Discover The 10 Largest Ice Skating Rinks In Connecticut

There’s nothing like a New England holiday season. From quaint towns decorated with charming lights to vintage colonials taking you back to earlier days, Connecticut is especially a wonderful place to enjoy the winter months. And what better cold-weather activity than ice skating? Luckily, Connecticut is packed with opportunities to get out on the ice. From outdoor rinks to professional facilities, these are the largest ice skating rinks in Connecticut.

Cohen Ice Skating Center, Stamford 

As soon as it becomes late fall, the Cohen Display Fountain, which features shooting streams of water, transforms into an outdoor ice rink. The massive 9,000-foot rink is said to be larger than the famous Rockefeller Center rink in New York City! It stays open seven days a week until spring. Visitors can bring their skates or rent on-site, and reservations are recommended because the rink fills up fast during the holiday season.

Westport PAL Rink, Westport

Located next to the Long Island Sound, visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery while skating at this outdoor rink. The full regulation-size rink has been a town staple for 25 years. Lessons, parties, and hockey games are just some of the happenings. There’s also a fully heated indoor changing area and concessions to beat the chill.

Danbury Ice Arena, Danbury

Two NHL-sized sheets of ice are available for year-round skating fun at this arena, which has options for everyone. Besides lessons, the facility offers adult leagues, speed skating, and many activities if you tire of skating. There’s a full bar, axe lounge, and state-of-the-art arcade onsite. The rink is also home to the Danbury Hat Tricks Federal Hockey League. 

SoNo Ice House, Norwalk

Enjoy two skating options at this enormous facility. There’s an official NHL-sized rink, one training rink, and a range of skating opportunities. Take lessons, play hockey, or skate for fun. When you’re done, grab something at the cafe, buy gear at the pro shop, or strengthen your skating muscles at the off-ice training facility.

International Skating Center, Simsbury

Two regulation-sized rinks at this center cater to all ages and levels of skaters. Choose from kids and adult programs, open skate, or hockey. You can even throw parties there. An onsite fitness center adds to the options for keeping active.

Wonderland of Ice, Bridgeport

What started as a sheet of ice in 1967 has become a full-fledged wonder, for sure. There’s an NHL-size rink and even a curling facility on site. As expected, the venue holds lessons and clinics for skaters and hockey players and even has a figure skating school. Adult and youth leagues regularly play at the rink as well. 

Champions Skating Center, Cromwell

From public skating to private lessons, Champions Skating Center offers it all with an NHL-size rink and Olympic-sized rink. The rink was recently renovated and offers programs for hockey players and figure skaters of all ages. Additionally, there’s a 33,000-square-foot fitness center with a pool onsite.

Ingalls Rink, New Haven

This NHL-sized rink, which is on the campus of Yale University, was once named the rink with the best design in America. It has a uniquely curved shape to its building, which has led to the facility’s nickname of “the whale”. The rink regularly hosts varsity hockey teams, and club and intramural teams. There are also open skate times for both Yale students and staff and the general public.

Veterans Memorial Skating Rink, West Hartford

This NHL-size rink is temperature-controlled for comfortable skating. There are also lighting effects and music played to add to the experience. Besides public skating, the rink offers lessons for all ages in both hockey and figure skating. You can join a hockey league there or throw a birthday party. Plus, there’s a cafe and pro shop on site.

Milford Ice Arena, Milford

This huge ice skating venue claims to be one of the most heavily visited venues in Connecticut, seeing over 435,000 visitors annually. The NHL-sized ice rink operates year-round, and there are separate party rooms that can host a range of events. As expected, the rink also offers various lessons and leagues, from hockey to beginning skaters. There’s even a holiday show held at the rink.

Summary of the Largest Ice-Skating Rinks in Connecticut: