Baltimore's Child Baltimore's Child
Oh, the weather outside may be frightful, but the glistening ice from these indoor and outdoor winter skating rinks is all too delightful. Downtown backdrops and shopping centers in Baltimore and beyond offer picturesque views in locations convenient for a family outing. Stop in for an hourly skate, book a lesson or come with a group.
Inner Harbor Ice Rink, Baltimore
201 E. Pratt St. | Open Monday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.; Friday, noon to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Inner Harbor is a winter wonderland with open-air skating in Baltimore. On Dec. 3, enjoy waterfront winter events including a holiday makers market and lighted boat parade in between spins on the ice. Or stop by the Baltimore Christmas Village through Dec. 24. Check online for updates on special events and discounts with restaurants and attractions. Children younger than 9 must be accompanied by an adult. The ice skating season runs through Jan. 16. Tickets start at $9; skate rental is $4. waterfrontpartnership.org
Color Burst Ice Rink at Merriweather District, Columbia
6000 Merriweather Drive | Parking at 6275 Mango Tree Road, Columbia; Open Monday through Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m.; Friday, 4 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, noon to 9 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 8 p.m.
Skate in downtown Columbia at an outdoor rink in Color Burst Park with pop-up food and beverages and themed events throughout the season. Parking is available at Symphony Woods Garage, and the first four hours are free. Season passes to skate are $99; the season runs through Feb. 28. Reservations are recommended. Tickets are $15 (including skate rental); child skate aids are $5. merriweatherdistrict.com
Ice World, Abingdon
1300 Governor Court | Public skating times vary; see calendar; free rental for homeschoolers fourth Thursdays (third during school holidays), noon to 2 p.m.
Stop in for a weekday skate or hit the new-and-improved party lights for an evening skate on Fridays and Saturdays at this year-round indoor facility with twin NHL-sized hockey rinks in suburban Harford County. Programming for youth and adults including figure skating and hockey is also available. Fly solo around the ice or book a party or lesson. Tickets start at $12; skate rental is $5. iceworld.com
THE AVENUE at White Marsh, Nottingham
8139-D Honeygo Blvd. | Monday through Thursday, noon to 10 p.m.; Friday, noon to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Skate while you shop. THE AVENUE has restaurants, retail businesses and a movie theater in its outdoor shopping complex. Take a stroll and then a glide on the rink amid the wintry air. The experience is also available for booking birthday parties and fundraisers. Reservations are required. Tickets start at $10; skate rental is $5. whitemarshiceskating.com
Four Seasons Hotel, Baltimore
200 International Drive | Open Friday through Sunday; reserve slots between 4 to 6 p.m; special hours, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for Dec. 24 & 31.
The hotel’s fifth-floor terrace transforms into an 1,800-square-foot ice rink through Dec. 31. On weekends, you can book a one-hour session for up to 10 guests, which includes skate rental, your choice of hot chocolate or cider and house-made warm trail mix. Gaze at the Harbor East skyline amid food, drink and music, or book a four-person semi-private cabana with blankets, pillows and a fire pit for two hours. Reservations are required. Tickets start at $20 for children ages 5 to 10. fourseasons.com/baltimore
