Top 5 Places to Go Ice Skating in Massachusetts

Headed to Massachusetts with the family this winter? Looking for a few good ice skating spots to visit while you're there? I have five places that I can recommend.

Here they are:

1. Boston Common Frog Pond

The Boston Common Frog Pond is a charming place to get some outdoor ice skating in. Admission is free for those 13 years of age and younger. Older folks may expect to fork over a modest $5 to access the ice. Skate rentals will run you $5 to $9 per person. Sharpening services are $8. There is also a great café on-site if you want to grab a cup of cocoa and warm up. It opens daily at 10 a.m. and is located on Charles Street. Driving in Boston can be a bear, so I'd recommend that you consider taking the MBTA. Several lines will get you there.

2. Foxboro Sports Center

The Skating Club of Boston operates a great indoor rink in Foxboro. It's aptly called the Foxboro Sports Center. Admission will cost you anywhere from $5 to $18 per person. Forgot to pack your ice skates? Rentals are available on-site and will typically cost you $4 a person. It is open year-round and hours of operation vary.

3. Canterbury Farms

Canterbury Farms is located in Beckett and features an outdoor pond perfect for ice skating. One of the truly nice things about this location is that a $20 per person rental fee will get you access to ice skates, snowshoes and skis. You are even allowed to trade off between all three during your visit. Let's face it, $20 for a day's worth of winter sports without the hassle of loading all your equipment into the car is divine! It's open on the weekends from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. You'll need to fork over a $12 to $15 trail fee to access the pond.

4. Hogan Skating Rink

The Hogan Skating Rink in Auburn is another indoor, hockey size skating rink that you may want to consider. Admission is $5 per person and ice skate rentals are $4. I'd suggest that you bring your own ice skates because the rentals tend to go fast.

5. Kendall Square

Kendall Square in Cambridge has an outdoor rink that you may want to try. It is open daily, weather permitting. Because the facility also hosts private events, hours of public access vary. Admission prices range from $1 to $5 per person and skate rentals start at $5 per person.

My family enjoys winter sports and has traveled extensively.

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