Best Places to Go Ice Skating in Pittsburgh
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Refrigeration technology has advanced itself to the point that winter conditions are no longer necessary to enjoy ice sports. Everything from figure skating and ice hockey to curling may be enjoyed everywhere from Phoenix to Miami, as long as it's indoors. In places where winter arrives early and stays late however, outdoor ice rinks are preferred. In Pittsburgh, when the winter arrives, and the weather outside is frosty white, grab your skates, a thermos of cocoa, and head to one of the outdoor rinks on this list. Here are the best places to go ice skating in Pittsburgh.
The Rink at PPG
3 PPG Place 410 Marker St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 434-1900
ppgplace.com
Price: $7
The Rink at PPG, is the quintessential outdoor ice rink right in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. In December, when its surrounded by holiday lights and shoppers, it appears an oasis from the overcrowded malls and downtown shops. You can't help but dream about getting off your tired feet and gliding around on the ice. It's cheaper than parking at a Steeler or Penguin game and will surely add a great deal of joy to your holiday.
South Side Works "Penguins Pond"
26th and Sidney streets
Pittsburgh, PA 15203-5111
(412) 877-6475
www.pittsburghpenguins.com
Click here for pricing and schedules as they're released
Pittsburgh's love affair with ice hockey, winter sports and outdoor ice rinks began back In the early '90s. The Penguins were on their way to back to back Stanley Cup championship, everyone owned a Mario Lemieux No. 66 jersey and sales of ice skates had never been higher. A couple of years ago, when the Penguins moved from the Civic/Mellon Arena to their new home at the CONSOL Energy Center they decided to build an outdoor rink in the South Side. Located "outside" of the team's facility at the Southside Works is the Penguin's Pond. It is an outdoor arena dedicated to good, old-fashioned winter fun.
Related: Pittsburgh Winter Fun
Schenley Park
1 Overlook Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15207
(412) 422-6523
visitpa.com
Price: $4
Schenley Park, located just off Panther Hollow Road near the University of Pittsburgh, is home to one of the city's favorite ice rinks. It attracts everyone including nearby college students, couples and families with young children when it opens each November. Special events at the Schenley rink include Skate with Santa in December, the Mascot Skate in January and Valentines on Ice in February. For more information on public skating sessions click here.
South Park
Corrigan Drive
South Park, PA 15129
(412) 833-1499
www.county.allegheny.pa.us
Price: $5 adults/$3 children and senior citizens
The South Park Ice Rink opens Nov. 10 (weather permitting) and continues through the winter months until mid-March. It offers a number of activities each winter at the rink, everything from open skate to ice hockey games. Additional discounts can be had through the park's community days and park pass programs.
North Park
Pearce Mill Road
Allison Park, PA 15101
(724) 935-1280
www.county.allegheny.pa.us
Price: $5 adults/$3 children and senior citizens
North Park, located in Allegheny County in Allison Park, is another four-season park that offers outdoor ice skating each winter. Much like its sister park to the south, it is scheduled to open Nov. 10 and close sometime in mid-March. Admission is cheap, and North Park honors community days and park pass program tickets for ice skating. Special events at the park include Sweetheart Couples Skate, Family Skate and an Ice Skating Show held annually each March. For more information on the Community Days program pass click here.
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Marcel Tourdot is a freelance writer from Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
