Where to Ice Skate Around Arlington

Here are 11 spots to test out your triple lutz, go for a spin with the kiddos, or upgrade date night. ⛸

Ice skating—a chance to have a little fun and savor the experience of getting back on your feet after you’ve been knocked down. There are plenty of indoor and outdoor rinks where you can go ice skating in the Arlington area, some of which will keep the Zamboni going beyond the holiday season and even year-round. So go grab some long socks, pull on an extra sweater or two, and get out on the ice.

Gaylord National Ice Skating

Daily thru Dec. 31 | 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

As part of its slew of Christmas events and activities, Gaylord National is offering daily ice skating at its Winter Square through December. For an additional charge, try out other arctic activities, such as Snow Flow Mountain or ice bumper cars. // Purchase tickets in advance. Admission costs $16.99, and includes skate rental. Gaylord National Harbor, Winter Square, 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor

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Ice & Lights: The Winter Village at Cameron Run

Daily through Jan. 2 | 5-10 p.m.

Weekends and holidays through Feb. 27 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Before or after you take a turn on this outdoor rink, wander through the winter village. There, you’ll find light displays, a sing-to-me interactive tree and plenty of snacks (did someone say Dippin’ Dots?). // Purchase tickets in advance. Now-Jan. 2: $22.03 for village plus skating admission and skate rental. Jan. 8-Feb. 27: $14.07 for admission and skate rental. Cameron Run Regional Park, 4001 Eisenhower Ave., Alexandria

Enchant

Daily through Jan. 2 | Entry times start at 4:30 p.m.

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At this baseball stadium-turned-magical forest, you can stroll on foot past all the twinkling lights and sky-high sculptures. Or, you can don a pair of skates and take in the sights with some speed as you sail down the ice skating trail. When you wrap up, don’t forget to stop by the the Enchant village for sustenance and souvenirs. // Tickets to Enchant cost $29-$39 for ages 3+ (free for 2 and under). Skating admission and skate rental is an additional $10. Nationals Park, 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C.

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At Ice & Lights in Alexandria, pair some skating with a walk through a winter village of frosty fun. (Photo courtesy of NOVA Parks)

The Wharf Ice Rink

Open through Feb. 22 | Wednesday-Friday: 4-10 p.m.; Saturday: Noon-10 p.m.; Sunday: Noon-8 p.m.; plus holiday hours

You haven’t ice skated until you’ve ice-skated on a rink of frozen water that rests atop a body of moving water. At the Wharf Ice Rink, contemplate the molecular structure of H20 while taking in a view of D.C.’s monuments and the Southwest waterfront. And if you hit the ice on a weekend afternoon or evening, stop by Camp Wharf for some post-skate s’mores.// Admission costs $12 (ages 13+), $9 (12 and under), $2. Discount on Wednesdays and Thursdays for active military, seniors, first responders and health care workers with ID. Skate rental costs $6. 970 Wharf St. SW, Washington, D.C.

The Sculpture Garden Ice Rink

Daily through March 6 | Sunday-Thursday: 11 am.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

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Take not one but two 45-minute whirls around this rink outside the National Gallery of Art, as a pair of sessions is included with your admission. And though you may get tired, there are plenty of visual distractions, with sculptures from Alexander Calder, Roy Lichtenstein and Louise Bourgeois to keep you company. When you’re tuckered out, revive with a hot chocolate or mulled wine from the Pavilion Cafe. // Admission costs $10 (ages 13+), $9 (12 and under, 60+, military servicemembers, students with valid ID). Skate rental costs $5. National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, 7th Street and Constitution Avenue, Washington, D.C.

Reston Town Center Ice Skating Pavilion

Daily through March 13 | Monday-Thursday: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

This polar pavilion glows at night with strings of lights overhead and a view of the stars. And if you’re looking for some holiday-related entertainment, Reston Town Center has plenty of it. Take a tiny train ride, go for a spin in a horse-drawn carriage or bop to live music. // Reservations recommended. Admission costs $10 (ages 13+), $9 (12 and under, seniors and military). Skate rental costs $7. 1818 Discovery St., Reston

Washington Harbour Ice Rink

Daily through March 13 | Sunday-Thursday: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., plus holiday hours

This spacious outdoor rink sits along the Potomac in Georgetown, affording incredible views of the water (and, of course, Arlington across the way) and proximity to scores of shops and restaurants. // Reservations recommended. Admission costs $10 (ages 13+), $9 (12 and under, seniors, military). Skate rental costs $7. 3050 K St. NW, Washington, D.C.

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There is plenty of space to try out that double axel at the Westpost rink, plus a double-sided outdoor fire place for taking a breather. (Photo courtesy of Bryton Pence)

Westpost Outdoor Ice Skating

Daily through March | Hours vary

After a 2013 renovation, the Westpost ice skating rink expanded in size by 50 percent; at 6,840 square feet, the rink claims to be the largest outdoor rink in Northern Virginia. When you need a break from all that whizzing around, warm up near their two-sided outdoor fireplace. // Purchase tickets in advance. Admission costs $11 (ages 13+), $10 (12 and under, seniors). Skates $5. 1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington

Fairfax Ice Arena

Daily | Hours vary

This nearly 50-year-old indoor rink welcomes skaters year-round, including figure skating pros and amateurs. If you want to see how it’s done, attend an ice show or consider signing your kiddo up for a skating camp. // Admission costs $8.25 (weekdays), $9.50 (weekends and holidays). Skate rental costs $4. 3779 Pickett Road, Fairfax

Mount Vernon Rec Center Ice Arena

Daily | Hours vary

This indoor arena managed by Fairfax County has what you need for a morning, afternoon or evening of frigid fun, including a “warming room” and skate-sharpening service.// Admission costs $7 (ages 19+), $5.50 (ages 5-18 and 65+), free (4 and under). Skate rental costs $3.50. 2017 Belle View Blvd., Alexandria

MedStar Capitals IcePlex

Daily | Hours vary

The Washington Capitals practice arena and Best of Arlington winner has two indoor rinks. In addition to free skating, the arena offers plenty of active entertainment for skaters of all ages, including stick-n-shoot hockey and figure-skating lessons. // Admission costs $15 (includes skate rental). 627 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800, Arlington

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