There are a few good spots to go ice skating either in Greensboro or very close to the city. There are also a few good places to go in the surroundings areas that aren’t too far for a little day trip – at least within an hour or so.
I graduated from UNC-Greensboro and lived in the city for 4 years, and in this guide I’ll help you find the best places to strap on your skates and hit the ice.
We’ll look at both indoor and seasonal outdoor rinks so you can find the best place for you and your family or friends.
Greensboro Ice House
Location: 6119 Landmark Center Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407
Indoor Ice Skating
The Greensboro Ice House is on Landmark Center Boulevard, right off Wendover Avenue. With a large, well-kept ice surface and a wide array of programs, Greensboro Ice House should be one of your first stops for ice skating in the area.
They offer public skating, skating lessons (including private lessons), figure skating, and both youth and adult hockey leagues. Be sure to check their schedule before heading out there so you know when you can skate.
Piedmont Winterfest
Location: 208 N Davie St, Greensboro, NC 27401
Outdoor Ice Skating
Piedmont Winterfest takes place annually at LeBauer Park, in downtown Greensboro and right across from the library. It runs for about 2 and a half months, from roughly November to January.
Piedmont Winterfest is known for having a festive atmosphere, with its twinkling lights and holiday decor. it’s the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit. And they offer both daily and seasonal passes, so you can skate as much as you can for the entire winter season.
Check their skate times here.
Winston Salem Fairgrounds
Location: 569 Fairgrounds Blvd, Gate 7, Winston-Salem, NC 27105
Indoor Ice Skating
Winston Salem is only 20-30 minutes from Greensboro and also offers some great ice skating seasonally at the Winston Salem Fairgrounds. Parking is at Gate 7, and you pick up tickets for ice skating at the Annex Box office or buy them online through their website. After parking, walk around to the Classic Fairgrounds Education Building at 414 Deacon Blvd.
According to the City of Winston Salem, ice skating here runs from October to March, right after the Carolina Classic Fair.
Graham’s Ice Skating Rink
Location: 213 South Main Street, Graham, NC 27253
Outdoor Ice Skating
The city of Graham is right next to Burlington, about halfway between Greensboro and Durham. The season is very short for Graham’s ice skating rink and only lasts 3 weeks in November and December.
One thing that is awesome about this rink though is that admission is free, except some events as well as skating on either Mondays or Thursdays. Ice skating is in 45-minute sessions, on the hour, and kids 3 and up are welcome to join.
Polar Ice Cary
Location: 1410 Buck Jones Rd, Raleigh, NC 27606
Indoor Ice Skating
Polar Ice Cary is about 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Greensboro. They offer public skating, skating lessons, and figure skating.
They also have ice hockey for everyone from age 3 to adults leagues.
Polar Ice Raleigh
Location: 2601 Raleigh Blvd, Raleigh, NC 27604
Phone: 919-878-9002
Indoor Ice Skating
Next on the list is Polar Ice Raleigh. It’s also a little further out from Greensboro, at about 1 hour and 15 minutes. And like the other Polar Ice locations, they offer public skating, figure skating, skating lessons, and hockey.
For all Polar Ice locations, you’ll want to register with their online system, Daysmart, to make reservations.
Extreme Ice Center
Location: 4705 Indian Trail Fairview Rd, Indian Trail, NC 28079
Phone: 704-882-1830
Indoor Ice Skating
Last but not least is the Extreme Ice Center. This is the furthest one out from Greensboro, at about a 1 hour and 30 minute drive. It is located in Indian Trail, which is right outside of Charlotte.
Home of the Queen City Royals, they have a beautiful ice skating facility that offers public skating, hockey, skating lessons, and figure skating. But they’ve also got a few extras that can make it an ideal spot for a birthday party.
That includes the Center Ice Tavern, for the parents! Their in-house bar, with a full menu and draft beer, a pilates studio and a retro arcade, to keep the kids entertained for the day.
- Beyond the Ice, a studio to keep you in shape with plyometrics, strength and conditioning. They also offer ballet in the studio.
Graham Ice Skating
Ice skating has become a tradition in Graham, and its prime location on Main Street is a boost for local businesses to benefit from the increased foot traffic.
The ice skating rink is open annually around Christimas. It’s open to children and adults aged 3 and up. Skating here is free, and you can even rent ice skates here for free. Sessions last for 45 minutes, on the hour every hour, with 15 minutes breaks to clean the ice for the next group.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, there are several fantastic ice skating rinks near Greensboro, North Carolina. Each offers a unique experience, from the festive atmosphere of Piedmont Winterfest to the comprehensive fitness facilities of Extreme Ice Center. So why wait? Lace up those skates and experience the thrill of ice skating today!
