There’s nothing like slipping on a fresh pair of skates and sliding out onto the ice, which you can do any time of year thanks to the multiple rinks open year-round here across Dallas-Fort Worth. See below for great spots to go ice skating with the family for open skating times, private or group lessons, and even learning to play hockey—plus, where you can experience even more winter wonderland-esque entertainment when the holiday season returns.
Year-Round Ice Skating
Ice Skate Galleria Dallas
Where: Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, Dallas
When: Open daily year-round, hours vary
Cost: $12 admission; $5 skate rental
What to know:Ice skate just for fun or join group classes at this indoor ice rink located at the Galleria’s Center Court (with a fabulous view of the Galleria’s multi-levels above). No need for reservations to skate during public hours. During the holiday season, the nation’s tallest indoor Christmas tree sitting at the center of the rink. Don’t miss some spectacular performances on ice: former Olympians and one particular backflipping Santa shooting sparks from his ice skates—he’s an annual visitor as part of holiday entertainment at the Galleria.
Learn more: galleriaiceskatingcenter.com
Children’sHealth StarCenters
When: Varies by location
Where: 8 locations across Dallas-Fort Worth: Euless, Mansfield, Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Farmers Branch, Richardson and Valley Ranch.
Cost: Public skating admission is $15; free for kids 3 and younger; skate rental is $5
What to know:Hit the ice at any one of the StarCenters across the Metroplex. Check the schedule at your preferred location for public skate times, ice skating lessons or hockey camps, and even the Dallas Stars’ Try Skating for Free Program for all ages, which gives 30 minutes of basic ice-skating instruction with trained coaches.
Learn more: nhl.com/stars/starcenters
Allen Community Ice Rink
Where:Inside Allen Event Center, 200 E. Stacy Road #1350, Allen
When: Open year-round, times vary by program. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Cost: Public skating admission is $7, plus a $3 skate rental.
What to know:Sign up your little one age 3 and older for the introductory ice-skating class. Half-hour classes are available three days per week. Learn to skate side-by-side with your little one during the family fun beginning ice skating class, and check their schedule for open skate times. On-ice harnesses are available. Ready for something more competitive? Join the hockey programs, one for youth and another for adults.
Learn more: cityofallen.org
Ice at the Parks
Where:Inside of The Parks at Arlington Mall,3815 S. Cooper St., Arlington
When: Open daily year-round, check online for open skating hours by day.
Cost: Public skating admission: $13 adults, $11 children 6–13, free for ages 5 and younger. $5 for the skate rental.
What to know:This ice rink inside the Parks at Arlington mall offers public skating, and for kids who are intent on learning how to skate, offers weekly lessons for kids as young as 3, held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Learn more: iceattheparks.net
NYTEX Sports Centre
Where:8851 Ice House Drive, North Richland Hills
When: Open year-round, times vary by day
Cost: Prices vary. Come on Friday nights for $15 admission and $5 for skate rentals.
What to know:The home of the Lone Star Brahmas hockey team also offers learn-to-skate lessons for children 3 and up. If your child aspires to compete, figure skating and hockey courses are available for kids starting at age 6. Check the schedule for open skate times.
Learn more: nytexsports.com
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Seasonal Ice Rinks
Note: These are all dates from the 2023 holiday season. Check back later in the year when exact dates for the 2024 rinks have been announced.
StockyardsRodeo Rink
Where: Livestock Exchange Building, 131 E Exchange Avenue, Fort Worth
When: November 20, 2023 – January 7, 2024
Cost: Admission includes skate rental: $25 adults, $20 children 3–12, $80 for family four-pack
What to know: Fort Worth Stockyards and Mule Alley, in partnership with Hotel Drover, are gearing up to launch the second annual Stockyards Rodeo Rink, a professional ice skating rink spanning more than 4,000-square-foot and fire pits to keep warm. Stay tuned for more programming as it’s announced. Last year, this winter wonderland included festive programming, such as photos with Cowboy Santa, live music, a (hot) Cocoa Corral and picnic area, and of course, a holiday lights display and Christmas tree.
Learn more: fortworthstockyards.com
Peace Plaza Ice Rink
Where:Historic Downtown Grapevine
When: November 20, 2023–January 7, 2024 (Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day)
Cost: $20 admission for all ages, includes skate rental.
What to know: Also returning for a second year, the Christmas Capital of Texas enhances its merrymaking this season by hosting its outdoor ice rink on Historic Main Street. The 4,500-square-foot open air rink, located in front of the Grapevine Main Station (home to the Harvest Hall food hall), will be made with real ice and have its own adjacent concession area. Come see it on opening day when you come for the Carol of Lights event.
Learn more: grapevinetexasusa.com
Christmas at Gaylord Texan
Where: Gaylord Texan, 1501 Gaylord Trail, Grapevine
When: November 10 – December 31, 2023
Cost:Ice skating tickets (admission and skate rentals) are $22.99 per person; prices vary for other winter activities
What to know:Skate the 6,000-square-foot rink made with real ice, but save your energy because this is far from the only winter recreation activity at the Gaylord: snow tubing, building your own snowman, and Santa’s snow throw. Make the day of it by booking tickets too for the Gaylord’s showstopper attraction: the new ICE! exhibit featuring How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Learn more: christmasatgaylordtexan.com
Skate the Square
Where: Frisco Square, 8843 Coleman Blvd., Frisco
When: November 18, 2023 – January 8, 2024. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
Cost: $20 per person, with or without skates rentals. No charge for onlookers.
What to know:Christmas in the Square returns with a real ice skating rink, located on the corner of Main and Coleman. Come anytime during open hours and don’t miss Frisco Square’s other holiday festivities: Santa meet and greets, carriage rides, even a Christmas tree lot. Toy donationsfor military families accepted.
Learn more: friscosquare.com
Christmas in the Branch
Where: Outside theChildren’s Health Star Center,12700 N Stemmons Freeway, Farmers Branch
When: November 25, 2022 – January 3, 2023
Cost:$5 for skate rental. Admission is $10 per session; under 4 free. Look online for discounts during promotional nights.
What to know:Ice skate at the outdoor rink, opening the day after Thanksgiving, and come back for the Christmas tree lighting with Santa on Saturdays in December, featuring Santa’s Village and kids activities.
Learn more: christmasinthebranch.com
Note: In case you’re wondering, Frozen in Frisco is not returning for the 2023 season, and their drive-thru lights show Radiance is exclusively in Weatherford this year. Also, Christmas in the branch won’t be bringing back its outdoor skating rink this year, but just a few steps next door, you can skate inside the StarCenter, where the Dallas Stars hockey team practices. See more below for details.
RELATED: How to Start New Holiday Traditions
Top photo courtesy of Galleria Dallas
