The Daily Dose
Low- or No-Cost Sledding and Ice Skating
Picture this: we are in the heart of winter, the kids are bouncing off the walls, and you are racking your brain trying to come up with options that will a.) entertain them b.) tire them out and c.) not cost a fortune! Well, search no more, as we have compiled a list of low or no cost ice skating and sledding locations in the CDPHP® service area*. If winter hiking or snowshoeing are more your speed, check out our previous post for suggestions on where to go.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is a great way to burn calories and remain active during the winter months! There are several options for low or no cost ice skating in our area. Click on each of the links for specific hours and instructions.
Please remember that outdoor skating is weather permitting; certain areas require that ponds and lakes freeze to a specific level prior to allowing skating. Check out each link or call the phone number listed to determine when outdoor skating will be available.
Make sure to also call ahead or take note of any COVID-19 restrictions that will need to be followed, such as mask wearing and appropriate social distancing.
Indoor:
Hudson Valley Community College, Troy – Public skating is available at Conway Ice Rink. Adults skate for just $5, and $3 for children under 12.
Glens Falls Recreation Department Ice Rink – Admission is free and rentals are available for a small fee. Call (518) 761-3855 for weekly updates.
Capital Arena – Admission is $10, kids 5 under skate for $5. very Saturday and Sunday 2:00pm-3:50pm, but times can be subject to change. Please check the calendar or call the Capital Arena at 518-383-5440.
Swinburne Skating Rink, Albany – Skating is just $.50 for those under 18, and $1 for 18 and over. Skate rentals are available for $3, and seniors can skate for just $.25!
Saratoga Springs Ice Rinks – City residents receive a $1 discount on free skating.
Empire State Plaza Ice Rink, Albany – Public skating is free for adults and children. Skate rentals are free on Saturdays, courtesy of Hannaford Supermarkets.
Saratoga Spa State Park – Two available locations. The pond off of Avenue of the Pines is typically used for hockey, as it has a warming station. Hockey is not permitted on the pond located near the Victoria Pool. Admission is free and skating is available until dusk.
The Crossings Pond, Colonie – Outdoor skating starting at noon. Free. Call 783-2760 for updates.
Lake George – Enjoy free skating on the lake with views of the picturesque Adirondacks.
Schodack Island State Park – Free skating under the lights.
Indian Meadows Town Park, Glenville – Free skating. One rink is reserved for pond hockey, the other for free skating.
Sledding
Sledding is a time-honored tradition when the snow starts to fly, and can be a fun, no-cost activity for the whole family. There are several locations that offer excellent sledding, categorized below by schools, golf courses, and parks.
Just remember that sledding can also be dangerous, so try to keep the following tips in mind:
- Use an actual sled designed for sledding, and always, always wear a helmet meant for winter activities.
- Do not use hills that are too steep, or located near roads, ponds, fences, trees, or other potential obstacles.
- Pick a day when snow is falling, or just after a fresh snow, when it’s not too icy.
- Sled during the day when visibility is best.
For additional tips on winter sports safety, please visit Winter Wonderland: Enjoy Seasonal Sports Safely.
Schools
Sand Creek Middle School, Colonie
Forts Ferry Elementary School, Latham
Milton Terrace School, Ballston Spa
Wood Road Elementary School, Ballston Spa
Rosendale Elementary School, Niskayuna
Belltop Elementary School, East Greenbush
Golf Courses
Capital Hills Golf Course, Albany
Normanside Country Club, Delmar
McGregor Links Country Club, Saratoga
Schenectady Municipal Golf Course
Parks
New Paltz Sports and Recreation Park
Did we miss one of your favorite locations to skate or sled? Please share with other readers by replying in the comments section. Enjoy the snow!
*These lists have been compiled by recommendations from residents and research from various websites. CDPHP does not endorse any of the venues listed. The information cited is believed to be accurate, but not guaranteed; please confer with representatives at each venue whenever you plan to skate or sled. Trespassing is not advised, and, as always, ice skating and sledding are done at your own risk.
Sarah Goodrich
There is great FREE sledding and outdoor skating in the Village of Schoharie, on Rte 30 as you cross the bridge to enter the village. Ice skating on the right in Fox Creek Park (lit after dark) and sledding on the left on “cemetery hill”. Come and Enjoy!
Natalia Burkart
Hi Sarah! Thanks for visiting our blog, and for taking the time to suggest your favorite skating and sledding spot in the Capital Region to other readers.