13 Great Skating Venues Around the Bay
ICE SKATING WILL BE MEMORABLE for the kids or a great way to revisit your own childhood. You can even romance you know who with a spin on a Bay Area ice skating rink. Skating rinks options include scenic views and range in size from Olympic size to private with premiere amenities. Skates are either complimentary or available for rent at all of the rinks. Check websites prior to pre-purchase tickets.
East Bay
Walnut Creek on Ice, Walnut Creek
Great for children of all ages and levels, Walnut Creek Ice Rink is a smaller family rink decorated with festive lights and holiday decorations. Opens Dec. 9th and runs through Jan. 16, 2032, but is subject to private events so check if open before heading to the rink; 1375 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek, www.walnutcreekonice.com
Oakland Ice Center, Oakland
Operated by the San Jose Sharks, this indoor rink accommodates everyone from hockey players to recreational skaters. Enjoy Holiday Ice with special events such as Skate a Holiday, 12/18 and Ugly Sweater Skate 12/20 & 12/21; 519 18th St., Oakland, www.oaklandice.com
Solar 4 America Ice, Fremont
Operated by the San Jose Sharks, this indoor rink accommodates everyone from hockey players to recreational skaters. Runs year-round; 44388 Old Warm Springs Blvd., Fremont, www.solar4americaice.com
Iceland, Dublin
Seasoned skaters and amateurs will both appreciate the well-maintained, well-lit rink here home to the Tri-Valley Minor Hockey teams, the Blue Devils! If you’re seeking a fun outing the whole family can enjoy, head over to Iceland and enjoy a night of skating, broomball and fun. Runs year-round; 7212 San Ramon Rd., Dublin, www.dublinice.com
Ice on the Veranda, Concord
Glide on this pop-up, 3,500 square foot ice rink at the Veranda from November 5 through February 14th, 2023. Pre-purchasing tickets is strongly recommended, skate rental is included in the price of admission; The Veranda Center (near the cinema), 2001-2003 Diamond Blvd, Concord, www.shoptheveranda.com/ice
Kristie Yamaguchi Holiday Ice Rink, San Ramon
This seasonal outdoor skating rink is located at the southeast corner of City Center Bishop Ranch. Open daily from November 11 through January 8, 2023. Family Skate Sessions available Monday – Friday noon to 1:30. Pre-purchasing tickets online is strongly recommended; City Center Bishop Ranch, located at the corner of Bollinger Canyon and Camino Canyon, San Ramon, www.citycenterbishopranch.com/ice_rink_open
San Francisco and North Bay
Yerba Buena Ice Rink, San Francisco
Yerba Buena Ice Skating Center is San Francisco’s only year-round, full-service ice-skating facility; open daily, including holidays, with public skating available almost every day of the year. Runs year-round; 750 Folsom St., San Francisco, www.skatebowl.com
Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square, San Francisco
A San Francisco holiday tradition in the heart of Union Square, this location offers fun-seekers of all ages a magical adventure. From families to friends and couples to colleagues, everyone can enjoy ice skating in San Francisco’s iconic plaza surrounded by festive lights and the sights and sounds of the season. Novices and naturals alike will love the outdoor ice-skating experience in the middle of beautiful San Francisco. Runs through Jan. 16, 2023; Union Square, www.unionsquareicerink.com
Snoopy’s Home Ice: The Redwood Empire Ice Arena, Santa Rosa
Peanuts fans and ice skaters unite. The magical Redwood Empire Ice Arena is tucked away in Santa Rosa’s Redwood Forest and home to all things Snoopy. Styled after Swiss chalets, the rink is accompanied by the Warm Puppy Café and Snoopy’s Gallery & Gift Shop. Runs year-round; 1667 W. Steele Lane, Santa Rosa, www.snoopyshomeice.com
Peninsula and South Bay
San Mateo on Ice, San Mateo
San Mateo on Ice will open daily (including holidays) to the public. The outdoor ice rink features 11,000 square feet of REAL ice. Skaters will be able to skate in the sunshine during the day and under the stars at night. Runs through Jan. 8, 2023; Central Park 50 East, Fifth Avenue San Mateo, onicerinks.com/san-mateo-home
Nazareth Ice Oasis, San Mateo
This year-round indoor rink is open daily at set times to the public. The rink hosts several hockey games, broomball and figure skating sessions so check the website for the schedule. Reservations are strongly recommended. 2202 Bridgepointe Pkwy, San Mateo, www.nazarethice.com
Winter Lodge, Palo Alto
Beginners have no fear: safety is important here, with gloves and helmets recommended for all skaters, on-ice “guards” waiting nearby to help fallen children, and ice resurfaced every hour so the rink remains smooth all day long. A warm fireplace, a vending machine that sells hot chocolate and a giant Christmas tree in the middle of the ice give this arena a festive feel. Runs through April 8, 2023, check website for Family Sessions, reservations required; 3009 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, winterlodge.com
WinterFest, Santa Clara
Skate in front of the Columbia carousel and enjoy holiday cheer as Great America is magically transformed into a winter wonderland and holiday festival.Park ticket purchase required. Select nights through Jan. 1, 2023; California’s Great America, 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, www.greatamerica.com/events/winterfest
How to Teach a Child to Ice Skate
