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The end of sunny days doesn’t mean the end of outdoor fun. With falling temperatures comes the thrill of gliding on ice while balancing on a pair of sharp blades, or as we officially call it, ice skating. Whether your idea of a vacation is exploring the big city, relaxing by the shore or hiking into the wilderness, make ice skating part of your family’s next winter adventure at one of these amazing rinks. And no need to worry about packing skates—all of these rinks offer rentals on-site.
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Rockefeller Center: New York, NY

The ice skating rink at Rockefeller Plaza.
Ice skating venues don’t get more glamorous than The Rink at New York City’s Rockefeller Center, which has had cameos in beloved holiday movies like Elf and Home Alone 2: Lost In New York. Whether it’s your first visit to the Big Apple or your fifteenth, you won’t want to leave before taking a few turns on the ice below the world’s most hyped-up Christmas tree.
Stay: The Warwick New York is a seven-minute walk from Rockefeller Center along iconic 6th Avenue. As an added perk, it’s also steps away from the Museum of Modern Art.
Maggie Daley Park Ice Skating Ribbon: Chicago, IL
While the McCormick Tribune Plaza Ice Rink at Chicago’s Millennium Park is very popular, it’s a traditional rink, meaning you’ll be skating along the perimeter. For a less conventional experience, head to the Ice Skating Ribbon at nearby Maggie Daley Park, which is twice the length of a lap around a typical urban skating rink. Stunning views of the Chicago skyline are another plus.
Stay: Breakfast is included at the Hampton Inn Majestic Chicago Theater District, a nine-minute walk from the ribbon.
Boston Common Frog Pond: Boston, MA
You won’t run into any amphibians at the Boston Common Frog Pond, but in winter, you will find one of the most visited ice-skating rinks in the Northeast. Boston Common is a National Historic Landmark–it’s the oldest public park in the country—and it’s located near many of Boston’s top tourist attractions, including many of the historic Revolutionary War sites that make up the city’s famous Freedom Trail.
Stay: The Godfrey Hotel Boston is a short walk from Boston Common and also within a mile of many of downtown Boston’s major attractions, including the New England Aquarium.
National Gallery of Art: Washington, D.C.
Take a break from sightseeing along D.C.’s National Mall with some skating time at the National Gallery of Art, located just in front of the National Archives building. The museum’s rink is set up in the gallery’s sculpture garden, which houses contemporary art. Warm up afterwards with hot chocolate from the Pavilion Café.
Stay: Fuel up with free breakfast at the Hyatt Place Washington DC/National Mall. The popular Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is within a 10-minute walk.
Curry Village Ice Rink: Yosemite, CA
The nature lover in you will relish a spin on the ice at Curry Village Ice Park, located inside Yosemite National Park. Try to stay out of the way of other skaters while snapping photos with park icon Half Dome in the background.
Stay: The Yosemite Valley Lodge inside the park is centrally located and just a short drive from Curry Village.
Hotel del Coronado: San Diego, CA
Don’t think palm trees and ice skating go together? Think again. Come winter, San Diego’s iconic Hotel del Coronado sets up an oceanfront ice skating rink where you can glide away while gazing out at the gentle waves of the Pacific. Skate rental is included in the fee.
Stay: Located on one of the most renowned beaches in the world, the historic Hotel del Coronado resort is a hit year-around.
Place d’Youville: Québec City, Canada

Lace up, bundle up and have fun!
The historic fortifications of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with major European vibes, offer a magical setting for ice skating. During the holiday season, visit this public rink at night to skate under the glow of hundreds of festive lights.
Stay: A night at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, the imposing structure that dominates the skyline of Old Québec, is worth every penny. After skating, enjoy the indoor pool.
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