She created Wander In Arizona to share first-hand information about traveling to the many fantastic cities, trails, national parks, monuments and more as she continues to explore.
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Arizona ice skating rinks may not be as popular as in the other states in the US, but it is one of the favourite winter activities loved by the people of Arizona and its visitors.
Yes, it does snow in Arizona if it is hard to imagine white powdery snow in the Grand Canyon state.
There are plenty of places where snowfall occurs during the winter, so ice skating remains popular.
Although it is a winter tradition that goes back hundreds of years, many ice skating rinks in Arizona have come up in recent years, owing to its increasing visitors.
From family-friendly community rinks to world-class international rinks, there is something for everyone here.
As someone that has recently gotten used to ice skating in Arizona, it continues to be one of my favourite winter activities.
To help you have a fun time on the ice, I’ve compiled this list of the best Arizona ice skating rinks.
Pack your winter wear and get ready to check out one of these excellent Arizona ice skating rinks this winter.
BEST ARIZONA ICE SKATING RINKS
CITYSKATE HOLIDAY ICE RINK
If you are looking for outdoor Arizona skating rinks in the capital city, the CitySkate Holiday Ice Rink is one of the best places to visit.
This outdoor skating rink is in the heart of downtown at the famous CityScape entertainment centre.
Plan your trip during Christmas as you can witness dazzling colour displays and enjoy skating overlooking the giant sparkling Christmas tree in the backdrop.
If you want to avoid crowds though, get there around Thanksgiving, when the city starts to get decked up to transition into a winter wonderland.
Skating sessions are 90 minutes in duration. After your skating get a picture with Santa and drink hot chocolate.
The CitySkate Holiday Ice Rink is open from November to January.
Opening hours – 4 PM to 11 PM. Timings vary slightly around Christmas time.
Prices – $20 per person, children under 8 $13, children under 3 Free. Get $5 off if you get your own skates.
Check their site for exact dates, timings and prices.
ICE SKATING ON THE FARM, QUEEN CREEK
If you are into pumpkin farms, you already know about Schnepf Farms, one of the best Arizona pumpkin farms and a top Halloween getaway for families.
But ensure to visit Schnepf farms in the winter, home to one of the best Arizona ice skating rinks, open to visitors during December and January.
It is an entirely fun-packed place to have fun with your kids during the holiday season.
The Christmas spirit is high at the family-owned Schnepf Farms, with plenty of activities and traditions in the white Winterland.
Check out the miniature train Polar Express, and munch on the many Christmas delicacies besides having fun outdoor ice skating.
You can occasionally enjoy pond hockey, sip hot chocolate and make merry by the bonfire, play ping pong, and cornhole hayrides, and watch the Christmas light displays, including the beautiful Christmas tree.
Opening hours – 5 PM to 10 PM
Prices – $22 per person, including skates
WINTER WONDERLAND ICE RINK
Want a small-town winter experience? Head to Mesa, home to one of the prettiest Arizona ice skating rinks.
Downtown Mesa, forever serene, transforms into a magical neighbourhood with bustling visitors during the holiday season each year.
Join the popular Merry Main Street celebration for the colourful displays, songs, and parade.
For a fun time with your family, head to Winter Wonderland Ice Rink, one of the biggest attractions of the Merry Main Street festivities at Mesa City Center.
With over 6,000 square feet of space, there is plenty of space for ice skating with your family and friends,
Top the skating with a cup of hot chocolate, shop for your favourite souvenirs, and sing carols along.
The slot is for an hour, and you can buy tickets online to avoid waiting in the queue.
Opening hours – 5 PM to 10 PM
Cost – $10 per person, including skates.
DESERT ICE SKATING RINK
One of the top destinations for spending a Christmas is Scottsdale, and it is no surprise given the grandeur of the celebrations.
The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, an award-winning hotel in Scottsdale turns into a magical winter wonderland.
Its extravagant Christmas celebrations attract thousands of locals and tourists.
The Desert Ice Skating Rink is a 6,000-square-foot outdoor skating area that pops up every winter amidst the sparkling Cacti, and palm trees of the surrounding Sonoran Desert under beautiful starry skies and twinkling lights.
The ice skating rink is open between mid-November to January every year.
Admire the dazzling display of over 3 million lights with the adorned Plaza dominated by a massive Christmas tree at the centre.
