Massachusetts offers unique opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year. Whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall, and no matter the weather, there are special places to explore and exciting activities to enjoy.
One of the most invigorating winter activities is outdoor ice skating, offering a refreshing experience on a pond-like surface with fresh winter air. Here are a few outdoor rinks in Massachusetts to get you started:
- The Boston Common Frog Pond: Located in the heart of Boston, this rink offers ice skating seven days a week, lessons, rentals, and events like IceFlow Yoga on Ice. Don’t miss the two Frog Pond Skating Spectacular shows at First Night on December 31. The Frog Pond, located inside the Boston Common, was established in 1634, and is the oldest public park in the United States.
- The Kelly Outdoor Rink: An open-air public skating arena owned by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, located in Jamaica Plain.
- Winter Skate at Patriot Place, Foxborough: The ideal spot for a large group, located in Lot 12B of South Marketplace within the popular Patriot Place complex at Gillette Stadium.
- The SBLI Rink at MarketStreet, Lynnfield: Open daily for winter fun.
- Lily Pond: Sometimes referred to as Ellms Meadow, you’ll enjoy the natural beauty synonymous with Cohasset, a cozy, scenic town south of Boston.
- The Brewster Community Ice Arena: Located in the town of Brewster on Cape Cod.
- Worcester Common Oval Ice Skating: Located directly behind Worcester City Hall, this 12,000 square foot rink is professionally managed by ASM Global.
- Monterey Outdoor Skating Rink: Captures the serenity of The Berkshires in the town of Monterey.
First a tip - the key to enjoying outdoor ice skating is to layer up. Don’t forget your hat, gloves and scarf, and be sure to wear warm socks! These provisions will help you overcome any trepidations you may have about being outdoors in chilly weather because once you are on the ice, it’s all about skating and the environment. You will welcome the cool breeze on your face as you are sliding and gliding around the rink, taking in the outdoor beauty of Massachusetts.
Ice Skating at Frog Pond in Boston Common
Winter Skate at Patriot Place
For the 10th consecutive winter, Patriot Place is bringing the time-honored tradition of outdoor ice skating to life in the shadow of Gillette Stadium. Winter Skate at Patriot Place will open for the season outside of CBS Sporting Club and the Patriots ProShop on Friday, Nov. The surface is large enough to accommodate beginners and experts alike, hockey and private events. The rink features an observation deck for non-skaters.
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“When we first opened Winter Skate at Patriot Place, we were excited to introduce a fun and affordable outdoor activity for our guests,” said Patriot Place Vice President and General Manager Brian Earley. “Over the course of 10 years, Winter Skate has grown to become a wintertime tradition at the center.
Standard skating price is $10 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under and seniors 65 and over. Skate rentals are $5.
Also taking place at Patriot Place during Winter Skate’s opening weekend will be Ocean Spray’s ninth annual Fall Harvest on Sunday, Nov. Additionally, those visiting Winter Skate from Nov. 9-12 can enter to win tickets to the Patriots-Viking game at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, Dec.
Each change of season in Massachusetts offer unique opportunities we love. Whether it’s winter, spring, summer, or fall, and no matter the weather, we have something special ready for you to do, distinct places for you to explore, and new and exciting activities. Now, bundle up and head out to enjoy a beautiful outdoor activity, and while it may be cold out there, the season is fleeting, so don’t miss it!
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Special Events and Appearances
Friday, November 14th marked the opening of Winter Skate at Patriot Place, an outdoor ice skating rink located in Patriot Place at Gillette Stadium. Helping to celebrate season opening, Pat Patriot Mascot, the Patriots Cheerleaders and Junior Patriots Cheerleaders joined a crowd of excited skaters, circling the ice to fun music provided by a DJ, only going inside a few times for hot cocoa! It was a festive way to kick off the holiday season.
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Each year, the Junior Patriots Cheerleaders make appearances in the community with the Patriots Cheerleaders. Together they support the efforts of charitable organizations, work to enthusiastically engage Patriots fans and promote teamwork and camaraderie.
Pat Patriot and Patriots Cheerleaders to appear at outdoor ice rink on Friday, Nov. 9 and Red Sox mascot, Wally, to appear on Monday, Nov. The mascot fun continues on Monday, Nov. 12, with an appearance from Wally of the 2018 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox.
In honor of Veterans Day, Winter Skate is offering free admission and skate rental to active duty military, veterans and their families from Nov. 9 through Nov. 12.
Winter Skate at Patriot Place
NHL Winter Classic at Gillette Stadium
On December 29, 2015, the city of Boston hosted its first ever outdoor professional hockey game, the 2016 NHL Winter Classic, at Gillette Stadium in nearby Foxborough. The game featured the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens, and drew over 67,000 fans.
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How much fun would it be to skate just yards away from where the Patriots have played some of the most dramatic football games in history?