The Best Places to Go Ice Skating in Wichita, KS
With so many ice rinks across the country, ice skating is one of the most popular winter activities in the United States. If you live in Wichita, Kansas, or are considering moving there, you'll be happy to know there are several great options for ice skating in the city.
This blog will take a closer look at some of the best places to go ice skating in Wichita. We'll also provide recommendations on other activities to enjoy during winter.
Keep reading to learn more.
Wichita Ice Center
The Wichita Ice Center is one of the best ice skating rinks in the city. This ice arena is located just off I-135 near the Kansas Star Casino for convenient access. It offers public skating sessions daily, with various times set aside for skating lessons, hockey games, and practices.
The center has skating aids like walkers and sleds for those learning to ice skate and who need help balancing. For more advanced skaters, the Ice Center holds adult and youth hockey leagues throughout the year. There's even an on-site pro shop for those who need their ice skates sharpened or to purchase new skates, clothing, and other equipment.
The Wichita Ice Center provides skating fun for the whole family with its wide range of programs. With two rinks, there is ample ice time for public sessions, even when hockey games are going on. The stadium-style heated viewing area allows parents to watch their kids skate in comfort.
Chicken N Pickle
For a unique winter activity combo, head to Chicken N Pickle in north Wichita. This entertainment complex offers an outdoor ice skating rink open from November through February, along with indoor pickleball courts. Heat lamps and benches surround the rink for warming up.
Admission includes skate rentals if you need them. When you're done skating, head inside to play a game of pickleball, a fast-paced paddle sport similar to tennis.
Like other restaurants and bars in Wichita, Chicken N Pickle is the perfect place to refuel after burning energy on the rink and courts. With fun for all ages, Chicken N Pickle pairs ice skating with pickleball for a one-of-a-kind winter activity option in Wichita.
O.J. Watson Park
Nestled in northeast Wichita, O.J. Watson Park offers a scenic spot for outdoor ice skating. When temperatures drop, the park's pond transforms into a frozen natural skating rink. Gliding across the glistening pond surface with nature all around makes for an amazing experience.
The park rents skates if you don't have your own at just $5. admission is free if you bring your own skates. The pond provides an ample skating area surrounded by trees and park trails. And once done with the skating, you can enjoy hot cocoa and a snack at one of the picnic tables.
Located just off K-96, O.J. Watson Park combines convenience with natural beauty. Beyond skating, the park has fishing areas, mini golf, pedal boats, a train, and playgrounds to enjoy. Spend a winter afternoon immersed in nature while ice skating at this charming city park.
Carousel Skate Center
For a blast from the past, visit the Carousel Skate Center in northeast Wichita. This retro roller rink offers public skating sessions.
Lace-up your skates and glide across the rink while music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s plays. Neon lights, an arcade area, and a concession stand serving up nachos and hot chocolate add to the nostalgic fun.
Skate aids are available for beginners, and adults can recapture their childhood with an evening session for 21+ only. The party room is ideal for birthday celebrations and good old-fashioned family entertainment.
Their pro shop has a wide selection of recreational and competitive roller skates, helmets, and accessories. With reasonable admission prices, the Carousel Skate Center is a budget-friendly way to enjoy skating, even if it's just roller skating.
Other Winter Activities Besides Ice Skating in Wichita
If skating isn't your thing or you simply don't know how to ice skate, there are plenty of other winter activities for those living in Wichita to enjoy. Some worth considering include sledding and cross-country skiing.
Sledding
When fresh snow falls in Wichita, sledding enthusiasts flock to the best hills around town. At O.J. Watson Park, the steep hill by the pond offers a thrilling ride down before you glide out onto the ice. Mounted Hill Park is a popular spot with a massive hill that draws sledders from across the city after heavy snowfall.
The hill at Woodchuck Park may be small, but it provides just enough incline for younger kids to have fun sledding close to home. Hyde Park transforms into a winter wonderland when its rolling hills get covered in snow, ideal for sledding. For neighborhood hills, check out the slopes near Mead and Fern Street as well as by Lewis and Woodlawn after a good dusting.
Regardless of which hill you choose, always keep safety in mind. Stick to designated sledding hills and watch for other people coming down. Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and protective gear, and follow the sledding rules and etiquette.
Cross-Country Skiing
If you're looking for a fun and healthy way to enjoy the winter in Wichita, you might want to try cross-country skiing. While there aren't many places in Wichita that offer groomed trails for cross-country skiing, you can still find some options if you are willing to venture a bit further.
For starters, Fall River State Park offers 14 miles of trails that wind through prairie, forest, and along the lake. The trails are not groomed, but they are open to skiers of all skill levels.
You can also try your luck at Cheney State Park. The trails are also not groomed for skiing, so they may be uneven or rough. Nonetheless, skiing is a great way to connect with the natural beauty of the area while exercising your body.
Need an Apartment in Wichita?
If you're considering living in Wichita, you should check out our apartments at Northridge Crossing. We offer spacious and comfortable units conveniently located near major highways, shopping centers, schools, and some of the best places to go ice skating in Wichita.
Make sure you schedule a tour and see why we are one of the best places to live in Wichita.