Discover The 5 Largest Ice Skating Rinks In Kansas This Winter

Written by Lisa Bohler
Published: November 24, 2023
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You do not have to be cooped up this winter you can go ice skating.

Ice skating is a favorite winter activity for families.

©Deklofenak/ via Getty Images

Ice skating rinks in Kansas provide a place to participate in a traditional recreational winter activity. This activity originated in Scandinavia more than 2000 years ago. Originally, skating on ice was a means of transportation. It has evolved into a sport and a means of enjoyment. This is an activity that people of all ages enjoy.

Strapping on skates and gliding over ice is an excellent source of exercise and enjoyment. In the winter, most people develop cabin fever from staying indoors and feeling cooped up. Strapping on the skates and playing on the ice uses excess energy, works your muscles, increases endorphins, and helps alleviate depression and anxiety because the physical activity is mood-altering.

Going to an established skating rink ensures the activity is safe and enjoyable. The ice at established rinks is thick and maintained, so skaters fall less and glide more smoothly across the surface. Indoor rinks protect you from the outdoor elements of cold, rain, or snow, and the temperatures inside the rinks are controlled so skaters can skate without their heavy winter coats and scarves.

Outdoor skating venues provide the safety and convenience of maintained ice, while giving you the exhiliration of feeling the cold air on your face as you glide effortlessly across the ice. Outdoor rinks also offer romantic night skates where couples can enjoy each others company and the beauty of their surroundings.

          1) Kansas City Ice Center and Pavillion In Shawnee

          Outdoor fun in the winter involves skates

          Skating is done in the daytime and at night.

          ©Suzanne Tucker/Shutterstock.com

          KC Ice Center is located in Shawnee, Kansas. The ice rink measures 200′ x 85′, which qualifies it as an NHL-sized rink. Because the rink is NHL size and used for hockey games, the ice thickness is 3/4″ thick to meet the NHL regulations for ice surface thickness.

          There is enough seating for 800 spectators to watch a hockey game and enough parking spaces to accommodate 300 cars. This rink is home to the Kansas City Stars Hockey Club.

          Activities Offered At KC Ice Center

          • Skating lessons.
          • Learn to play hockey lessons.
          • Stick and Puck time.
          • Special events for homeschooled children.
          • Skating camps.
          • Hockey games.
          • Skate sharpening and rentals.
          • Private parties. An assistant is available for the first 90 minutes of birthday parties to assist beginner skaters.
          • Group skating events.
          • Freestyle skating.

          2) The Ice At Park Place

          A couple holding hands while gliding over the ice.

          Night skates are romantic and exhilarating.

          ©Yellowstone National Park / Public domain, Flickr – Original / License

          Skaters who want to experience ice skating in the great outdoors will enjoy the only outdoor skating rink in Leawood, KS. The Ice Rink at Park Place is open each day starting mid-November and stays open until March 3rd.

          They offer skating opportunities, shows, events, and public performances that entertain and delight visitors. The Ice Rink offers:

          • Skate rentals
          • Season Passes
          • Birthday and group rates of $11 per skater, with free skate rentals. However, the group must be 20 or more.
          • Skating lessons for individuals or groups.
          • The ability to rent the entire rink for private parties and events. Up to 150 people can attend if you rent the entire rink.

          3) The Ice Rink In The Manhattan City Park

          A little girl figure skating at an indoor ice skating rink

          A little girl is demonstrating her skating skills.

          ©Maria Moroz/ via Getty Images

          Children love ice skating rinks in Kansas because the cold winters limit other outdoor activities. The Ice Rink in The Manhattan City Park and recreation center provides an official NHL-sized rink, great lighting, and fun for the entire family.

          The Ice Rink is open from November until February each year. You can bring your skates or rent a pair when you arrive. Skates for children are available in hockey style or figure skating style. However, skates for women are figure skating only, and skates for men are hockey only. They offer skate sharpening services, classes, hot chocolate,

          Activities at the facility include:

          • Skating lessons for individuals ages 4 and up.
          • Private party rentals.
          • Family skating for everyone.
          • Figure skating.
          • Hockey.
          • Parent’s night out activities.

          4) Witchita Ice Center

          Fun activities to do during the winter include visiting an ice skating rink

          Indoor rinks offer better temperatures and lighting for night skating.

          ©Chris / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 – Original / License

          Ice skating is an activity and an opportunity to get out of the house and spend time with friends and family. The Witchita Ice Center is an ice skating rink in Kansas. The ice rink at the Witchita Ice Center is a regulation size of 200′ x 85′ with ice that is 3/4″ thick.

          Hockey leagues practice and play games at this rink. Figure skaters practice and participate in competitions at this rink. There is also public skating for anyone and everyone to enjoy. Skating lessons are available for beginners and as refresher courses.

          The rink is open year-round, so you can skate whenever you like and keep your skills and abilities honed.

          Final Thoughts

          Ice skating in Kansas, and in general, is a healthy activity suitable for all ages, all genders, and all lifestyles. This is an affordable activity that does not require you to own expensive equipment or join a gym to participate. You can go as often as you want and take the family with you.

          Summary Of The 6 Largest Ice Skating Rinks In Kansas This Year

          RinkLocation
          Kansas City Ice Center and Pavillion19900 Johnson Dr. Shawnee, KS, 66218
          The Ice at Park Place11565 Ash St, Leawood, KS 66211
          The Ice Rink In The Manhattan City Park1101 Poyntz Ave. Manhattan, KS, 66502
          Witchita Ice Center505 W Maple St. Witchita, KS 67213

          The photo featured at the top of this post is © FamVeld/iStock via Getty Images


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          About the Author

          Lisa Bohler is a writer for A-Z Animals, where her primary focus is on mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Lisa has been writing and researching animals for over 12 years and holds a Bachelor's Degree in English and Creative Writing from Liberty University, which she earned in 2021. A resident of Texas, Lisa enjoys fishing, gardening, and caring for the animals on her small hobby farm.

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