Whether you’re just learning to tiptoe out onto the ice or the next Tara Lipinski, ice skating is a great way to keep warm and active during the winter months (or really any time of the year!). So bundle up and get out on the ice this winter at one of these family-oriented local slabs of ice in (or near) Bucks County. 

Bucks County Ice Sports Center

1185 York Road, Warminster

This local favorite owned by Black Bear Sports Group is open seven days a week, though their Public Skates currently only run Fridays from 8-10 pm and Saturdays from 9-10:30 pm. Admission to their Public Skate costs $16.00 and skate rentals are complimentary, or you can bring your own. Ice schedule changes regularly so be sure to give the rink a call before you go. 

Grundy Ice Arena

475 Beaver Street, Bristol

With its close proximity to water, families have been ice skating in Bristol for generations. Grundy Ice Arena features two indoor rinks and plenty of stadium seating. They also offer a variety of hockey and skating programs along with birthday party packages, fundraising programs, group events and more. Note that for the 2023 season, there is no Public Skate December 8 or January 14.  

Hatfield Ice Arena

350 County Line Road, Colmar

Right on the cusp of Bucks County off County Line Road, Hatfield Ice has been welcoming recreational skaters, hockey players and figure skaters of the Buxmont area for generations now. Presently the Grundy Recreation Center provides a perfect setting for recreational ice skating and for organized hockey teams to practice and compete. New this year is their Reindeer Games on Christmas Eve so be sure to check those out!

Independence Blue Cross RiverRink

101 South Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia

For more than 30 seasons, the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink has been Philadelphia’s favorite winter tradition on the Delaware River Waterfront, Come ice skate under thousands of sparkling lights in a winter wonderland with spectacular views of the Delaware River. In addition to ice skating on their NHL-sized rink, cozy up in comforting warming cabins, fire pit stations, boardwalk rides and games for the young and young-at-heart, delicious food and hot beverages, and the signature holiday tree. The site is free to enter and open to the public seven days a week.

Neshaminy Creek

Tyler State Park, 101 Swamp Road, Newtown

When the weather is just right, Neshaminy Creek in Tyler State Park freezes over and ice-skating is permitted near the boathouse warming area. This may be of interest to more seasoned skaters as ice thickness is not monitored, so definitely take precautions if you do venture out. 

Lake Nockamixon

1542 Mountain View Drive, Quakertown

For the outdoor adventure seekers! Just like at Neshaminy Creek, when conditions are suitable at Lake Nockamixon (Bucks County’s largest lake) skating is permitted on the frozen lake surface. Ice thickness can be tested using an auger and should measure at least 4 inches for a single person and 7 inches for a small group. Venturing out on your own is not advisable, so bring a friend for both fun and safety.

Revolution Ice Gardens

1621 Mearns Road, Warminster

Sister arena to Bucks County Ice, The Revolution Ice Gardens is a full-service, 2-sheet ice arena located in Warminster committed to developing Hockey Players and Figure Skaters from their first steps on the ice. Here you’ll find public skate sessions, ice hockey, and learn-to-skate lessons, plus a pro shop and even a party room to throw your tween’s birthday bonanza. 

What’s your strategy for helping kids learn to ice-skate without breaking your back? Parents asked local experts and here are their tips:

1. Dress for success. Success on the ice starts before you leave the house. Make sure kids are wearing tall, lightweight socks, and layers of lightweight, warm clothes. But don’t layer the socks. Also: Don’t wear jeans because they restrict movement. Choices like sweatpants or leggings are better.
2. Get the right fit. Rental ice skates are usually available for children as young as age 3.
3. Learn the basics off the rink – Once kids are laced up, they can practice basic ice-skating skills before they get on the ice — a strategy many instructors use with beginners. Step one is to march in small steps instead of walk.
4. Learn to fall- Before they’re on the ice, kids can also learn how to fall down and get up.
5. Kids will get frustrated, and that’s okay. You can tell kids that everybody falls, even professional skaters, and it’s part of the learning process. 
6. Build to a glide – Kids should continue to march on the ice instead of walking, and eventually they will build to a glide. Skating instructors often encourage kids to switch from loud feet (marching) to quiet feet (keeping them still, which facilitates a glide).
7. Be safe – All ice-skating instructors agree: Don’t ever carry your child on the ice. Also never walk on the ice in street shoes, thinking you can provide support to your child without your own skates on (pro tip: you can’t). And although ice-skating rinks don’t always require it, it’s a good idea for kids to wear helmets to protect their noggins. A regular bicycle helmet works just fine.
8. Consider a class – Many Bucks County-area ice rinks offer ice-skating group lessons for kids ages 3 and older. Check for starter lessons or multi-week series lessons.
9. Don’t push it – Some children will be ready to start ice skating as soon as they are big enough to fit in the boots, but others may have better luck waiting until they’re school-age. Be patient, have fun and remember the power of that cup of hot cocoa!

Photo Courtesy of Hatfield Ice