Where to Find Seattle’s Coolest Ice Skating Rinks This Winter

Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink

Get ready for the return of the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink now in its 24th season. This perennial event, presented by Symetra, opened Saturday, Nov. 19 and runs through January 9, 2022. A signature element of Bellevue's Season of Cheer, the Downtown Ice Rink features the region’s largest seasonal skating experience–with more than 9,000 square feet of real ice. The best part? The rink is covered and open-air, allowing for safe, all-weather skating. Other highlights include a heated viewing area, on-site concessions and a series of special events throughout the holiday season, like Football Sundays and an Apple Cup Skate Night the day after Thanksgiving.

Advance tickets are a must to reserve your ice skating session (especially on busy weekends and holidays) and ticket prices are included in the admission price. Families can find free parking (for up to three hours) at two Bellevue Downtown Park parking lots; limited on-street parking is also available. 

Holiday Highlight: The free skating lessons offered this season are a big perk for families with first-time or novice skaters. Offered on select dates, starting Nov. 23, it's a great opportunity to have a coach guide you through the ropes or in this case glides.

Dates: Nov. 19, 2021-Jan. 9, 2022

Hours: Schedule varies by day. 

Admission: $13/person on weekdays (Mon.-Thu.), not valid Dec. 17-Jan. 3; $15/person on weekends (Fri.-Sun.) & holidays; $99/season pass

Downtown Bellevue Park
100 100th Ave. N.E.
Bellevue, WA 98004
Event details

Holiday Magic Ice Skating Rink

Add Holiday Magic to your winter when you bring the family to this pop-up, outdoor ice skating rink that's part of the wintery experience at the state fairgrounds. Holiday music will be piped in for your enjoyment as you work on your crossovers and spins. You'll need admission to Holiday Magic to access the rink and advanced tickets for skating, that are date specific. Skate rental are included in the price but you bring the warm hat and fuzzy mittens. Sounds fair to us!

Good to know: Kids must be at least 2 to skate.

Dates: Dec. 10-12, 17-23 & 26-31, 2021

Hours: 5-10 p.m.

Admission: $8/person, online; $10/person, on-site

Washington State Fairgrounds
110 9th Ave. S.W.
Puyallup, WA
Event details

Oly on Ice

Families living in the South Sound can skate their holiday cares away on the popular Oly on Ice rink. This beloved pop-up rink returned on Nov. 19 to Isthmus Park in downtown Olympia. With low prices starting at just $3 and cheap skate days, you can see why this rink is a family fave. Purchase your tickets in advance online to reserve your spot. Free public parking is available at the two lots to the immediate east and west of the ice rink. Free street parking can be found along Capitol Lake. During evening and weekend hours, additional free parking is available at all City of Olympia managed lots and metered spots. There are also pay-to-park lots neighboring the rink.

Dates: Nov. 19, 2021-Jan. 17, 2022

Hours: Varies. View the schedule online.

Admission: $12/person (ages 4 & up); $3/person (ages 3 & under). Cheap skate days ($8) take place on Mondays and Tuesdays except December 20-30 and January 17. $89/Season pass

Isthmus Park
529 4th Ave. W.
Olympia, WA 98501
Event details

Kraken Community Iceplex

Seattle's newest kid on the block, the Kraken Community Iceplex is a winner with families. Not only can you and the kids find skating lessons for everyone (you too, parents!) and birthday bash packages here, but the daily public skate sessions are a great way to engage in your new favorite pastime. Saving a spot is easy to do (and highly recommended for popular days like weekends and school holidays). Then it's as simple as showing up a bit early to rent skates before hitting the ice. When you're done, head to the newly opened 32 Bar & Grill to warm up with poutine or maybe a fresh salad. The kids menu is dead on for reliable faves. And families can always grab a cup of the good stuff or hot cocoa for the kids at the Starbucks, if you're pressed for time.

Insider tip: If you can't be at the game, try the second best seat in the house—the Iceplex—to watch the Kraken play on game night.

Holiday Highlight: Expect more than a few holiday-themed skate sessions at this hot, new family venue. You'll find the latest and be able to book a session through the website.

Dates & Hours: Public skate sessions are offered daily at various times. 

Admission: $15/person; Free, kids 3 & under. Skate rentals are $5 and skate aids are $7. 

10601 5th Ave. N.E.
Seattle, WA
206-279-7770
Online: krakencommunityiceplex.com

Sno-King Ice Arenas

Sno-King Ice Arenas now has three locations and all are open for public skating year-round. Public skating times at each rink varies from day to day and week to week. Be sure to check the online schedule and reserve your spot (a must) to make your family skating plans. The price doesn't include skate rental, but everything you need to glide into the winter season is available to rent there, including skate rentals, walkers and seals. In addition to public skate, you can sign your kids up for ice hockey or figure skating lessons or throw a birthday bash for a small group of friends.