Ride the Ferris wheel, ice luge slide, carousel, and sit by the campfires enjoying hot chocolate.
Visit Santa’s Secret Headquarters, and identify holiday characters.
Opening hours – 5 PM to 10 11 PM
Prices – Tickets are included if you are a guest at the resort. Visitors pay $20 per person and $5 for skate rentals.
You can also rent rink-side fire pit tables with s’mores and blankets.
SKATE WESTGATE
If you are in Glendale in winter, check out Skate West Gate in Westgate Entertainment District, which offers plenty of things to do and see.
One of the top Arizona ice skating rinks in the Valley, Skate West Gate, the pretty outdoor skating rink attracts thousands of visitors.
The skating rink at Westgate is made of natural ice and is ideal for beginners and advanced skaters alike.
The rink opens with an annual tree lighting ceremony in November during Thanksgiving and runs through the New Year.
Located in Fountain Park, which turns into a winter wonderland, with Christmas trees, lights, and live music, you will be occupied with plenty of fun things to do at night besides ice skating.
Take your kids to meet Santa, and dine at one of the many fantastic restaurants in the area.
Explore the hockey team Phoenix Coyotes and the Phoenix team Arizona Cardinals home stadiums in the district when you are here, if you have spare time after all that eating and shopping.
Opening hours – 11 AM to 11 PM
Prices – $19 per person, including skate rental
AZ ICE, GILBERT
One of the few Arizona ice skating rinks open throughout the year is AZ Ice in Gilbert.
If you want to have fun skating on the ice anytime, this area is the best place.
There are two different areas, open twice daily, with one designated area for figure skating, and the other for hockey.
You can also leisurely learn ice skating by joining any of the one-time free 30-minute classes.
You can let your kids learn at one of their paid classes too.
Prices – $10 for adults, and free for kids under 3.
JAY LIVELY ACTIVITY CENTRE
One of the west winter getaways, Flagstaff is a hotspot for snow lovers.
And the Jay Lively Activity Center allows you to experience all the winter sports, including being home to one of the top Arizona ice skating rinks, open throughout the year.
Located at the Northern Arizona University campus, it is the home stadium of The NAU Ice Jacks, the hockey team.
If you time it right, you can even plan to watch a game before or after having fun at one of the public skates any time of the week.
You can learn skating by attending the classes. Head next to Snowbowl Ski Resort, one of the best ski resorts in Arizona for enjoying skiing and snowboarding.
You can easily plan a fun-filled, action-packed weekend by adding a stop at the Jay Lively Activity Center.
Prices – $7 per person
ICE DEN, SCOTTSDALE
Whether you want to enjoy ice skating or hockey, Ice Den has it both.
Ice Den Scottsdale, the practice arena for the Phoenix Coyotes, the state’s pro hockey team also boasts of one of the best Arizona ice skating rinks open to the public.
The best part is that you can learn figure skating and hockey, and make your kids pick up the skills too.
You can get your hockey figure skating gear, or rent it at the shop on the premises.
Visitors can enjoy ice skating on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons for about 2 hours.
Book your time in advance to enjoy skating.
Prices – $15 per person
AZ ICE ARCADIA
One of the famous Arizona ice skating rinks in the capital city is AZ Ice Arcadia, a popular getaway for families for fun during winter in Phoenix.
This Phoenix skating rink hosts hockey leagues and tournaments for children and adults.
You can learn skating and hockey here through one of the many seasonal and regular programs.
Public skating is available in the mornings, midday, and evenings.
After skating enjoy live music at the tavern watching games and grabbing a pint or two.
AZ ICE PEORIA
One of the best Arizona ice skating rinks is located in the suburbs of Phoenix, Peoria.
AZ Ice Peoria offers indoor public skating every morning and afternoon that you can enjoy throughout the year.
You can try learning skating by joining one of their free 30-minute figure skating classes, and if you love it, join their paid ones to become a pro.
These sessions are available for adults and kids, so you can have a fantastic time together.
Prices – $10 per person
ICE DEN, CHANDLER
The sister rink to the Ice Den in Scottsdale is Ice Den in Chandler, offering one of the best ice skating rinks in Arizona.
Like the Scottsdale branch, you can enjoy 2-hours public skate sessions, including rentals at one of their two skating rinks.
Price – $14 per person
