The Coolest Ice Rinks in Houston
These ice rinks in the greater Houston area have something for every person.
Image: michelmond/Shutterstock.com
Despite this past summer’s challenging temperatures, Houston’s finally starting to feel the first hints of the chilly season—which means it’s time for some activities to get you in the holiday mood. Luckily for you, Houston happens to have some fantastic skate rinks for your enjoyment. What better way to spend a wintry (or as wintry as it gets here) Saturday afternoon than whizzing by your family and friends on the ice? We picked out seven of our favorite Houston-area ice skating rinks so that you can embrace the changing season. Lace up, try not to fall, and enjoy the glide as you hit the rink.
Ice at the Galleria
galleria
Tackle your holiday gift list, spend time with your friends, and treat yourself to some time on the ice at this one-stop shop. The Galleria rink is open year-round, but during the holidays it sports a magical 55-foot Christmas tree at the center.
Admission is $13–$15.50. Skate rental is an additional $5.25.
Moody Gardens
galveston
Over two million twinklers are ready to dazzle you and yours at Moody Gardens’ annual Festival of Lights (November 18–January 6), admission to which is required if you want to go ice skating. All that walking and skating can build up quite an appetite. Luckily, there’s hot cocoa and s’mores on hand to make your day even more festive.
Requires Festival of Lights admission for $25–$29. Skate rental is a separate cost.
The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center
The Woodlands
The Woodlands Township’s 21,000-square-foot multipurpose facility, located near the Pavilion, freezes over into a beautiful rink that delights both the young and the young at heart.
Admission is $7–$15. Skate rental is included, but you can get a ticket discount if you bring your own skates.
The ice rink at Discovery Green has photo opportunities with Pancho Claus and Black Santa.
Image: Courtesy Discovery Green
Green Mountain Energy Ice
DISCovery green
Houston’s only outdoor ice skating facility, Green Mountain Energy Ice (formerly the ICE at Discovery Green) takes over the park’s Kinder Lake with an eco-friendly take on the winter tradition. On November 10, you can take photos with Pancho Claus and Black Santa, explore Input Output’s Bioluminaire public art exhibition, and even make snow angels at the Frostival event. The first 50 skaters to show up receive free admission.
Admission is $17, with Cheap Skate Monday tickets for $8. Skate rental is included.
Aerodrome Ice Skating Complex
Willowbrook
Whether you want to learn how to figure skate, freestyle on the ice (something not allowed at some of the other rinks listed here), or take a few leisurely laps for your health, Aerodrome Ice Skating Complex is the place to go. Nutcracker on Ice performances are slated for December 15 and 16, for Houstonians looking to catch a classic holiday show.
Admission is $10. Skate rental is an additional $6.
Ice Skate Memorial City
Memorial City
Conveniently located in Memorial City Mall, this skate rink is close to a food court and restaurants, a carousel, and all of the mall’s amenities. There are also private pickup hockey games, as well as adult and youth hockey leagues, for skaters wanting to take their skills to an exciting, challenging direction.
Admission is $10. Skate rental is an additional $5.
Sugar Land Ice and Sports Center
Sugar Land
This suburban winter wonderland, already a hit with area residents, is well worth the glide over to the southwest side for everyone else. Prefer spectating to skating? Come watch your fellow Houstonians perform in Nutcracker on Ice on December 9 and 10.
Admission is $12 for 2 hours and $14 for 3 hours. Skate rental is included.
Jeanne Lyons Davis, Anna Rajagopal, and Uvie Bikomo contributed to this guide.
