Not only do we have year-round sunshine, when the holidays arrive we also get some of the coolest outdoor ice skating rinks around. From the skyscrapers of downtown to the sandy beaches of Santa Monica, tots can try out triple toe loops (or just practice falling on their booties) all season long. We’ve rounded up the best skating spots in town, so you can save your legwork for the rink.
Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square
Downtown on Ice at Pershing Square is LA’s holiday answer to skating at NYC’s Rockefeller Center. With skyscrapers looming and the vibrant hustle of downtown abuzz in the background, this is by far one of the loveliest spots for tikes to hit this ice this winter. And check their website for special events and activities like Snoopy on Ice, Family Skate Day and a Polar Bear Skate. General admission is $9 and skate rentals are $3.
Bonus: Leave the your sleigh at home and give the kiddos an extra special thrill by taking the Metro Red or Purple Line straight to Pershing Square.
Open November 13–January 19
532 S. Olive St., Downtown LA
Phone: 213-624-4289
Click HERE for info
The Rink in Downtown Burbank
Located next to Burbank City Hall, the Burbank rink is a 4,100 sq. foot winter wonderland filled with twinkling lights, festive tunes and unlimited merriment this holiday season. It’s also great for beginners, since the cool orange seals (available for rent for $6) helps wobbly legs balance. General admission is $10 and skate rental is $3. Parking is free and plentiful at many surrounding lots.
Open November 28–January 19
Third St. and Orange Grove, Burbank
Phone: 818-238-5180
Click HERE for info
ICE at Santa Monica
Just five blocks from the beach, ICE at Santa Monica treats Westsiders to a winter getaway without the bitter chill. Skaters enjoy sessions without a time limit, giving them more time to perfect those snazzy new moves they’ve been working on. While the main rink is generally recommended for kids aged 7 and up, the 6 and under crew have their own specially designed enclosed rink called The Tot Spot as an option as well. General admission is $15 and includes skate rental.
Open November 1–January 19
1324 5th St., Santa Monica
Phone: 310-461-8333
Click HERE for info
LA Kings Holiday Ice at LA LIVE
Channel your inner hockey player (minus all the bloodshed and black eyes) and head downtown to LA Kings Holiday Ice at Nokia Plaza L.A. LIVE. Kids will get a thrill skating around the behemoth Christmas tree standing at center ice, as well as the dazzling holiday light show on LED screens surrounding the rink. General admission is $15 and includes skate rental, kids under 7 are $10. Fun tip: check the website, which lists “ice resurfacing breaks.” For some, you’ll want to avoid these hours. For kids who love trucks, you can plan a free outing around when you can just come watch the Zamboni in action!
Open November 29–December 31st
800 W. Olympic Blvd., Downtown LA
Phone: 213-763-LIVE
Click HERE for info
CHILL at the Queen Mary
Warning: a deep freeze is taking over the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach, and only the festive will survive. In addition to a breathtaking ice rink nestled in front of the historic ship, CHILL at the Queen Mary features “The Ice Kingdom” with mind-blowing ice sculptures standing 2.5 stories high. Ice tubing, the world’s largest snowman bouncy and world’s largest rocking horse are on site too. General admission is $34.99, children ages 4–11 are $24.99. Price includes ice skating, access to the ship and all other entertainment. To stave off the CHILL factor: Did you know you can reserve a private, rink-side heated cabana for $99? Why not indulge? It’s the holidays!
Open November 21-January 11
1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach
Phone: 866-554-0013
Click HERE for info
Woodland Hills Ice at Westfield Promenade
The San Fernando Valley isn’t exactly known for its freezing temperatures, but that hasn’t stopped them from hosting an outdoor ice rink for the last few years. This also happens to be the largest outdoor ice rink in all of Southern California, with 7,000 sq. feet of real ice just waiting for new festive memories to be made. General admission is $13 for kids, $15 for adults and $20 for an all-day pass. A 12-session punch card is also available for $120. All prices include skate rental.
Open November 14–January 19
6100 Topanga Blvd., Woodland Hills
Phone: 818-854-4151
Click HERE for info
Holiday Ice Rink at The Lakes
This is one of the warmest locations for skating we can think of. Sunshine and ice – the perfect combination. Plus, you’re at The Lakes, which means there are loads of great places to eat or sneak in a little holiday shopping before or after you skate. Speaking of which, be sure to check the rink’s facebook page for specials – like free truffle fries at Umami Burger with your meal when you flash your skating wristband. General admission is $10 and skate rental is $4.
Open November 13–January 19
2200 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.,Thousand Oaks
Phone: (805) 663-6163
Click HERE for info
