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Boston's Best Places For Ice Skating

Ice skating has been a tradition in the Northeast for hundreds of years. Whether you're into hockey, figure skating or have never been on skates before, you're sure to enjoy a visit to one of these local rinks. Get some exercise and enjoy this activity at any of the outdoor or indoor rinks in the Boston area. It is also the perfect date night activity - way more fun than seeing yet another movie!
Frog-Pond
Boston Common's Frog Pond (Photo Credit: Drew Moholland)

The Frog Pond 
Boston Common
84 Beacon St Boston, MA 02108
(617) 635-2120
www.bostonfrogpond.com

Boston's Frog Pond is one of the most picturesque and nostalgic places to ice skate in Boston. It is the perfect family activity because kids get free admission to the rink, and even for adults, the price is a reasonable $5. Skate rentals are available for an added fee. The Frog Pond is conveniently located on Boston Common close to the Park Street MBTA T stop, making it easily accessible for most Boston residents. The Frog Pond can get crowded, so try heading there during an off time, like a weekday morning.

Rowes Wharf
50 Rowes Wharf
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 748-5013
www.themarinaatroweswharf.com

A temporary skating rink is set up in the grand archway of Rowes Wharf again this year. Skating at Rowes Wharf is the perfect lunchtime or after-work activity and draws a slightly older crowd, making it a great destination for a date night. The skating rink is here again after a successful first season last year. The rink is complementary and open to the public. Don't forget to bring your own skates!

Kelly Outdoor Rink
1 Marbury Terrace
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
(617) 727-7000
www.mass.gov

This public rink is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and is a great choice for Jamaica Plain residents and those who live along the MBTA Orange Line. This rink opens in November each year and is a wonderful family-friendly activity. It is open every day from noon to 7:30 p.m., except on Saturdays when the rink opens at 1:30 p.m. Since this is an outdoor rink, make sure to check the weather before heading over - and dress warmly!

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Steriti Memorial Rink
561 Commercial St.
Boston, MA 02109
(617) 523-9327
www.mass.gov

Like the Kelly Rink in Jamaica Plain, the Steriti Rink is also managed and maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. Located in the North End along the water, the rink is conveniently located near Route 1, Interstate 93 and is a short walk from North Station. This indoor rink is often used for hockey rec leagues and skating lessons, but also has open free skating hours in the afternoons. To book a birthday party or special event at the rink, call (617) 727-4708.

Cronin Rink
850 Revere Beach Parkway
Revere, MA 02151
(781) 284-9491
www.fmcicesports.com

Cronin Rink is another favorite, especially for people living in Boston's North Shore. This rink is managed by FMC Ice Sports which organizes hockey leagues for all ages, figure skating lessons, beginner lessons and more. However, you don't need to sign up for a specific activity if you're just looking to enjoy skating - the rink holds regular public hours for $5 and offers skate rentals. There are also lots of great events hosted at the facility, so make sure to sign up for the newsletter and check your calendar.

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Cameron Bruns is the founder of BostonGreenBlog.com and co-author of Just Us Gals Boston. She lives in Boston's North End, where her goal is to promote ethical, stylish, and sustainable lifestyle choices to all Boston residents. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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