Winter brings with it the desire to enjoy some cold weather activities outdoors. Nothing can be quite as invigorating and whimsical as lacing up a pair of skates and hitting the ice. From charming ponds nestled in forested spaces to big indoor rinks, here are the 10 best places to lace up your skates in Maine.
Not many cities or towns take such an avid interest in outdoor ice skating the way Bath, Maine does. At Goddards Pond there is a warming hut, a concession stand, and lighting until 9 p.m., so those who work all day can ice skate, too!
The Rink at Thompson’s Point is sheltered from the elements by a roof, but is open to the air on all sides. This year they’ve added another small rink they call Polar Bear Skate Pond. It is designed so small children can learn to skate without the fear of being knocked down by more avid skaters. Skate rentals are available.
Stillwater Park Playground turns into ice skating fun for the whole family in late December, when the weather permits. The lights at the park allow for evening skating, too.
Old-fashioned outdoor ice skating is at its best at the Orland H. Blake Skating Pond. A warming hut with a fireplace is perfect for thawing out frozen feet and hands.
Lishness Rink is maintained by the Brunswick Parks and Recreation Department, and is available for ice skating as long as there isn’t a scheduled hockey scrimmage going on. Check with the city for exact hours and times of availability.
Westbrook Skating Rink is available all season and is open seven days a week. A concession stand sells hot chocolate, which will provide a welcome reprieve during this frigid winter.
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The Scarborough Ice Rink has two distinct rinks this year—one for ice skating and one for playing hockey. The city asks that everyone obey the signs they post indicating when weather conditions make it unsafe to skate. You’ll enjoy every moment at this pristine rink.
Two ice skiing rinks grace the grounds at the Riverside Golf Course all winter. Run by the city of Portland, there are two rinks for public use. The smaller of the two is lit for nighttime skating.
Chapin Park becomes a winter wonderland with ice skating available during the colder months. Lights from the park allow for evening skating.
The town of Kennebunk provides its residents and visitors with the Waterhouse Center for ice skating. A rink located in the center of town, it is run by volunteers. A roof covers the rink, but it is open to the elements on all sides. Ice skate rentals are available.
