Find frozen fun all across Missouri.
Throughout Missouri, ice rinks stand out against the backdrop of the Ozark Mountains, the Gateway Arch, big-screen films, and giant Christmas trees. Whether you’re a beginning ice skater, playing a pickup game of broomball with your friends, or are looking for a spot to ice-skate that is family friendly, Missouri has a rink for you.
Winter Memories Under the Arch
This year marks the 10th anniversary of Winterfest, a family pop-up event in St. Louis that offers a slew of festive activities, including a large outdoor ice-skating rink at Kiener Plaza. While visitors slide across the ice, the Gateway Arch and the Old Courthouse create a dazzling backdrop for holiday memories.
“Skating at Winterfest feels like stepping into a living snow globe—the Arch rising in the distance, the Old Courthouse lit up behind you, and twinkling holiday lights surrounding the rink,” says Camille Brooks, director of programming and events for the Gateway Arch Park Foundation. “Kids take their very first steps on the ice, parents cheer from the railings, and groups of friends make it their annual winter outing.”
The spacious yet intimate 40-by-84-foot rink, which is half the size of a professional National Hockey League rink, features advanced refrigeration technology that keeps real ice smooth and safe despite Missouri’s unpredictable winter weather. Skating is free at Winterfest if you bring your own ice skates; otherwise, you can rent skates or training aids on-site.
Beyond ice-skating, visitors can purchase a s’mores kit and roast marshmallows over a fire pit, enjoy live DJ performances on select weekends that transform the plaza into “the city’s coolest dance floor on ice,” says Camille, and lounge in upscale heated igloos that feature different themes, like the Grinch or Hawaiian Holiday. Special events throughout the season include the Winterfest 5K at 7:30 pm on Saturday, November 22, 2025, and the lighting of the Salvation Army Tree of Lights from noon to 8:30 pm on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
During the Winterfest event, “the ice rink is the star. Whether you’re skating for the first time or showing off your moves, there’s something for everyone,” Camille says. “But it is not just about the skating. With all the lights, treats, and holiday fun, it’s no wonder families keep coming back year after year.”
500 Chestnut Street, St. Louis • ArchPark.org • Winterfest runs from November 22–January 4. Skating is open from 4–9 pm on Fridays and 12–8 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Private events may be booked 12–8 pm on Thursdays.
Ice-Skating With a Big Screen
Last year marked the return of public ice-skating to Columbia for the first time since 1981. The Kitchen Grill & Games will open its doors and bring skating on real ice back to mid-Missouri for its second season this year. This unique, outdoor ice-skating experience has quickly established itself as a family entertainment destination, capturing the magic of winter in a modern way.
“Our outdoor ice rink sits at the heart of The Kitchen, surrounded by the restaurant, an indoor game room, and a stage with a 30-foot big screen that plays seasonal movies for skaters to enjoy all winter long,” explains Devon Mullins with internal events and marketing at The Kitchen.
“It’s more than just a rink—it’s an experience. Guests can spend the whole day here: start with a spin on the ice, then head inside to warm up with hot chocolate or enjoy a hearty meal and games with the family,” Devon says.
A few highlights of The Kitchen include the opportunity to ice-skate while watching big-screen holiday films and experiencing the ambience of the outdoor fire pits and decorations. Throughout the season, the screen shows classic holiday and family movies and football games. When a movie isn’t playing, music fills the air. The impressive 110-by-55-foot real ice surface gives skaters of all skill levels room to move comfortably. Ice skate and skate-assist rentals are available, and ice attendants skate around, providing assistance and maintaining safety throughout the season.
• The Kitchen
After building up an appetite on the ice, families may enjoy the restaurant’s classic pub food including specialty smoked meats, such as pulled pork and chicken, and pickle chips. With gluten-free, vegan, and kids’ options, everyone can find something.
Visitors can enjoy indoor activities such as pickleball, foosball, Ping-Pong, and classic board games. The Kitchen also hosts holiday-themed activities, with details announced on its social media channels.
“At The Kitchen Grill & Games, we believe lasting memories are made through simple moments of quality time together,” Devon says. “We’re here to give guests the chance to slow down, relax, play, and laugh with the people they love. That’s the best way to spend the time we’re given—and it’s exactly what we hope families take away from their experience with us.”
3711 Discovery Parkway, Columbia • TheKitchen.Fun • Winter season hours are 11 am–10 pm, Mondays–Thursdays; 11 am–11 pm, Fridays; 10 am–11 pm, Saturdays; 10 am–9 pm, Sundays. (Rink hours are dependent on weather.) For updates, see Facebook at The Kitchen Grill & Games.
A National Hockey League-Sized Rink
Though outdoor rinks offer their own kind of magic, this indoor rink in Independence stands out as a memorable experience. No matter the weather, Independence Community Ice is ready to help visitors enjoy an authentic ice-skating experience.
Independence Community Ice is home to two National Hockey League-sized indoor rinks: the rink at Community Ice, which is open year-round for public ice-skating and lessons, and the rink at Cable Dahmer Arena, where the Kansas City Mavericks hockey team plays.
According to rink administrator Brianna Bauer, this enormous rink features one-and-a-half inches of solid ice, frozen on top of a concrete base. For a rink of this size, one new sheet of ice takes three days to create.
