination for ice skating enthusiasts. The rink boasts a regulation NHL size ice surface measuring 200′ by 85′, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced skaters.
Watch the Action Live
Northland Ice Center is a LiveBarn Venue, which means you can catch all the action live or on-demand if you can’t make it to the rink. LiveBarn is a subscription service that gives you access to streams from any LiveBarn-installed venue across the US & Canada. The service also includes:
- 30-second highlight saves
- Entire game/practice downloads
- Live tagging of highlights in-venue
Existing subscribers can update their profile with the venue’s promo code for additional benefits. For more information, visit LiveBarn’s website.
A Hub for Various Ice Sporting Activities
Besides public skating, Northland Ice Center is home to Cincinnati AHL, Cincinnati Amateur Hockey Association, the Queen City Figure Skating Club, Northland Figure skating Academy, UC Hockey Club, and serves as a practice ice for the Cincinnati Cyclones.
Experience the Thrill of Outdoor Skating
Ice skating Cincinnati is not limited to indoor rinks. The city features several outdoor ice skating venues that provide a unique opportunity to enjoy the sport amidst the natural beauty of winter.
Fountain Square Ice Rink
Fountain Square Ice Rink, located in the heart of Cincinnati, is a favorite destination for local and visiting families. The rink offers 60-minute sessions, and you can make reservations up to two weeks in advance. Concessions are available before and after your session, enhancing your ice skating Cincinnati experience.
Winter Wonderland Ice Rink in Lawrenceburg
If you’re looking for an outdoor ice skating venue this holiday season, consider the Winter Wonderland Ice Rink in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. The rink is covered and features nearby fire pits for warming up after a session. The city also hosts additional holiday events on its Main Street throughout the season.
Ice Rink at Summit Park
Located in Blue Ash, Summit Park Ice Rink provides a unique outdoor skating experience under a glass canopy. The park offers free skating aids for inexperienced skaters, and there are four on-site restaurants for a nice hot meal or a beverage after your session.
Unwind at Fifty West Burger Bar
Fifty West Burger Bar isn’t just a place to grab a burger and a craft beer. It also houses a 40-by-80-foot outdoor ice rink that offers a fun-filled skating experience. The venue provides heated tents, hot cocoa, and fire pits to keep you cozy before or after your one-hour skating session. Ice skating Cincinnati at Fifty West Burger Bar is an experience you don’t want to miss.
Ice Rink Rules
To ensure a safe and enjoyable ice skating Cincinnati experience, Fifty West Burger Bar has set up several rules, including:
- No skating in the opposite direction
- No fast skating, weaving in & out, or figure skating “jumps”
- No food or drinks on the ice
- No skating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Winterfest at Kings Island
Winterfest at Kings Island is a winter wonderland that features the Snowflake Lake Ice Skating Rink. Located in front of the Eiffel Tower on International Street, the rink offers a majestic skating experience on a shimmering lake. Advance registration is recommended to secure your preferred time slot.
Deck the Y’alls
Deck the Y’alls Lightfest is a holiday extravaganza featuring over 2 million lights, themed areas, holiday shopping, food, a visit from Santa Claus, ice skating, carnival rides, and much more! Starting on November 24 and running through January 1, this event promises to deliver an unforgettable ice skating Cincinnati experience.
Goggin Ice Rink
Located on the Miami University campus, Goggin Ice Rink offers public ice skating for guests of all ages. General sessions are available at select times on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Northern Kentucky Ice Center
Northern Kentucky Ice Center is the only all-year indoor ice rink in Northern Kentucky. The center offers general skating lessons and figure skating lessons, and the ice is open to everyone during public skating. The center features two ice surfaces, including a full-size NHL rink and a smaller studio rink.
Sports Plus
Located in Evendale, Sports Plus is an entertainment center that offers a variety of activities in addition to ice skating. You can also enjoy basketball, volleyball, arcade games, and a rock wall here. Public skating is available at select times on Saturdays and Sundays.
Ice Skating Etiquette
While ice skating Cincinnati can be a fun and exciting activity, it’s crucial to follow some basic etiquette to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Here are some general rules:
- Always skate in the same direction as the rest of the crowd
- Respect the personal space of other skaters and keep a safe distance
- Do not stop or stand still in the middle of the rink; this is a hazard to other skaters
- If you fall, get up quickly to avoid causing a collision
Ice Skating Lessons and Classes
Many of the ice rinks in Cincinnati offer skating lessons for those who want to improve their skills. These lessons cater to different age groups and skill levels, and are usually taught by experienced coaches. Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the basics or an advanced skater aiming to perfect your technique, ice skating lessons can be a valuable addition to your ice skating Cincinnati experience.
Conclusion
Ice skating Cincinnati offers a wealth of opportunities for fun, fitness, and family bonding. Whether you prefer the cozy indoors or the exhilarating outdoors, you’re sure to find a venue that suits your preferences. So lace up your skates, hit the ice, and enjoy the magic of ice skating in Cincinnati.
