Typically mild Georgia—not the first place one thinks of when wanting to go ice skating. During the winter months, outdoor rinks temporarily pop up and are usually adorned with festive decor and little stands serving hot chocolate, pretzels, and other warm snacks. Permanent complexes offering icy fun year-round are situated throughout the state as well. So grab your skates, some gloves and a coat—it’s time to tap into our Winter Olympics skills at the best ice skating rinks in Georgia.
Atlantic Station
Atlantic Station is a shopping village in Atlanta—a range of shops, restaurants, lodging and activities bring the little district to life, especially during the winter. Everything is in this one, adorable place, and once parked in the convenient deck below, it’s a breeze to navigate around. That being said, they have a beautiful ice skating set up through the chilly months, surrounded by twinkling lights and little snack shacks. Unlike many other “just for fun” rinks, the ice is kept smooth as long as crowds aren’t flooding in. Weekdays, and after Christmas are the less chaotic times to visit.
Ice Days in Olde Town Conyers
Olde town Conyers is a charming historic district southeast of Atlanta—an authentic Mexican restaurant, pubs and coffee shops are sprinkled throughout the revived brick buildings. For the season, a precious rink pops up and is festively themed. An on-site concession stand provides affordable, classic food while actual skating costs are lower than usual, coming in at $10 for rentals, 2 hours on the ice and free parking. Not to mention, Conyers is more easily accessible than Atlanta.
Atlanta IceForum
Open year-round, Atlanta IceForum is located just above the heart of the city. Being an indoor arena, you can come here to legitimately learn how to skate, via on your own or through professional lessons. Hockey and figure skating activities are regularly held here, so you can imagine how smooth the ice is. Check online to see the public skate schedule—admission is $10 and skate rentals $4. Upstairs there’s a sports bar overlooking the rink, so you can munch on pasta, burgers, salads or wings while spectating.
Marietta Ice Center
Completely basic with zero frills, the Marietta Ice Center is a solid place to brush up on your figure skating or hockey technique—or maybe you just want to learn simple skating skills. Lessons are provided, or the family can hit the ice during public sessions.
Skyline Park
Skyline Park sits on top of Ponce City Market, a food and shopping hall situated inside a historic Atlanta building. During warmer months, people hit the roof for games and cocktails in the Georgia sun. But during the winter, it’s converted to a winter wonderland complete with ice skating rink and “igloos” for keeping warm. These big bubbles have become a great solution for the Park —no one has to skip the skyline views because of chilly weather.
Ice Rink at Sugar Hill
A little south of Lake Lanier, Sugar Hill has an undeniable charm. Set under a simple tent pavilion, colorful lights and music bring it to life. Those with wobbly legs can use the ice walkers to support themselves until they get the hang of it all. The night doesn’t end with skating, grab a s’mores kit from the well-equipped concessions stand and roast up a tasty treat by the fire pit!
Columbus Ice Rink
Another indoor arena, the Columbus Ice Rink is relatively new with well-maintained ice to zip around on. Columbus sits close to the Alabama border, in southern Georgia, so having an ice rink around here is a treat. Stadium seating is nice for parents who just want to watch. Coming to a complex, rather than more novelty pop up rinks gives you way more bang for your buck, if skating is the strict focus. But if you want the holly jolly atmosphere, stick to the outdoor rinks.
The Ice
Located north of Atlanta, in Cumming, The Ice is a modern complex where people come to skate or play hockey—Georgia Tech actually holds games in the facility. Keep in mind if you’re a beginner, those little portable support bars that help you along the ice aren’t available here—you’ll just have to learn the old fashioned way! Military, active and retired, along with fire and police personnel get to skate free.
Center Ice Arena
Best ice in the area, so they say. And by the looks of it, they might be right—it’s sleek and gleaming. You kind of get the best of both worlds here, as they do a fine job decking the halls for the holidays. Not keen on the idea of stumbling around on skates? Center Ice Arena offers an alternative—curling. The Winter Olympics sport consists of moving a stone around on the ice, and you can keep your shoes on. It’s a versatile game that almost anyone can play.
