Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in New Jersey for Kids

Ice skating season has arrived in New Jersey, offering families a safe, active outdoor activity that's great for keeping busy during the colder months. There are several outdoor ice skating rinks in New Jersey where you can take a skating lesson, play hockey, or grab a hot chocolate and go for a spin during a public skating session.

Of course, if you feel like staying indoors, you can always check out our list of the Best Indoor Ice Skating Rinks in New Jersey.

Be sure to click through to the individual skating rink websites for current hours.

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Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Northern New Jersey

1. Newport Skates – Jersey City

Open for the season, check the website for hours
Located in Jersey City’s waterfront community, Newport Skates is the perfect place to skate with kids. The rink is on the smaller side and can range from close to empty or filled with families depending on when you go. Season passes, lessons, and group party rates are available.

Bring your own skates or rent a pair at the Secaucus Ice Skating Rink.

2. Secaucus Ice Skating Rink – Secaucus

See the website for current hours and season schedule; open from October-March
You'll find this rink tucked away in the Meadowlands and located in Buchmuller Park. Since the rink is home to the town's hockey program, public skate sessions are only available on Wednesdays (3:00-5:00), Thursdays and Fridays (7:30-9:30), Saturdays (1:30-3:30, 7:30-9:30), and Sundays (3:30-5:00, 7:30-9:30). 

3. The Rink at Bergen County's Winter Wonderland – Paramus

Check website for open skate times and closures due to inclement weather
This rink, located in Van Saun Park, is home to a regulation-size ice rink with plenty of room. All-access tickets to Winter Wonderland are available online and include access to ice-skating, skate rentals, and the carousel. Ice bumper cars are also available for rent.

4. Roosevelt Park Family Skating Rink – Edison

Wednesday, November 15, 2023, through Sunday, March 31, 2024
Overlooking a scenic lake, this rink offers a beautiful setting for skating. It offers open skating, lessons, skate rentals, and sharpening. Children under age 7 are required to wear a helmet (the facility recommends everyone wear a helmet). The rink is open Wednesdays through Sundays; hours vary. Cash and credit cards are accepted.

5. Charlie Heger Ice Rink – Jersey City

As of December 2023, the rink remains closed for repairs, and it is unclear when it will open. Check the website for updates.
Also known as Pershing Field, this outdoor rink is covered—so you can skate (or learn to skate) in all types of weather. Bonus: It’s quiet and very affordable. Hours vary, so refer to the website for more detailed information.

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Central New Jersey

6. Mercer County Ice Skating Center – West Windsor

Open for the season; check the website for current hours
The Mercer County Ice Skating Center at Mercer County Park is open 7 days a week through mid-March. This skating rink also features a full snack bar and lounge area, vending machines, skate rentals, and lockers.

RELATED: Top Snow Tubing Spots Near New Jersey for Families

Palmer Square's picturesque ice skating rink is made of a synthetic material called Glice. 

7. Palmer Square Skating Rink – Princeton

Open through Sunday, February 25, 2024
Downtown Princeton is home to this eco-friendly synthetic rink, located behind the Nassau Inn Hotel. All skaters must sign an electronic waiver to participate. The skating rink is open Thursdays through Sundays. Tickets are sold at the door only.

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in South Jersey

8. WinterFest at Cooper River – Pennsauken

Open through Sunday, February 25, 2024
This winter wonderland offers skating lessons, rentals, shows, and birthday party packages. Warm up inside a new heated tent filled with arcade games to enjoy while off the ice. The rink is open Thursdays through Sundays. Skating, skate rentals and sharpening are available, as well as food. 

9. Vintner Rink – Egg Harbor City

Open through February 2024
The Winter Wonderland Festival at the Renault Winery has an outdoor ice skating rink along with the Vintner Village fire pit experience. There's plenty for adults to enjoy, as well, including wining, dining, and a champagne patio garden. See the website for skating times and other events. 

Photos courtesy of the rinks.

This post was originally published in December 2013 and has since been updated.