Ice skating in Providence, Rhode Island: Better than Boston’s Frog Pond
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Providence offers a number of fun ways to beat the winter blues. Winter sports are a great way to get outside and burn some calories, plus skating really warms you up. I have been skating for several years, although I am still pretty bad to be honest. Nevertheless, I love skating all winter long, even more so around the holidays.
Since living in the Providence metro, Mike and I have taken advantage of a great little rink which I find a lot nicer than Frog Pond in Boston. It’s nice to have something fun to do during the oftentimes cold, dreary season where most outdoor activities are limited. I think it is important to get out there all winter long to keep your motivation up. This isn’t such a horrible time of year as some way lead you to believe!
Skating at the Greater Kennedy Center (a public square in the heart of downtown) is a fun winter activity for both families and couples. Due to the affordability and fantastic city location, I try to visit this rink at least a few times each season. This is a decent sized rink (twice the size of Rockefeller Center in New York!). Due to the low congestion, Mike and I love coming here for date night.
It is so nice to skate without attempting to push your way through a bunch of people like you are playing a game of Tetris. If you have ever skated on a busy city rink, you know what I mean. Most of the time, this rinks stays enjoyably quiet. I actually have room here to move around a bit. We come during the week occasionally and basically enjoy the entire rink to ourselves. Thus, it is a great place to take a date or practice your skating skills minus a bunch of kids and hockey players. I love that I can practice different moves like backwards skating which is often impossible on the bigger city rinks.
Fun pop music in the background, great city views, and close proximity to Providence Place Mall make this rink the perfect destination for a couple’s night out. Ice skating is a great way to get a cardio workout in during the winter months. I feel like it is one of the best cardio workouts, not to mention a welcome break from the monotony of gym machines.
Mike and I usually enjoy dinner at one of the mall’s restaurants (like Cheesecake Factory or P.F. Changs) and then burn all the calories having fun on this rink. A few times we planned for Wednesday half priced games at Dave and Busters, dinner, and then skating. This was a super fun night out – a little pricey, but worth it!
Pricing/Location
I recommend checking out this under the radar rink if you live in the area or are planning on vacationing anywhere in the Greater Boston metro. Admission is $7 and skate rentals are $7. To save a few bucks, bring your own skates and just pay admission. The season normally runs from late November – late March. Be sure to check the website to keep updated on current pricing/hours.
Different promotions (typically $2 off per session) are offered such as college discount nights, after work (4-6pm), and lunchtime specials. For beginner skaters, lessons are available. The six week lessons cost $90 or $15 per session. Whether you are novice or intermediate skater, you are sure to have a great time ice skating in Providence!
Update: As of 2024, skating price are now: $9 for adults, and $6 for children and seniors. Rentals are now $8.41. Still not a bad price considering the central city location. I bought my own pair of skates years ago and easily got a return on my investment after just one skating season.
Bank of America City Center
2 Kennedy Plaza
Providence, Rhode Island 02903
More to do!
UPDATE: After living in nearby Fall River for a few years, I have compiled my favorite places and things to do in Providence. Check out my handy weekend guide where I cover the best restaurants, historical sites, and attractions to check out.
This city is underrated and offers a lot, but tourists often pass it over in favor of Boston. I think it makes for a wonderful little weekend getaway. Plus, you are so close to the coast (Rhode Island is home to some gorgeous beaches) and quaint towns like Newport.
For a broader guide, please look into my New England master list which includes many of my favorite parks, historical sites, events, and attractions throughout the region.
