Want to burn energy with an ice skating session? Head to one of these favorite rinks in Darien, Stamford or New Canaan. (Please note: holiday break hours may differ.)
Indoor Rinks
Darien Ice House: Darien’s own indoor ice rink (55 Old Kings Hwy N) offers public skating throughout the year. During the winter, Darien Ice House usually holds public skating on Monday, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 12pm-1:30pm and Sundays from 2pm-3:30pm. However, times do change and you should always check the rink’s website before you go. Skates and ice walkers are both available to rent.
Twin Rinks Stamford: With two indoor rinks, Twin Rinks has a robust public skating schedule. Typically, general skating happens on Mondays 9am-12:50pm, Tuesdays 9am-1:20pm, Wednesdays 9am-1:50pm, Fridays 9am-12:50pm, Saturdays 12:30pm-2pm and Sundays 12:30pm-2pm. Always confirm on their website in case of changes. The rink often adds extra time for school breaks and days off. Be sure to check Groupon for a deal before you go for general public skating. On Friday nights, Twin Rinks often hosts a Glow Skating session from 9pm-10:30pm, which is fun for older kids. Wear white or neon colors for maximum glow!
Terry Conners Ice Rink: Located in Stamford’s Cove Island Park, this small rink is an easy option for indoor skating. Both hockey and figure skates as well as ice walkers for less-experienced skaters are all available for rent. For the winter and spring, open skating sessions are typically held Mondays and Fridays 11:30am-2pm, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10:00am-2pm and Saturdays and Sundays 12:30pm-2:10pm. There will be no public skate on January 18 and February 1. You can also confirm skate times on the rink’s website. Monday, Dec. 23 will be 2:15pm-3:45pm and Dec. 26 through Jan. 1 will be 12:20pm-2:30pm.
Outdoor Rinks
Cohen Ice Skating Center: Skate in Stamford’s Mill River Park at the 9,000 square-foot outdoor rink, which is open from mid-November to mid-March. Regular rink hours are Monday through Thursday 5pm to 9pm, Fridays 5-10pm, Saturday 11am-10pm and Sunday 11am-9pm. Skate rentals are available for kids and adults and ice walkers are also on hand for newbies who need something to hold on to while they skate. You can confirm open skating times and buy tickets in advance (also available to buy in person) on the rink’s website. After skating, you can enjoy a hot chocolate and treats from the Snackbox.
Boucher Community Ice Rink: New Canaan’s Waveny Park is home to this seasonal outdoor rink. Public skating times are typically Tuesday through Thursday 2pm-6pm, Friday 2pm-pm, Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday 11am-pm. Skating times do change occasionally and the rink sometimes closes due to weather, so be sure to double check the rink’s website or call the hotline at 203-920-1508. Rental skates are available – new this year, they offer adult skate rentals. No cash is accepted – bring your credit card.
Darien’s Outdoor Ponds
If the weather has been cold for long enough, bring your own skates to one of Darien’s ponds. Locals head to both Tilly Pond (Lakeside Avenue at West Avenue) and Gorhams Pond (Goodwives River Road) when frozen to a safe thickness.
Did we miss your favorite ice skating spot? Tell us at info@waystoplaysports.com.