Massachusetts has a rich and layered ice skating tradition. The state gave us the Skating Club of Boston, one of the most prestigious figure skating clubs in American history, and dozens of community rinks from the South Shore to MetroWest where generations of families have learned to skate. Whether you are a competitive figure skater, a hockey player, or a first-timer, here are the best ice skating rinks in the Bay State.
The Elite Tier
Skating Club of Boston — Norwood
The Skating Club of Boston is in a class by itself. Founded in 1912 and now housed in a modern multi-sheet facility in Norwood, the SCB has produced more national and Olympic champions than perhaps any other skating club in the United States, with names like Tenley Albright and Nancy Kerrigan among its history. The club centers on a world-class freestyle and figure skating program, and public access is limited and scheduled around member training, so confirm current public-skating options on the official site before planning a visit.
If you are serious about figure skating, or just want to experience one of the sport's most historic venues, this is the place.
New England Sports Center — Marlborough
For sheer scale, nothing in New England matches New England Sports Center in Marlborough. With eight full-sized sheets of ice, it is one of the largest ice facilities on the entire East Coast. NESC hosts major figure skating competitions, dozens of hockey tournaments annually, and runs daily public skating and freestyle sessions across its sheets. If you cannot find ice time here, you cannot find it anywhere.
Boston DCR Rinks
Steriti Memorial Rink — North End
Operated by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Steriti Memorial Rink sits in the historic North End neighborhood along the waterfront. As a DCR rink it runs a fall-to-spring season rather than year-round, with some of the most affordable admission in Greater Boston. The rink supports youth hockey and public skating and is beloved by the surrounding neighborhood community. Transit access is easy via the Green and Orange lines.
Bajko Memorial Rink — Hyde Park
Bajko Memorial Rink in Hyde Park is another Massachusetts DCR facility, on the south side of the city at Turtle Pond Parkway. Affordable public skating on a fall-to-spring DCR season, with hockey and public sessions for all ages on a single sheet.
Reilly Memorial Rink — Brighton (Cleveland Circle)
Reilly Memorial Rink is a Massachusetts DCR rink at Cleveland Circle in Brighton, sharing a complex with the Reilly pool. It runs a fall-to-spring season of low-cost public skating and a midweek public stick-time window, and it is one of the more transit-friendly rinks in the city: the Green Line C branch ends at Cleveland Circle, with the B and D branches close by. Popular with families and students from the Brighton, Brookline, and Newton corridor.
South Shore Rinks
Hobomock Arena — Pembroke
A South Shore favorite, Hobomock Arena in Pembroke is a two-sheet, year-round facility serving Plymouth County and surrounding communities, with active figure skating and hockey programming. Convenient for skaters in Pembroke, Hanson, Whitman, and surrounding towns.
Canton Sportsplex — Canton
Canton Sportsplex is a two-sheet, year-round facility in Canton serving the southern suburbs including Stoughton, Sharon, Norwood, and Walpole. The rink runs a solid Learn to Skate program, and the pro shop offers sharpening throughout the day.
MetroWest / Central MA
Valley Sports Arena — Concord
Valley Sports Arena in Concord serves the MetroWest and Route 2 corridor with two full sheets and year-round programming, including a strong adult hockey league scene. Located in West Concord near the Acton and Maynard lines, it is well-positioned for skaters from a wide area of Middlesex County.
Tips for Skating in Massachusetts
Boston's DCR rinks are exceptional value. The city's public rinks, Steriti, Bajko, and Reilly, offer quality skating at some of the lowest prices in the state. Just remember they run on a fall-to-spring DCR season, so confirm current-season dates before you go.
The SCB is worth experiencing. Even if you are not a competitive skater, the Skating Club of Boston is one of the sport's most historic venues. Public access is limited, so check the official site for current options.
MetroWest has excellent options. The Route 9 and Route 20 corridor is dotted with quality facilities. New England Sports Center in Marlborough is the obvious anchor, and Valley Sports Arena in Concord and Canton Sportsplex are also worth knowing.
Winter is busy, so plan ahead. Massachusetts rinks fill up fast from October through March, and the DCR rinks only have ice for part of the year. Confirm schedules and book weekend public sessions in advance where you can.
See the full list of Massachusetts ice skating rinks at the Massachusetts state rink guide.