The skating rink at Washington Harbour kicked off its season on December 1, 2012, becoming the latest member of the growing ranks of outdoor rinks in the DC area. The rink is 11,800 square feet, measuring larger than the Sculpture Garden rink on the National Mall and includes a large tower in the center, which is lit up with multicolored lights at night.This brand new facility has many great reasons for families to visit.
First off, its skates are brand new and very cushy! Everyone renting skates “oohed and aahed” over the newness and comfort of the skates provided (note – no half sizes are available though). Second, it has three-foot penguins with handles that kids can push around the ice! These are great for kids learning to skate and were also used by proficient skaters to help them skate with more speed and confidence. We have been to many rinks in the area and have seen both orange cones and plastic buckets for beginners but these penguins were the clear winners for my 6 and 8 year-old skaters!
The indoor area of the facility includes an area for admission and skate rental, brand new bathrooms and a room in the back with lockers and benches for putting on and removing skates. Lockers are available for one dollar (bring quarters). Washington Harbour’s location in Georgetown just off of the Potomac River provides positive and negative aspects for a visit here. The area surrounding the rink has many restaurants and those ringing the outside of the rink have both outdoor seating and even outdoor bars making this a great place to enjoy a meal and skating (date night?). It is difficult though to find parking nearby due to the popularity of visiting Georgetown.
Washington Harbour’s rink offers several special events throughout the week that cater to kids. Saturday afternoons from noon to 2pm, costumed characters and local mascots take to the ice to skate along side kids of all ages during the rink’s weekly Cartoon Skate. Visitors this season have included snowmen and penguins with local mascots and other friends scheduled to visit in the upcoming weeks. Saturday nights from 8 to 10pm caters to older kids with the “Rock and Skate” program including music, games and prizes. Birthday party packages and ice skating lessons are also available for kids of all ages including a new session of Parent and Tot skating for 3-5 year olds and their parents which begins on January 22nd.
Public Skating admission for the Washington Harbour rink is $9 for adults (13 and up) and $7 for children under 12, military personnel and seniors aged 55 and up. Skate rentals are available for $5 per person. Tuesday afternoons from 4 to 6pm are two for one skate admission for the remainder of the 2013 skating season. Discount cards for 10 admissions are also available for purchase. Admission is not timed and is valid for the entire day of your purchase.
The schedule for public skating is as follows:
Monday through Thursday 12pm to 9pmFridays 12pm to 10pmSaturdays 10am to 10pmSundays 10am to 7pm
Their website notes that private events may be booked from 7pm to 9pm Sundays through Wednesdays so you may want to call ahead if your planned visit falls during these time frames.
The ice rink at Washington Harbour is outdoors and exposed to the elements so you may also want to call ahead or choose another day to visit in the case of inclement weather like rain or high winds. As with all ice skating be sure to leave home prepared with tall socks and gloves for everyone in your party and helmets for beginner skaters.
My family had a blast checking out this new rink. Its picturesque location and large skating surface made for a great afternoon. We hope to be able to visit the rink at night to see the twinkle lights and the fountain all lit up before its set closing date at the end of February!
Have you been to the Ice Rink at Washington Harbour? What’s your opinion? Just drop us a note and Our Kids will add your comments to this review.
