Olympic fever has struck. Speed Skaters Shani Davis and Maame Biney, Figure Skaters Nathan Chen and the Shibutanis, and the US Men's and Women's Hockey Teams may have given you a hankering to get on the ice and learn a sport, how to skate for the first time, or it has inspired you to bring your significant other on an ice skating date. Here are the top rinks from around Rhode Island. All of these rinks have public ice times and many offer leagues, classes, or a chance to simply watch some local sports. Click their names for links to see their times, scheduling, and what each rink brings to the table.
Alex and Ani Skating Rink
2 Kennedy Plaza, Providence, RI 02903
Photo Courtesy of TheProvidenceRink.com
Possibly the most well-known skating rink in Rhode Island is the Alex and Ani Skating Rink in Downtown Providence. This rink tries to bring the feel of Rockefeller Center with a Rhode Island twist. The Alex and Ani Center hosts tree lightings and plenty of events under the Providence Skyline and recently added ice bumper cars.
Cranston Veterans Memorial Rink
900 Phenix Ave, Cranston, RI 02921
This indoor rink is located in Cranston at the end of 37 West and hosts skating lessons along with youth and Men’s hockey leagues. It also has plenty of open skates along with the Friday Night Rock N’ Skate and a snack bar. A pro shop run by Bennett Sports resides inside Veteran Memorial Rink and offers hockey equipment and supplies.
Newport Skating Center
4 Commercial Wharf, Newport, RI 02840
Photo Courtesy of NewportSkatingCenter.com
Outside by the water in the heart of charming Downtown Newport is this outdoor skating rink. After the yearly grand opening and tree lighting, the skating center offers a bevy of daily and nightly events. Enjoy the holidays in Newport and breathe in the air off the bay.
June Rockwell Levy Rink
425 East Ave, Burrillville, RI 02830
Located at Burrillville High School this rink is open on Sundays from 11 until 11:50 for open skating. Aside from that, you can catch Men’s League and High School hockey games here. This rink is run by the school department and is perfect for a family activity.
Smithfield Municipal Ice Rink
101 Pleasant View Ave, Smithfield, RI 02917
The Smithfield Rink is on Pleasant View Avenue right by the Middle School and Senior High School. The rink offers public times for both skating and hockey and even provides Goalies. This is a wonderful setting for group events and lessons.
Bradford R Boss Ice Arena
1 Keaney Rd, Kingston, RI 02881
Boss Ice Arena is the rink at the University of Rhode Island. Come catch Men and Women’s Ice Hockey games at the collegiate, high school, and youth levels. Boss Ice Arena is available for birthday parties, office parties, and other private gatherings.
Dennis M Lynch Arena
25 Andrew D Ferland Way, Pawtucket, RI 02904
The Dennis M Lynch Arena in Pawtucket is open year-round and offers public skating time, hosts leagues, and provides refreshments at their snack bar. You can even host a hockey tournament there. It is right off Exchange Street and conveniently located close to I-95.
Thayer Arena
975 Sandy Ln, Warwick, RI 02889
The Thayer Arena offers year-round skating opportunities with free skating all weekend and skating lessons. Warwick Figure Skaters and Warwick Junior Hockey both hold events here. Thayer Arena also offers school day rentals and is located at the Mickey Stevens Sports Complex right on Sandy Lane in Warwick.
Washington Trust Community Skating Center
61 Main St, Westerly, RI 02891
Photo Courtesy of WesterlyLandTrust.org
The Washington Trust Community Skating Center is open for Y members and the public and offers plenty of activities including curling and sled hockey. Hockey and skating lessons, as well as skate sharpening, are also available. The facilities are located in Westerly right by the Connecticut line, just 10 minutes from the ocean.
Have a safe time out there and if you think the weather is not right to go out and you want to stay in check out our Top Board Games and Escape Room blog posts to find some great indoor activities. If you know any other good spots to skate like a local pond let us know in the comments. Let us know of any other good activities you know of from around Rhode Island or anything you would like to see here on this blog.
