Places to Ice Skate in Charlotte

Take to the ice at one of these local ice-skating rinks.

December 19, 2019

Michele Huggins, Courtney McLaughlin,

Though life in the South doesn't provide lots of ice-covered ponds for skating, there are places to lace up skates and cut across the rink. Two indoor rinks are open year round in Charlotte, and a few others open each holiday season, mid-November through mid-January. Below are seven best bets in the Queen City for ice-skating with the kids.

1. Holiday on Ice

Located at the NASCAR Hall of Fame Plaza, corner of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Brevard Street, the rink is open during the holiday season, closing early in January each year. Skate rentals are $16, or $12 per person if you bring your own skates. Get pics with the giant polar bear and warm up with snacks and hot cocoa at the concession hut. Hours vary so check the website for times.

nascarhall.com

Holiday on Ice, Charlotte's uptown ice rink, is open through Jan. 5, 2020 for the holiday season.

2. Founders Holiday Ice Rink

The return of the ice rink in Rock Hill lends the opportunity for public skating through mid-January. The 85-foot ice rink is surrounded by holiday lights providing the perfect backdrop for a fun family night or mom-and-dad date night. See website for operating hours. Admission includes skate rental for $10. Every Wednesday is buy one, get one free night! 205 Saluda Street, Rock Hill.

Photo Mike Baker

Founder's Holiday Ice Rink is open in Old Town Rock Hill through Jan. 20, 2020.

3. Winter Wonderland South Park

This ice skating rink between South Park Mall and Symphony Park offers holiday fun on the ice from mid-November until early-January. Check the website for hours, as they change depending on the day. Admission is $12 and skates are available to rent for $5. You can also purchase a pass for unlimited skating and skate rentals for $149. Enjoy the complete Winter Wonderland experience with a pub, coffee shop with live music, special events and activities on certain nights.

Photo courtesy of Winter Wonderland

Winter Wonderland at Southpark is open through Jan. 21, 2020.

4. Carowinds Winterfest

Show off your ice skate skills on Snow Flake Lane at Carowinds Winterfest. Open through December 31, you can buy a pass for the entire Winterfest experience starting at $26 or enjoy the skating rink (complete with skate rental) for $15. 300 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273.

5. U.S. National Whitewater Center

Your favorite place to play has added ice skating to its winter line up. Take to the 600-foot ice trail or free skate on 17,000 square feet of ice on the Upper Pond of the Center. Enjoy three distinct areas and keep going all day with hot and cold beverages. Pass holders get in free or purchase a day pass ($20) which includes skate rental. In general, skating is open from noon-10 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on weekends. Always check the daily schedule for the most updated information. Parking is $6 a car without a parking pass and socks are required to skate. 5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28214.

photo courtesy of the U.S. National Whitewater Center

The family can enjoy three areas to skate including a 600-foot ice trail.

6. Extreme Ice Center

This indoor rink is open year round and offers more than just ice skating. Skate rentals are $4, and public skating is $7-$10 depending on the day of the week that you skate. Camps and classes are also available, as well as hockey and figure-skating programs. You can also purchase membership passes. Public skating times vary, so check the calendar before you go. There is also a tavern and banquet room on site when you need to re-fuel. 4705 Indian Trail-Fairview Road in Indian Trail.

7. Pineville Ice House

Public skating sessions are offered daily but vary by day, so be sure to check the website before you go. You can also find youth and adult hockey programs, figure skating instruction, a skating school, and camps and clinics at Pineville Ice House. You can rent figure or hockey skates. Public skating admission is $8 with a $2 skate rental fee. Helmets can be rented for $5. You can also take a break from the skate at the enclosed, heated bar with hot food, appetizers, beer and wine.400 Town Centre Blvd., Pineville.