First time on the ice? Seasoned pro? Looking for some fun holiday vibes and movie-magic moments? Or do you want to start a new hobby? Orlando has numerous indoor and outdoor ice-skating venues open to the public, some year-round, others just for Christmas, so you’re guaranteed to find something to suit you.
Before we share our top 7 picks for places to go ice skating in Orlando, let’s look at what gear you should take along with you for a smooth, warm and safe glide.
What Do I Need When I Go Ice Skating In Orlando, Florida?
- Ice skates. You can take your own or rent them on site (sometimes rental is included in the admission charge). Make sure the laces are done up well so the fit is snug but comfortable – When you slide your foot in, your heel should touch the back of the skate and your toes should be brushing the front. Ask an ice rink employee if you need help! Some rinks offer less comfortable plastic buckle skates, in which case you may need extra socks for comfort.
- Lightweight clothing in layers that doesn’t restrict your movement. Gloves and a hat are good added extras. Wear a jacket or sweater you can take off if you get warm – the temperature on the rink can range from chilly to warm, depending on the time of day, the number of skaters and if it’s outdoor or in.
- Long but not thick socks that extend above your skate boot. Bring an extra pair to put on after skating because your feet may get wet.
- If you are worried about falling, or are with kids, consider investing in a hockey helmet to protect heads from bumps.
- Most rinks rent out skating aids (also called helpers, buddies, buckets or gliders), which skaters can use to build their confidence on the ice. See more about these in our How To Ice Skate For Those Who’ve Never Tried section below.
Whether you’ve been inspired to take skating up as a hobby, or are just looking for some holiday fun in Orlando this Christmas, Traxplorio has got you covered. Check out our picks for the best ice skating rinks in Orlando, then get your skates sharpened and join us out on the ice. And we have a wild suggestion for you when you’re done skating – why not go for a dip in one of Florida’s many hot springs? Our favorites are Ginnie Springs and Alexander Springs. We also highly recommend the “swim with the manatees” experience at Three Sisters, but advise you to stay well clear of Florida’s famous alligators! Now, back to that ice skating in Orlando…
1. RDV Sportsplex Ice Den (YEAR-ROUND)
The family-friendly ice rink is open for public skating seven days a week with two rinks – one Olympic and the other NHL size.
There is daily public skating on offer at RDV Ice Den, as well as skating classes, ice hockey, curling, and figure skating sessions.
Enjoy music while you skate during the numerous public sessions each day, and on holidays, expect extra treats to up the fun. Check out their website ahead of time for details.
The center also has Olympic sized swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, a full track (both inside and out), and an Athletics Club to keep you fit, healthy and entertained.
Good To Know
Ice skating classes are available.
There are locker rooms and bathrooms.
There are no skating aids available at this rink.
Hungry? Grab nachos, pretzels, popcorn and other such craving-fillers, and drinks, to keep you going at their concession stand, Bear Bites.
Admission: Weekdays – $15 (including skate rental and tax), Friday night, Saturday, and Sundays – $18 (including skate rental and tax).
Open: Public skating sessions happen twice a day, every day, in the afternoons and evenings, but the timing changes based on other activities happening that day – check out their online schedule for details.
Address: 8701 Maitland Summit Blvd, Orlando, FL.
Website: rdviceden.com
2. The Ice Factory Of Central Florida (YEAR-ROUND)
The Ice Factory of Central Florida runs daily public skating sessions on its 200 x 85 NHL-size rink and 85 x 40 Studio rink.
Not far from Disney World, it is the perfect year-round skating facility for hockey, figure skating, curling and hobby skaters.
Grown-ups should try the 9.15am-10.45am Tuesday Coffee Club for skating fun plus coffee, snacks and socializing.
On weekends, expect to be entertained by a live DJ playing your favorite tunes as you skate under disco lights, and during the holidays you can look forward to extra treats and surprises- stay updated on their website (details below).
Good To Know
Private group and individual lessons are available. Parents can rent ice-spikes to slip on the soles of their shoes to walk alongside their young learner-skaters.
They have free stackable skating aids available to suit all ages of beginner, and free helmets for those wanting to feel super safe.
Seal-shaped bobby sleds available for rent – $10.
Wheelchair users are allowed on the ice when accompanied by a buddy.
Hungry? There is a cafe on-site selling a selection of drinks and snacks.
Admission: 2-3 hour sessions – Main Rink: $18 (including skate rental and tax), Studio Rink: $15 (including skate rental and tax).
Open: Public skating 11am – 2pm weekdays, Fridays 7pm – 10pm, Saturdays 2pm – 4pm, 7pm – 10pm, Sundays 2pm – 4pm.
