PLEASE NOTE: This post was written in 2019 and while it should still give you a good overview of the experience, it may also contain some outdated information. Please visit Veterans Memorial Ice Skating Rink’s website for the most current information, especially about things like pricing, schedules and process for registration/purchasing tickets.
2019 Post:
A couple weekends ago my younger son was lucky enough to be invited to a birthday party at Veterans Memorial Ice Skating Rink in West Hartford. So of course I had to tag along and take some pictures for the blog!
Mandy actually wrote about this venue way back in 2014. And surprisingly, it doesn’t seem like much has changed over the past 5 years. They still have public skate times and offer skate rentals. And they still offer special skate times for toddlers/preschoolers (with a parent or caregiver of course!).
In fact, winter break is a great time to check out this family-friendly venue as they have additional skating times:
If you can’t make it there over the break, no worries. There are still plenty of opportunities to skate!
One thing that does seem to be a new addition since Mandy’s 2014 post, is this really neat tool they now have to help kids learn to skate. Unfortunately, I didn’t think to take a picture of this helpful contraption while we were skating (oops!) but after a few minutes of Googling…er, research, I was able to locate some additional information and photos of this “Skate Helper,” which is kind of like a walker for the ice.
In any event, there were a lot of first-time skaters there that day and they could use this tool to keep their balance on the ice while practicing their footwork. That sure beats clinging to the wall!
Of course, my boy wanted to do it “on his own.” So we did spend a fair amount of time hanging on the wall. LOL.
But after a few laps, he was skating!
Now he can’t wait to go back 🙂
Veterans Memorial Ice Skating Rink also has some nice amenities like a snack bar. Plenty of benches (in a heated area!) where you can swap your footwear. And the restroom is accessible from the ice rink and yes, you can wear your skates in there 🙂
So if you’re looking for a new experience for your family this holiday break (or any time!), head over to Veterans Memorial Ice Skating Rink for good ol’ fashioned winter fun. And don’t forget to read Mandy’s post before you go for all the details!
Veterans Memorial Ice Skating Rink
56 Buena Vista Road
West Hartford, CT 06107
(860) 561-8290
Follow them on Facebook and Twitter!
Hours (2019):
Winter Public Skate Schedule 2019-2020 (Special sessions noted in parenthesis)
Sunday 1:30pm-3:00pm; 3:30pm-5:00pm
Monday 11:30am-1:00pm (Adult {18+} Skate 9:15-11:15am)
Tuesday 11:30am-1:00pm (Adult & Toddler Session 10:00-11:15am)
Wednesday 4:00pm-5:00pm (Adult {18+} Skate 9:15-11:15am)
Thursday 11:30am-1:00pm (Adult & Toddler Session 10:00-11:15am)
Friday 4:45pm-5:45pm (Adult {18+} Skate 9:15-11:15am) (DJ Skate 7:00-8:30pm)
Saturday 3:15pm-4:45pm (DJ Skate 8:00-9:30pm)
(Please see their calendar for the most current information.)
RESIDENT ADULT — $7.00
SENIOR (65+) $6.00 (RES/NON-RES)
RESIDENT CHILD (12-) —$6.00
NON-RESIDENT ADULT —$8.00 MILITARY/VETERAN—$6.00
NON-RESIDENT CHILD —$7.00
CHILDREN 2 AND UNDER – FREE ADMISSION
DJ SKATE — ADULT $10.00 CHILD $8.00
DISCOUNT PASSES (CANNOT BE USED FOR DJ SKATE)
RESIDENT — 10 PASSES-$50 or 20 PASSES-$90
NON-RESIDENT —10 PASSES-$60 or 20 PASSES-$110
SENIOR (65+) —10 PASSES-$50 or 20 PASSES-$90
SKATE RENTAL – $4.00 PER PAIR OR PURCHASE A PUNCH CARD – 10 RENTALS FOR $30.00
Details:
Stroller Friendly: YES, you could bring a stroller into the waiting/changing area, but probably not out near the ice rink.
Coffee Mug Friendly: YES, for the waiting/changing area. (Food and beverages are not allowed on or near the ice.)
Restroom: YES
Baby Changing Station: NO
Parking: YES; FREE parking is available across the street at the Aquatic Center.
Food for Sale: YES! There is a snack bar.
Outside Food Allowed: YES, you can eat in the waiting/changing area. (Food and beverages are not allowed on or near the ice.)
Cash Required: Possibly. I did not check if the snack bar takes credit cards (but credit cards are accepted for admission and rentals)
Dress Code: Dress in warm gear. Snow pants can be helpful for newbie skaters to help keep them warm and dry. Mittens/gloves too. You may also want to bring a helmet for your kiddo.
Age Recommendation: If they can walk, they can skate!
Evening/Weekend Hours: YES
Discounts: Multi-skate discount passes available
Birthday Party Venue: YES! More info here.
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