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This year our family did a tour of the many ice skating rinks within the city of Atlanta. Here’s our take on comparing the various rinks (including links to our original posts with information on dates, prices, photos and video)
St. Regis Astor Ice Rink
The St. Regis Astor Ice Rink
Pros: This is an intimate setting, only 30 people on the ice at a time. Perfect for younger kids who aren’t too sure of themselves. Staff wait on you as you would expect at the St. Regis. The hot chocolate is like drinking a chocolate bar and I loved the crunchy jimmies on top. If you’d rather, there is a full bar, so you can enjoy an adult beverage while the kids skate. If you have an extra $12, buy a s’more kit and roast marshmallows by the poolside fireplace. The life-sized gingerbread house in the lobby is not to be missed.
Cons: Price. At $30 for an adult and $18 for kids, this is the most expensive option and it’s only an hour of skate time.
The Rink at Park Tavern in Piedmont Park
Pros: This rink is housed in a tent on the Park Tavern patio, so unlike the others, it’s semi-inside. I loved the comfy couches and toasty fireplace. There’s also a full bar if you need an adult hot chocolate. The kid friendly version is pretty awesome too. The location off Piedmont Park can’t be beat and has a beautiful view of the Midtown Skyline. This rink is open through Valentine’s Day, so if you don’t get there over the holidays, there’s still time to skate after the other rinks end their season.
Cons: After 9 pm this rink is adults only. They’ve recently put up a ticket booth for parking in the gravel lot behind the restaurant. (If you’re going to charge me to park, at least pave the darn thing.)
Centennial Olympic Park Ice Rink
Pros: This rink is the least expensive of the three. I love the location in Centennial Olympic Park and at night the holiday lights in the park and on nearby buildings add a festive atmosphere. This is probably the biggest of the three rinks as well, so there is more space for skating.
Cons: This is by far the busiest of the three (at least when we went) and the little ones can get a bit overwhelmed with the crowds. The larger rink can also be a bit scary for those that don’t know how to skate.
Note: There is also an ice skating rink in Conyers, Georgia. We have not visited this rink.
Got an opinion on these ice skating rinks in Atlanta? Tell us about it.
You’ve been busy! I’ve been trying to decide where to take Drew. He’s been to Centennial on a field trip before. FYI, there’s also a rink in Gwinnett where the Thrashers practice that’s indoors and open to the public. My husband said he might try that one too.
There is also an ice skating rink in Duluth. The ATL thrashers practice there…http://www.iceforum.com/
The one in Gwinnett is the Cooler. It’s indoors. It’s very good and open year round. I like the seasonal rinks though. There’s something about being outdoors.
[...] The Rink at Park Tavern opens on Thanksgiving Day. While you’re there, enjoy Season of Magic in Piedmont Park with horse drawn carriage rides and a carousel. See Field Trips w/Sue review of Atlanta Ice Skating Rinks. [...]