Ice skating locations
Ice skating rink at Centennial Olympic Park
When: Open daily through Jan. 15 from 4:30-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4:30-11 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday (closing at 5 p.m. New Year’s Eve); and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday (1-11 p.m. New Year’s Day)
Where: 265 Park Ave. W NW
Cost: $12 including skate rental
More info: www.gwcca.org/ice-rink-holiday-in-lights/
The ICE Skating and Ice Hockey Complex
When: Public skating hours: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday; 1:30-3:30 p.m., 7-9 p.m. Saturday; 1:30-3:30 p.m. Sunday; additional holiday times offered through Jan. 4.
Where: 1345 Atlanta Highway, Cumming
Cost: $7 adults, $5 children younger than 5; $3 for rental skates
More info: 678-845-0103 or www.theice.info
The Alpharetta Family Skate Center, LLC.
When: Public skating hours: 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Monday; 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., 3:15-5:15 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., 3:30-5:30 p.m., 8:15-10:15 p.m. Friday; 1-3 p.m., 3:15-5:15 p.m., 8:15-10:15 p.m. Saturday; 2-5 p.m. Sunday
Where: 10800 Davis Drive, Alpharetta
Cost: $8 to $9, plus $4 skate rental
More info: 770-649-6600, info@cooler.com, www.coolerathletics.com
Avalon
Where: 2200 Avalon Blvd., Alpharetta
Cost: $18 adults, $14 for children younger than 10; $175 season pass
When: 3-10 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; noon to 7 p.m. Sunday
More info: www.experienceavalon.com
You can take a break from the winter blues by gliding across an ice rink.
Whether you’re young or old, ice skating is a fun winter pastime with several options available this year in North Georgia.
“It’s something the whole family can do, from your youngest to your oldest,” said Morgan Smith-Williams, senior communications specialist at the Georgia World Congress Authority. “It’s a good way to do some family bonding, especially at the holiday time.”
Smith-Williams said ice skating at Centennial Park can be a perfect break from the regular family attractions.
“I think there’s so much to do in downtown Atlanta,” she said. “If you’re making a day out of downtown Atlanta, it’s a perfect way to cap off the day or start the day.”
In addition to being a fun winter activity, skating is also an aerobic activity helping to shake off Christmas cookies.
In its 17th year, the ice skating rink has changed locations throughout the year. This holiday season the rink is at 365 Park Ave. West in downtown Atlanta. The ice is made by hand and frozen one-eighth of an inch at a time.
Admission is $12 and includes skate rental. Skate sizes range from toddlers through adults. The rink is open 4:30 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 11 p.m. Fridays. Special holiday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. New Year’s Eve and 1-11 p.m. New Year’s Day.