Something about skating outside has always been appealing to me. I love the fresh air and the busy city all around. It really makes you feel like a smaller part of a much larger universe but not in a sad way, in a more community-like feeling. Since I grew up skating (both ice skating and roller skating), it was a no-brainer that my kids needed to learn to skate. It took several tries to actually be able to have a successful day skating where everyone was happy and with a can-do attitude. Ages 6 and 8 seemed to really seal the deal as far as the kids’ confidence and ability goes. Mornings tend to be the best for beginners since the ice is sparse around 10 AM.The rink offers rentals on beginner props that assist greatly in getting your balance while standing on skates. These are either the smaller adorable penguins or the taller snowmen. More recently we noticed a blue walker-like device that helps with balancing. These were essential for the kids initially but after a half hour or so, they seemed to have figured it out and were onto skating without any assistance. They were so proud of themselves!On-line reservations are available but not required for skating. The weekends are the busiest so I would recommend reservations then if you want to secure your space. The bumper cars have limited availability and seem to book up fast. We have not been able to try them. Before skating starts on weekend mornings, the full ice skating rink is available for bumper car use. On week days the rink is sectioned in 2 with the bumper car area being about a 1/4 of the rink and the rest open skating. Everyone on the bumper cars seems to have a great time. My son can’t wait to ride them. He also loves to watch the Zamboni clean the ice like most children do. Kids’ fascination with powerful machinery is evident as they all watch from the sidelines.
If you are looking for an active and fun outdoor family activity, then check this out! There are all age groups here from young kids to elderly. Some days it is so cold but I promise, once you get on the ice and start moving, it’s not so noticeable. Also the key is to dress warm. I put snow pants on. My kids were actually too hot and trying to take off layers. Better this way then to be cold and not have anything additional to put on, right?happy to go out here with their friendsoutside time makes us happy, try it!around Christmas break if you visit they have this festive tree upthe kids love skating togetherthe kids loved bringing their own roller skates to visit the Providence Rink in the summer time. They can enjoy this lovely rink in fall and spring too!
This is where you rent the skates after paying. attendants inside will help with your requests. At this time the tunnel is not able to be walked throughbumper cars available for rent-if you can find availability!
This gives you an idea of the bumper cars
You can sit all around the rink on the cement staircase or there are a few chairs and benches to take off / put on your skates
The treasured Zamboni! look how beautiful the city buildings look in the backdropthen (above) and now! always something to admire at all ages
how gorgeous is that blue sky in winter!? this is a view looking toward Providence Place Mall
We started skating at an early age with the kids I think Jamison might be 4 or 5 here?
Near Valentine’s day, the Newport City Center ice rink was beautifully decorated with this heart that lights up at night, everyone poses for photos here.
now closed, this hallway was an easy way to walk around the city heading toward the providence place mall if you parked that way or just want to explore a bit.
The Skinny:
Weather : This is an outdoor winter location with some shielding from the wind so ideally you want a rain-free day
Parking : Limited metered street parking is available (free on Sundays). There is an app now for parking at the meters which is super easy to use. Otherwise there is a garage located at 5 Memorial Blvd -Union Station Parking Garage validated tickets cost $5 for 3 hours.
Admissions : Adults-$9.00 , Children 12 and under-$6.00, seniors 65 and older-$6.00, Military- $7.00. Skate rental $8.41 Penguin / snowman/ walker balancing rentals- $10.00. Lockers, helmets and season passes are available if desired. Bumper Cars: ages 3 -5 can ride on an adult’s lap,6 and up can ride alone. Saturdays and Sundays from 9-10 AM the full ice is available for bumper car use in 15 minute increments for $16 per car. Partial ice space for bumper cars and a majority for ice skating Monday-Friday 4:00-8:00 PM and Saturday-Sunday 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM $13.00 per ride, per person
Location : Like the name says, this rink is in the center of down town Providence. The bus station, Convention Center, Providence Place Mall and The Biltmore Hotel are all minutes away and walkable. It is open for ice skating, roller skating, birthday party rentals and movies all seasonal and weather permitting.
Hours : skating is open 10 AM-10 PM everyday with bumper car rentals as specified times, see above under admissions
Duration : We stayed here about 3 hours. We brought snacks and waters which is typical for 4 kids to request during that timespan.
Tips and Recommendations : When the kids were beginners I brought them helmets. I packed some small snacks and drinks for the kids. I went on Sunday and a weekday. If you want the rink to be sparse I recommend a weekday morning it’s so peaceful and you don’t have to worry about kids following the direction of skating traffic!
Cons : Its definitely taxing with all the gear trying to put skates on your kids and hearing them whine they don’t want to try any longer because they “can’t skate.” Hopefully you can have another family member or friend with you to take turns if the kids are griping so it can be more enjoyable for you. If not, try not to have big expectations it does take some persistence and a lot positive conversations to get the kids encouraged enough to want to keep trying!
In the Spring Summer and Fall:
Thursday-Friday: Public Roller Skating / Roller Disco 5PM-10PM
Select Saturdays:
Roller Skating/Roller Disco 12PM-8PM, Movies at Sunset Weather Permitting
Pricing for off season : Adults are $9.00 and kids 12 and under as well as those 65 and older $6.00. Skate rentals are $8.41 across the board
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