Address: 2221 Partin Settlement Road, Kissimmee, FL.
Website: icefactory.com
3. Funtania (YEAR-ROUND)
Just an 8-minute drive from Universal Studios, Funtania is a small, indoor family entertainment center offering not only a synthetic ice rink, but also an escape room, bounce house, VR experiences, bumper cars, jungle gym, arcades and more – in short, plenty of small areas and activities to keep young kids having fun and burning energy for hours on end! And, at just $10 for unlimited time on the “ice,” this is a very affordable place to skate.
What Is Synthetic Ice?
Synthetic ice is a substitute for real ice, made of plastic. It is as smooth as real ice, meaning you can ice skate and enjoy ice sports like hockey, figure skating and curling without the planet-damaging energy costs that regular ice skating rinks have. The engineered plastic is made in seamless sheets allowing for uninterrupted glideability. Synthetic ice also means you’ll be comfortably warm as you skate – no gloves, hats or jackets needed!
NOTE – If you’re a figure skater, all jumps are allowed except toe-pick jumps (salchow, the flip, the lutz, toe loop), which can damage the skating surface.
Good To Know
Hungry? Alongside a small fresh concession stand selling food and drinks, there’s a cafe offering pizza, fried chicken, fries, seafood, churros and more.
Admission: $10 unlimited skating (includes skate rental). For pricing for their other attractions, check out their website (see below).
Open: Wednesday – Friday 3 – 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 12pm – 9pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Address: 6834 Grand National Drive, Orlando, FL.
Website: funtaniaorlando.com
4. Winter In Central Park West Meadow (SEASONAL)
Central Park offers 11 landscaped acres of pet-free, beautiful nature and fun in the middle of Orlando, surrounded by shops, restaurants and old town buildings with cobblestone streets. At any time of year, you can head there to walk, have a picnic, or enjoy any of their many special, community-building events.
Winter, of course, is an extra special time to visit – with a medium-sized under-cover ice rink drawing the crowds seeking the rare chance to skate on real ice in the Florida sunshine, accompanied by festive games and carolers.
Good To Know
Hungry? There is always plenty of food and drink to choose from at the rink-side Christmas market stalls.
Open: Mid November – mid January.
Address: 251 S Park Ave, Winter Park, FL.
Website: cityofwinterpark.org
5. Now Snowing In Celebration (SEASONAL)
Looking for a real white Christmas? Orlando is not best known for snow (it just doesn’t), so the closest you’re going to get is a visit to the town of Celebration this holiday season for its annual super-popular “Now Snowing” event.
Right by the Disney World Resort, “Now Snowing In Celebration” offers a whole month of Christmassy fun in The Winter Wonderland. Look forward to a plethora of magic and activities while surrounded by twinkling lights – festive food and drink, Christmas-themed galleries, carolers, the Celebration Express Train, Christmas characters (including Santa and Mrs Claus!) to take snaps with and, the reason you’re here reading this: a 30-minute session on a medium-sized synthetic ice skating rink.
To top off this festive perfection – every night, it snows every hour from 6pm – 9pm!
Good To Know
For two days in early December, you can take a tour of the beautifully decorated homes around Celebration with the self-guided “Celebration Holiday Home Tour,” where owners of elegantly decorated estate homes, small single-family homes and enchanting condos alike open up their homes to give you the chance to enjoy the festive magic of their interiors, beautifully decorated for the season.
Winter Wonderland has a selection of festively decorated trees and table designs for sale, and you can stock up on gifts at The Market Place.
Skating frames are available for beginner-skaters.
Hungry? Whether you’re into Sushi, Mexican, Thai, Italian or traditional American, or just want snacks, Celebration has you covered.
Admission: $15 for a 30-minute ice-skating session. Check the website for more details.
Open: 4pm – 10pm, November 25 – December 31.
Address: 701 Front Street, Celebration, FL.
Website: celebrationtowncenter.com
6. SeaWorld (SEASONAL)
SeaWorld sets up an annual ice skating rink at the Bayside Stadium, giving you the chance to skate alongside the water of SeaWorld’s central lagoon in a beautiful winter wonderland. They also hold performances with professional performers and dancers to wow you against a “Sea” of beautifully lit Christmas trees.
All skaters must wear long socks and gloves. Socks and gloves can be purchased on-site.
Good To Know
Little ones will love the Sesame Street Christmas Parade. Check the website for details (see below).
Hungry? There is plenty to eat and drink here if you don’t mind paying more than in the city. Burgers, hot dogs and coffee good for you? You’ll be sorted at Seaworld!
