GETTING OUT: Best Ice Skating In Central Mass

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Jeffrey Starr, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Ice skating is one of New England's favorite winter activities. Unfortunately, many ponds and lakes in the Central Mass area may not be frozen enough yet for safe skating, but there are plenty of professionally managed indoor and outdoor rinks open for business. Plus, the hockey lockout has finally ended, which is sure to contribute to a renewed desire to take to the ice among NHL fans. Here are just a few places in Central Mass where you can quench that desire.

Charles J. Buffone Rink
284 Lake Avenue, Worcester
The Charles J. Buffone Rink in Worcester is home to numerous skating clubs, and youth, junior and college hockey teams, including the Assumption College hockey team, the Skating Club of Worcester, and the Central Mass Cobras. If the ice is good enough for them, then it must be good enough for the average Joe just looking to unwind for a bit. Every Friday night, the lights are turned off and the DJ shows up to play some favorite songs while you enjoy your time on the ice. Also check out times to join a non-competitive 18+ public hockey game. A public skate costs $5 and rental skates are $5.

Daniel S. Horgan Memorial Rink
400 Oxford Street North, Auburn
The Daniel S. Horgan Memorial Rink is also home to many hockey teams including the Worcester Junior Sharks, Worcester State University and the Central Mass Outlaws, but it is certainly available for public skating as well. A public skate cost $5 and skates are available for rental for $5 as well. The Ice Box Cafe is open on the weekends.

Gardner Veteran Rink
45 Veterans Drive, Gardner
The Gardner Veteran Rink is home to North Central Mass Youth Hockey. In addition, 16+ public ice hockey is offered Fridays and 10 and under public ice hockey is available from time to time as well. The lights are turned out on Saturday nights and the DJ shows up to pump in some of your favorite tunes as you glide on the ice. A public skate is $5 and rental skates cost $5.

Worcester Common Oval
455 Main Street, Worcester
The Worcester Common Oval ice skating rink, conveniently located right behind Worcester City Hall, is open for business through February. The 12,000-square-foot outdoor rink is ideal for a quick afternoon getaway with the whole family. It is professionally run by the DCU Center's management team so you know it's high-quality ice. The rink is open for public skating 1-6 p.m. on the weekends. Admission is $2, and children under 6 skate for free. There is also a lunch time skate on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11a.m.- 2 p.m. in case you can't make it on the weekend.

North Star Figure Skating Club
15 Bridle Lane, Westborough
Don't be fooled by the name. The acclaimed North Star Figure Skating Club isn't just for figure skaters. The rink is available for public skating 12-1:30 pm on Saturdays and 1-2:50 pm on Sundays. The cost is $5 for everyone ages 5 and up; skates can be rented for $5 as well. If you or your loved ones need to learn to skate before getting out there on your own, the club offers skating lessons in 10- and 12-week programs, including 11:30 a.m. -12:00 p.m. on Saturdays before the public skate.

New England Sports Center
121 Donald Lynch Boulevard, Marlborough
The New England Sports Center is located just outside Worcester County but is certainly worth the trip. It is home to six amazing ice rinks and some of the best youth hockey tournaments in Massachusetts and New England. Public Skating costs $5 for adults and $3 for children. Skate rentals cost $3.75. Adults can enjoy some stick time for just $6. Also enjoy an arcade, great food and games, and check out the pro shop while you're there as well.