Winter gets a bad wrap for being a season where there’s little to do but hibernate on the couch.
But there is plenty to look forward to when the chilly temps set in. Ice skating is perhaps at the top of the list.
These rinks in Suffolk County give good reason to embrace the cold and explore the island.
Buckskill Ice Rink in East Hampton
The Buckskill Ice Rink is the only refrigerated, NHL regulation-sized ice rink in the Hamptons. The rink offers a wide array of family activities, including public ice skating and skate rentals, plus figure skating programs and hockey for juniors and adults. Be sure to step into their cozy clubhouse to warm up with hot soup or European hot chocolate in front of the fireplace.
Learn more at buckskillwinterclub.com.
The Rinx in Port Jefferson
Ice skate with water views as your backdrop at The Rinx at Harborfront Park. The outdoor rink runs seasonally from November through March in the heart of the Village of Port Jefferson. Lessons and rentals are available. When you’re done, stop into Toast Coffeehouse for some hot chocolate.
Learn more at therinx.com. And discover more fun things to do with our guide to spending a day in Port Jefferson.
Southampton Ice Rink
The covered Southampton Ice Rink offers rentals, public skates and lessons in addition to hockey programs. If you’re not up for lacing up yourself, you can also catch Southampton Hockey League games there, too. It is also home to a Golf and Billiards Room (reservations required.) An old-fashion style snack bar serves up fast food favorites like burgers, hot dogs, cheese steaks, ice cream and more.
Learn more at southamptonicerink.com.
Tanger Outlets Ice Skating Rink in Deer Park
Shop and skate at the Tanger Outlets Ice Skating Rink in Deer Park. The seasonal ice rink runs through March and has fun theme nights such as “Cheap Skate” Mondays where visitors get free skate rentals and “Tuesdays School Days” when students get free skate rentals with student ID. There is also a live DJ every Friday.
Learn more at tangericerink.com.
The Rinx in Hauppauge
This indoor rink offers ice skating year-round. There are public skate sessions seven days a week, including a “Rock & Roll” theme night on Fridays. The facility also has regular ice skating lessons and figure skating lessons where professionals will you teach the fundamentals and more. You’ll be landing that triple axle in no time.
Learn more at therinx.com.
Greenport Ice Skating Rink
The outdoor ice skating rink at Mitchell Park in Greenport opens for the season when weather stays cold so they won’t have trouble keeping it frozen.The makeshift rink, located between the carousel and Aldo’s, is open seven days per week so long as temperatures remain low enough for skating.
Check the village website for more information.
