Go Ice Skating at the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink

The Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink has been open for this holiday season for a few weeks now, but it’s been a tradition for over 20 years. Twenty-two years, in fact. Whether you’re roping in a few friends to lace up and hit the ice or herding little ones together for some family fun, this rink on Lake Washington’s east side is one of the better outings to brighten up winter.

If you’re in the Seattle area, the rink makes a great day trip that’s not far from home. If you’re in Bellevue, it’s location is just downright convenient. The rink is situated near Inspiration Playground in Downtown Bellevue Park, and just across the street from AMLI’s very own apartments in Bellevue. The rink is covered to protect from wind and weather, and parking is free for three hours to give skaters piece of mind while they’re out on the ice. It goes without saying, but the ice itself is real. And there’s a whopping 9,000 square feet of it to strut your stuff on—making it the largest of its kind in the Seattle area.

Skating at the rink wraps up for the season Sunday, Jan. 13, so be sure to get out while you still can! Hours are:

• Monday-Thursday: 1-9:30pm
• Friday & Saturday: 3-11pm
• Sunday: 11am-6pm

The rink closes at 8pm on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, but otherwise you can expect the above schedule to stick. A few special events are sprinkled in as well. Mondays are free skate days, offering Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card or Bank of America debit or credit card holders free admission. From 1-3pm on select Thursdays, parents can bring their strollers out on the ice along with their little ones. Stroller bound children are not charged admission. The remaining stroller skates of the season occur on Thursday, Dec. 20 and Thursday, Jan. 10. Here’s handy fact sheet for all things stroller skating published by the rink. Last, but certainly not least, every Friday and Saturday the rink open until 11pm for late skate sessions—perfect to surprise (or terrify) your date.

Admission is cheaper than a night at the movies. General admission is 5 and for kids ages 8 and under. Both prices include the cost of skate rental. If you have your own skates, those prices are reduced to 1 or , respectively. Also, be sure to check out the discounts on admissions. Military service members, several local association members and some university students all receive discounted admission. Should you plan on visiting several times over the next few weeks, consider getting an admission pass. You’ll get 10 skate passes for 9.

Concessions are available on-site and no outside food or drink is permitted. The menu includes usual suspects like pizza and pretzels as well as pick-me-ups such as coffee and tea. If your hands get cold you can buy a pair of mittens or if you’re wary of wearing rented skates (you shouldn’t be) you can also purchase socks.

Find the Downtown Bellevue Ice Rink at at NE 1st Street and 100th Avenue NE in Downtown Bellevue Park.

See you on the ice!