6 Ice Skating Rinks in Rhode Island
Here's where to skate safely at rinks all over the state.
The Providence Rink. Courtesy Go Providence
The snowy season is upon us and with its icy disposition comes the classic winter activity of ice skating. In the past we may have skated on frozen-over ponds or lakes, but now we can skate safely at rinks and arenas all over Rhode Island.
The Bank Newport City Center – Providence Rink
Visit the Providence Rink for ice skating, ice bumper cars and skating lessons. The rink is open for skating daily from 10 a.m.–10 p.m. with bumper cars available Mondays through Fridays from 4–8 p.m. and Sat.-Sun. from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. now through mid-March. Skating reservations are recommended due to high volume. Tickets cost $7 for adults and $4 for seniors, children and members of the military. College students receive a $2 discount. For those who decide to use their lunch hour to skate, you receive $2 off adult admission. Grab your skates from the skate rental room under the tunnel and get your tickets at the entry. For more information, visit the website or call 401-680-7390.
The town of Smithfield’s Municipal Ice Rink offers public skating is open Tuesday and Friday from noon–1:30 p.m. for $5 per person and offers skate rentals for $5. For more advanced skaters, public freestyle skating Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3–5 p.m. for $10 for a half-hour, $15 for one hour and $25 for two hours. There’s also public hockey Monday and Thursday from 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. For more information, call 401-233-1051 ext. 3 or visit the website.
Washington Trust Community Skating Center
This 12,000-square-foot rink is located in the heart of downtown Westerly. Skating costs between $5 and $9, depending on membership, skate rentals cost $6 and skate sharpening for $7. The rink follows a schedule that allows skate lessons and hockey players to have their own time on the ice. Check out the schedule online for daily public skate times.
Newport Harbor Island Resort Ice Rink
Formerly the notable Gurney’s Newport Resort and Marina, Newport Harbor Island has taken over the waterside outdoor rink that transforms the North Lawn into a winter wonderland. Bundle up, as the rink is completely exposed to the chilly offshore breeze, but you can’t beat the beautiful sunset views. The rink is open Monday through Friday from 3 to 9 p.m. and weekends and holidays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Skate times are available for two-hour increments (but hotel guests get unlimited skate time). Adults $15, children twelve and under, seniors and military $8. Rentals are $12 and skate aid rentals (don’t be ashamed, everyone needs a penguin walker) are $15. Be sure to stick around for $2 off admission on family night Wednesdays, college night Thursdays and after work hours from 4 to 6 p.m. on weekdays. For more information, visit the website.
Cranston Veterans Memorial Ice Rink
If you’ve got some downtime during the day, head on over to the Cranston Veterans Memorial Ice Rink. Public skating is offered daily around lunch time, check online for weekly schedules. Or, gather your friends together for Rock’n Skate on Friday evenings from 8:10 p.m.–10 p.m. and experience retro lights and music as you glide. Rentals are $10.
Skate into the weekend at Thayer Arena in Warwick. Public skating is open in the evenings on Fridays and Saturdays from 4–6 p.m. and the early afternoon on Sundays from 12:50 p.m.–2:30 p.m. Admission is $5, child five and under are free. Rentals are available across the street at Sandy Lane Sports. Be sure to check online for weekly schedules.
