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Top Ice Skating Spots in Connecticut

Glastonbury, Outdoor Skating, Public Skating, Skaters

Some of the top ice skating spots in Connecticut are located in urban areas in this state. The truth is that the state of Connecticut is very densely populated and there are large populations centers which are seeking entertainment and recreation. To address this need during the winter season, some of the top ice skating spots in Connecticut are contained in indoor recreation centers scattered across the state but located chiefly in urban areas.

Veterans Memorial Skating Rink, West Hartford, CT. Hartford is a major metropolitan area in Connecticut and it is no surprise that one of the top skating spots in Connecticut is located there.and draws large and enthusiastic crowds of skaters. Veterans Memorial Skating Rink offers hockey, figure skating, skating lessons, a figure skating club and of course public skating hours.

Some of the public skating hours are restricted to those skaters who have achieved a certain level of skating proficiency. In this way skaters with more command of themselves and their skates can make more intricate moves without fear of contact with other less experienced skaters. But what is encouraging to all skaters at VMSR is that seven days each week there is some open public skating time that is designated for people of every ability level.

During the winter admission charges are $5.50 for seniors and children under 12 and $6 for adults. For non Hartford residents the cost is $7. You may also rent skates at the VMSR for $4. For families, a special bargain rate is available on Sunday evenings when from 7-8 p.m. one child is admitted free with an accompanying adult.

Eastbury Pond, Glastonbury, Ct. For those who really long for that special feeling of skating out in the fresh air, there are town and city parks across the state of Connecticut that can occasionally become among the top ice skating spots in the state. The problem is of course that outdoor ice is entirely dependent upon weather conditions. In most cases there needs to be a prolonged period of sub-freezing temperatures in order to bring the pond into a solid freeze and support the formation of skating surfaces. Weather can interfere with even the best surface if it is covered frequently by snow flurries or storms. Frequent volunteer maintenance has to be applied to keep the outdoor pond surfaces ready for skating. Still those who prefer outdoor skating will tell you that it is well worth the effort for the glass like surface you can enjoy, a surface that can never be equaled by indoor rinks.

Eastbury Pond in Glastonbury, CT. can give you just that kind of experience. During the summer the pond is the setting for summer swim programs and recreational swimming for individuals and families. In spring time you will find that fishing may well be the sport of choice here. In winter when a hard freeze descends upon the pond, its definitely time to break out the skates and enjoy skating in the great outdoors. The pond is ringed by woodlands and there are occasional benches where you can lace up your skates and get ready for the thrill of outdoor skating. There are few amenities but that’s really not what this adventure is all about. For more information about using Eastbury Pond call 860-652-7679.

Bolton Ice Palace, Bolton, CT. There is a lot to be said for the newest state of the art skating facilities that are sprouting up all over the state and the nation. But for Connecticut residents who live in or near Bolton, CT., there is also a lot to be said for recreational facilities that have stood the test of time. The Bolton Ice Palace is now in its 4th decade of operation and continues to meet the skating needs and interests of people in the region. This is clearly not one of the newest facilities you can find in the state but it is reliable and has survived the use of more than a generation of skaters.

Bolton Ice Palace offers all the standard rink programs like figure skating, hockey, skating lessons and the very popular, public skating. Admission price at the rink is $5 and skate rentals are offered at $3. Public skating time slots change frequently and change to take advantage of holidays and vacations. To make certain of open ice time for public skating or to register for special classes or programs at the Ice Palace, patrons are invited to call 860- 646-7851.

Norwich Ice Rink, Norwich, CT. Featuring a National Hockey League size surface, the Norwich Ice Rink attracts many people from the greater Norwich ,CT area for all kinds of on ice activities.

Norwich Ice Rink is very conscious of the needs of the general public who may not want to take lessons or join a hockey league, but certainly do want a place to come with friends or family to enjoy the health promoting exercise of ice skating . The Norwich Ice Rink is a not for profit operation and really does its level best to simply and surely meet the needs of the public.

To this end Norwich Ice Rink offers public skating every day of the week at reasonable rates. The rink will make special arrangements to accommodate birthday parties and give rate reductions to groups in attendance. For more information about rates and times for public skating each day call 860-892-2555