Holiday Highlight: Sno-King offers holiday hockey camps at all three locations for kids who want to rule the ice. And Holiday Skate sessions start December 18.

Dates & Hours: You'll find Renton’s daily schedule and rates online; click here for Kirkland’s daily schedule and rates. Be sure to check the daily schedule for holiday hours and special events.

Admission: $12/Adults & Kids (6 & up); $5/Tots (5 & under) Skate rentals are $4/session. Walker rental is $5/session. Seal rentals are $8/session. Punch cards available starting at $110.

Sno-King Ice Arena Renton
12620 164th Ave. S.E.
Renton, WA 98059
425-254-8750
Online: snokingrenton.com

Sno-King Ice Arena Kirkland
14326 124th Ave. N.E.
Kirkland WA 98034
425-821-7133
Online: snokingkirkland.com

Sno-King Ice Arena Snoqualmie
35323 S.E. Douglas St.
Snoqualmie, WA
425-254-8750
Online: snokingsnoqualmie.com

Highland Ice Arena – Shoreline

Highland Ice Arena is a tried-and-true arena open year-round for big (and little) wobbly legs. The place might not be particularly fancy, but the staff is friendly, the rink is big and the ice is good enough for newbie skaters. Weekday morning sessions are generally crowd-free, with a few talented skaters spinning and jumping on the ice for your viewing pleasure. Skating reservations are broken out into 90-minute sessions, and booking online before you go is recommended. They are open daily and taking reservations for Rink 1 all season long. 

Admission: $6/person; Free, ages 5 & under

18005 Aurora Ave. N.
Shoreline, WA 98133
206-546-2431
Online: highlandice.com 

Lynnwood Ice Center

More serious skaters should head a little further up I-5 to the Lynnwood Ice Center. Skating lessons begin at age three and skate rentals are available for tiny toddler size 6 feet all the way up to men's size 14. The rink does tend to be a bit on the cold side–it is an ice rink after all! Those parents who will be sitting on the concrete stands will want to bring a blanket to stay warm. Weekday sessions usually aren’t all that busy, but tickets are still required in advance, as the front desk isn unable to take payments. 

Dates & Hours: Public sessions are available seven days a week but the schedule varies.

Admission: $8/Adults; $7/Kids (ages 4-12) & Seniors; Free, 5 & under; skate rentals $4.

19803 68th Ave. W.
Lynnwood, WA 98036
425-640-9999
Online: lynnwoodicecenter.com

Kent Valley Ice Centre

The Kent Valley Ice Centre is a nice option for families in the South Sound. With over 66,000 square-feet of ice and fun features like an epic sound system and black light skate nights, you can skate your way to family fun any time of year. This rink rents skates for $5 in sizes as small as a toddler 6, plus kids ages 3 & under skate for free. Helmets are also available for a $2 rental fee and walkers are just $5 for little learners. For those with thin blood, the cafe serves up all your favorite hot foods and beverages and is a welcome respite from the cold concrete seats at the rink. Need a break from the ice? The putt putt course out front and batting cages around the side are also fun and not terribly crowded.

Dates & Hours: Public skate sessions vary so check the schedule online and remember to reserve your spot in advance.

Admission: $18/Person; Free, ages 3 & under. Skate and walker rentals are $5. Helmets are $2.

6015 S. 240 St.
Kent, WA 98032
253-850-2400
Online: kentvalleyicecentre.net

Sprinker Recreation Center - Tacoma

Although it's a bit of a drive, Sprinker Recreation Center in Tacoma is going all out for the winter season with Ice Light public skate sessions. This new experience opens December 2 and runs through January 2, 2022. While you're skating 'round the rink, marvel at over 35,000 twinkling lights and animated displays your kids will love. A singing Christmas tree show is part of the fun, and the snow flurries falling from the "sky" add a bit of magic to this indoor experience. Have your kids drop off a letter to old St. Nick at his special mailbox when you're done. Our favorite part is the special ice bumper cars ($12/session). It's a real-life hockey puck experience that you can only find here. 

Hours: Ice Lights runs seven days a week, with various morning and evening sessions. Closed Dec. 25 & Jan. 1.

Admission: $9/Adult; $8/Kids (ages 6-17); $5/Kids (ages 5 & under, includes skate rental); $4 for skate rental and $5 for ice walker (limited availability).

14824 C St.
Tacoma, WA
253-798-4000
Online: piercecountywa.gov/6816/ICE-Lights