Ice Skating Rinks Near UCF Orlando: A Comprehensive Guide
While Orlando might be better known for its sunshine and theme parks, the city and its surrounding areas offer a surprising number of opportunities to enjoy ice skating. Whether you're a seasoned skater or a beginner looking for a fun activity, there are both seasonal and year-round options to explore. This guide will help you discover the best ice skating rinks near UCF Orlando.
Seasonal Ice Skating
For those seeking a festive, holiday-themed ice skating experience, Central Florida boasts several seasonal celebrations that include ice skating.
Now Snowing in Celebration
The charming town of Celebration, Florida, developed by The Walt Disney Company as an homage to traditional American towns, hosts the "Now Snowing" event every year during the holiday season. This event transforms the town's main streets into a postcard-worthy winter wonderland.
In addition to Christmassy carriage rides and nightly "snow" flurries, "Now Snowing" features the Endless Ice Skating Rink. Their synthetic ice offers an outdoor skating experience that feels like skating on the real thing, but without the imminent threat of it melting in the warm Florida weather. Admission to the event is free, but you’ll need to purchase a ticket to skate. Plan on taking time to enjoy everything the Now Snowing event has to offer, including visits with Santa, shopping, and plenty of holiday spirit.
SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration
SeaWorld Orlando's Christmas Celebration is a large-scale celebration of the holiday season. On select days in November and December, the theme park hosts holiday character meet-and-greets, epic holiday shows, and winter-themed activities.
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One of their most popular holiday attractions is public ice skating at Bayside Stadium, where you can enjoy outdoor skating with views of SeaWorld’s central lagoon. Be sure to bring your crew-length socks and gloves to skate, or you can purchase them in the park. While the majority of SeaWorld Orlando’s Christmas Celebrations are included in your admission ticket, ice skating is an additional charge (though it does include skate rental).
Year-Round Ice Skating Rinks
If you're looking to skate outside of the holiday season, there are a couple of year-round ice skating rinks in the Orlando area.
The Ice Factory
The Ice Factory is an Olympic-class ice skating center that has become a hub for Central Florida’s figure skating, ice hockey, and curling enthusiasts. Their public skating hours offer the perfect opportunity for skaters of all skill levels to take to the ice. You can bring your own skates or rent them from The Ice Factory.
Beginners can take advantage of bucket skating aids and helmets for a safer experience. Need help sizing up or lacing up your skates? Plus, on the weekends, you can skate to a live DJ and colorful disco lights for a fun and lively experience.
The Orlando Ice Den
The Orlando Ice Den is one of the coolest places in town - literally. Their skating facilities include one NHL-sized ice rink and one Olympic-sized ice rink. From figure skating and hockey lessons, clinics, and camps to parties and public skating, it’s a great place to spend some time on the ice.
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They offer public skating hours every day of the week for prices that include skate rentals (your choice of hockey or figure skates). If you’re a beginner, it’s worth noting that they don’t offer walkers or devices to assist on the ice.
Tips for Ice Skating
Before you head out to the rink, here are a few tips to make your experience more enjoyable:
- Dress appropriately: Be sure to wear pants, thick socks, and take a jacket or scarf.
- Check the schedule: Confirm public skating hours and any special events before you go.
- Consider lessons: If you're a beginner, consider taking a lesson to learn the basics.
- Have fun! Relax and enjoy the experience of gliding on the ice.
Ice Skating Events in Central Florida
Below, you’ll find some of the ice skating events happening in Central Florida. Be sure to check (and search) the Calendar on our site for additional opportunities this holiday season! Skate along with friends on real ice as “The Rinkmaster” DJ spins classic holiday songs and the latest Top 40 Hits. Skate rental included with the purchase of ice ticket. Orlando’s largest outdoor ice rink opens daily for public skating and private functions. Enjoy public ice skating. Have your own skates? Open daily starting November 21, 2018 until January 6, 2019, you won’t want to miss this magical winter wonderland that promises to delight all ages. Grab family, friends, co-workers or a date and visit us for festive fun and unforgettable memories. If you’re looking for things to do in Lake County, search no more!
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