With the winter weather here in full force, we have finally come to terms with it. Instead of staying inside hibernating until the birdsongs of spring hit the air, we’ve decided to brave the cold and head outside in this gorgeous winter wonderland. With images of pirouettes and graceful glides in our minds, we decided to check out the best ice-skating rinks accessible by public transportation. Have no fear if you are skateless, all rinks covered have rentals on site. Bust out your mittens and hats and get ready to rosy your cheeks (hopefully just your top set if you’re a good skater!).
5. The Rink at the Charles Hotel
1 Bennett Street, Cambridge
Nestled in the courtyard of The Charles Hotel, this charming rink is now open to the public. For $5 you can skate your heart out all day and for another $5 you can rent skates. Don’t worry if you work up an appetite, there is a snack bar on site that sells hot and cold beverages, water and food. Hours are Monday to Friday 4 p.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Directions: Take the Red Line to Harvard Square. Exit out to Brattle Square and head down Eliot Street. Turn Right onto Bennett Street. The Charles Hotel will be on your left. Total walking time is about 5 minutes.
4. Worcester Common Oval
455 Main Street, Worcester
Located behind City Hall, this picturesque rink is bigger than the rink in Rockefeller Center in New York City! Talk about room to move. With speakers playing music, skaters can use on-site lockers, rent skates, hit the concession stand and attend scheduled events. Hours are Fridays 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays Noon – 5 p.m. Admission is $2 and rentals are $3.
Directions: From South Station, take the Worcester line to Worcester. Exit the station and take a left towards Front Street. Take a left onto Front Street. Take a left onto Main Street and your destination will be on your left. Total walking time is about 10 minutes.
3. Boston Harbor Hotel
70 Rowes Wharf, Boston
Skate under the arch in the rotunda of Boston Harbor Hotel this winter. This rink is on the smaller side, but has views of the harbor and the city. There is a warming room to keep cozy when off the ice. Admission is $10 and rentals are $10. Hours are Monday to Friday 3 p.m. -8 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Directions: Take the Orange Line to State Street. Take a left onto State Street. Turn right onto Broad Street. Take a Right onto John F. Fitzgerald Surface Road. Take a left onto High Street and a Right onto Atlantic Ave. The Boston Harbor Hotel will be on your left. Total walking time is about 10 minutes.
2. Jack Kirrane Ice Skating Rink at Larz Anderson Park
23 Newton Street, Brookline
This sweet skating rink has views of the city from her pastoral setting. With a snack bar and park to explore as well this spot is for nature lovers. Skating lessons are available. Admission is $7 and rentals are $6. Hours are Tuesday and Thursday 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Friday 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Directions: Take the Green Line C towards Cleveland Circle and get off at Cleveland Circle. Cross over to the Reservoir bus stop. Grab the 51 Bus towards Forest Hills Station via Putterham. Take it 9 stops to Clyde Street opp. Whitney Street. Head down Clyde Street towards Newton Street. Take a left onto Newton Street. Destination will be on your left. Total walking time is about 10 minutes.
1.Kelly Outdoor Skate Rink
1 Marbury Terrace, Jamaica Plain
How can you beat a public outdoor ice-skating rink that is FREE? Yes, you heard us right, FREE! Kelly Outdoor Skate Rink is a blast. It’s so close to public transportation that you can watch the Orange Line go by as it shuttles people in and out of the city while you skate on by. For $2 you can rent skates and they even store your shoes for you. Pretty killer if you ask us.
Learning to skate? No problem! They have stacks of milk crates available for newbies and lessons available too. Or you can take your chances and go for it yourself!
Once you get your balance and are on your way, you will be skating like a pro.
Although this rink is on the smaller side, it has views of the Prudential building and a warming room to snuggle up in if you’re chilled to the bone. Get there early to have the rink to yourself for a bit. Make sure to pack goodies and water because there is no snack stand. The friendly staff and well-kept rink will have you dancing to your own tunes!
Directions: Take the Orange Like towards Forest Hills. Hop off at Stony Brook. Take a left onto Boylston Street and another left onto Armory Street. A final left will get you on Marbury Terrace and the rink is at the end of this dead end street. Total walking time is about 5 minutes.
Where’s your favorite stop for a skate? Let us know where you head for an afternoon to twirl around the ice!