Admission: $15 (includes skate rental – you cannot bring your own skates). This is additional to the general park admission (required).
Open: Daily, 9am – 9am or 10pm (check their site for the schedule on the day you plan to go), from November 10 – December 31.
Address: 7007 SeaWorld Drive, Orlando, FL.
7. Daytona Ice Arena (YEAR-ROUND)
Just a short drive from Orlando, Daytona Ice Arena offers you the unique chance to wrap up for winter, skate your cares away (or grab a game of ice hockey), then slip on your flip-flops and head down to the beach!
The fun and affordable venue hosts youth and adult hockey leagues, figure skating and speed skating clubs, and for those just there for the fun of it – public skating sessions.
Good To Know
For ages 3+.
Ice skating classes are available Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Skating aids (ice scooters) are available for an extra charge.
There are lockers for rent ($1 in quarters).
Hungry? Head over to the Thaw Zone Café or Celly’s Sports Pub.
Admission: Adults – $9, Under 5s – $5. Skate rental – $4.
Open: Daily, with one, sometimes two, public skating sessions of two hours per day – check their online schedule for details.
Address: 2400 S Ridgewood Ave #63D, South Daytona, FL.
Website: daytonaicearena.com/public-skate
Did You Know?
Ice skating dates back to around 3000 BC, when skates were made from animal bones and strapped to the feet! Ice skating is thought to have developed in Scandinavia as early as 1000 BCE. The first skates were made from shank or rib bones of elk, oxen, reindeer, and other animals. Later, metal blades were used. Until the mid-19th century, the metal part of the skate was attached to a wooden base which was tied to a person’s shoes with leather straps. In 1850, E.W. Bushnell of Philadelphia, USA, introduced the all-steel skate, meaning the heavy wooden part was no longer needed. The toe pick used in figure skating came into the design after 1900.
How To Ice Skate, For Those Who’ve Never Tried
Ice skating can be learned as soon as you feel comfortable walking. Not only is it great fun to do, it gives you a great workout too, and can improve your balance and coordination, leg muscle strength, joint flexibility and endurance. What’s not to love about that? Read on to learn how to get the best out of your first steps onto the ice.
- You’ll need long (not too thick) socks. Put on your ice skates. The blades should be sharp so as to grip the ice well. Make sure they are laced up tight and the fit is snug – heels touching the back, toes just brushing the front. Ask an ice rink employee to help you, if needed.
- Go to the entrance. Most ice rinks have a soft mat or carpet to walk on while wearing your skates.
- Grab hold of the rail on the edge of the rink to help you get used to the feel of sliding on the ice. Do a few circles while holding on to the edge to build up your confidence.
- When you’re ready, move out onto the ice. Bend your knees a bit, and lean slightly forwards while keeping your shoulders relaxed. At some point you’ll probably fall – don’t worry – everybody does! Try to fall on your butt – it’s a safer and slightly softer landing, and it means you’re less likely to hurt your knees or wrists!
- To get back up again, roll onto your hands and knees. Put one foot between your hands, then the other, and push up to standing, holding your arms out for balance.
- To get moving, march gently on the spot, then push forward as you “march.” Try picturing yourself riding a scooter – one foot needs to push while the “scooter” (your other foot) glides forwards. Hold onto imaginary “scooter bars” to help you balance. Alternate which foot is the scooter and which is pushing you forwards. You’ll be gliding like a pro before you know it! But how to stop?
- Stopping on ice skates is just like skiing – you need to point the toes of one skate inwards to create friction on the ice…or you can aim yourself for that rail and grab on for dear life. The first option will look far more impressive, though.
NOTE: Many ice rinks rent out skate helpers/aids/buddies/buckets/gliders – plastic forms which slide along the ice to boost beginner confidence and help with balance. These are only for those kids already able to stand on their own and push the helper by themselves, and there is usually a height limit (as everyone else will be tall enough to hold onto the rail when starting out). These skate aids should only be used for around the first 15 minutes of skating, after which the child should start trying to skate without the helper.
The Takeaway
Orlando has plenty of ice rinks to go skate at, some further afield – right next to the beach, others closer to the city, surrounded by a forest of decorated trees and offering nightly snowfall. Whether you’re looking for romantic, family-fun Christmas vibes or want to take ice skating up as a year-round hobby, Orlando has it all.
Disclaimer
While we at Traxplorio do our very best to give you the most up-to-date information, we always recommend you do your own research before you travel to a particular area or visit a specific destination, and check conditions with relevant official authorities. Thanks for understanding, and enjoy your adventure!