Throughout the year, Community Ice hosts special events, including Skate with Santa and other characters and Zamboni driving experiences. One notable Christmas event is Frosty Skate, an opportunity to skate to Christmas music at the decorated Cable Dahmer Arena rink during winter break.
If one night of skating isn’t enough and visitors are wanting to improve their ice-skating skills or jump into learning the ins and outs of the game of hockey, Community Ice also teaches classes. The rink’s skating classes, “Learn to Skate,” and hockey classes, “Learn to Play,” are offered for both adults and kids.
• 19100 East Valley View Parkway, Independence • IndependenceCommunityIce.com • The rink is open year-round. Visit the rink’s website and click the “Calendars” tab for event dates.
An Ozark Mountain Ice-Skating Adventure
For over a decade, Big Cedar Lodge has been a fun, family-oriented holiday destination, offering a Hallmark Christmas movie-like setting and a range of traditions. This year, the resort will upgrade from synthetic to real ice for improved gliding and a more authentic experience. In addition to the upgraded rink, a brand-new tube sledding hill will be introduced next to the rink. Pair that with hot cocoa, fire pits, delicious food, holiday music, decorations, and beautiful views, and you have the ultimate Ozark mountain holiday.
“Our ice-skating rink sits high on the Swimmin’ Hole Lawn, with Table Rock Lake shimmering in the background and the Ozark Mountains rising beyond,” says Madison Horner, public relations manager for Big Cedar. “Guests are surrounded by over four-million sparkling holiday lights as they glide across the ice.”
In addition to the ice rink and sledding hill, guests can enjoy Big Cedar’s Fun Mountain indoor attractions, featuring billiards and underwater-themed bowling. Or, for those looking for another festive adventure, outdoor Christmas Light Tours in golf carts or trams at the Top of the Rock are also offered, as are gingerbread house workshops, special dining experiences, and dazzling displays across the resort’s 4,600-acre wilderness setting. Experiences such as ice skating and tours are open to the public as well as resort guests.
“We hope guests leave feeling like they’ve stepped into a holiday dreamland, skating under sparkling lights, sharing laughter with loved ones, and enjoying the beauty of the Ozarks,” Madison says. “It’s a chance to slow down, connect, and create memories that will be cherished for years.”
190 Top of the Rock Road, Ridgedale • BigCedar.com • During the winter season, the rink is open from 4–10 pm daily.
A Winter Wonderland at the Lake of the Ozarks
Old Kinderhook, a premier Lake of the Ozarks golf resort, transforms into a Christmas village every holiday season, with an outdoor ice rink as the crown jewel of the festivities.
“Ice-skating at Old Kinderhook is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. The outdoor rink sits in a beautiful setting surrounded by the resort’s natural scenery, creating a picturesque backdrop for both daytime and evening skates,” says Chris Ayers, general manager for the rink. “Fire pits are set up around the rink, offering a warm and cozy spot for families and friends to gather, sip hot chocolate, and enjoy the winter atmosphere.”
The ice-skating rink becomes even more magical during the holiday season. On select evenings, special guests such as Santa and Olaf, the Frozen movie snowman, make appearances at the hotel. Visitors can talk with the characters and take pictures as a keepsake of their experience.
Guests of all skill levels can enjoy open skate sessions and youth hockey tournaments. A cabana bar features seasonal drinks and light bites, and the nearby Trophy Room restaurant offers a full menu. The Christmas Village at Old Kinderhook is a beloved annual event at the resort. The ice rink’s holiday decor, outdoor fire pits, music, and twinkling lights make it an ideal spot for ice-skating.
• Old Kinderhook
Holiday highlights at Old Kinderhook include horse-drawn sleigh rides, hayrides, cookie decorating, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, story time with elves around the fireplace in the lobby, holiday films, games, and live music. For visitors who are not guests at the hotel, there is an admission fee of $5 per child to access The Christmas Village activities.
“Between the sparkling ice, the welcoming atmosphere, and the combination of recreation and relaxation, skating at Old Kinderhook is more than just an activity,” Chris says.
678 Old Kinderhook Drive, Camdenton • OldKinderhook.com • The rink is open December–February.
Other Places to Skate in the State
ST. LOUIS REGION
Steinberg Skating Rink, Forest Park (Outdoor, Seasonal)
400 Jefferson Drive, St. Louis | 314.502.4845 | SteinbergRink.com ➜ Skating. Open November–February.
Centene Community Ice Center (Indoor, Covered Outdoor)
750 Casino Center Drive, Maryland Heights | 314.451.2244
CenteneCommunityIceCenter.com ➜ Skating + concerts + events. Open year-round.
Maryville University Hockey Center (Indoor)
18383 Chesterfield Airport Road, Chesterfield | 636.735.8501
MaryvilleUHC.com ➜ Skating + hockey. Open year-round.
Kirkwood Ice Arena (Indoor)
111 South Geyer Road, Kirkwood | 314.822.5825
KirkwoodParksAndRec.org ➜ Skating + lessons. Open year-round.
Webster Groves Ice Arena (Indoor)
33 East Glendale Road, Webster Groves | 314.963.5600
WebsterGrovesMo.gov ➜ Skating + broomball + lessons. Open year-round.
Creve Coeur Ice Arena (Indoor)
11400 Olde Cabin Road, Creve Coeur | 314.432.3960 | CreveCoeurMo.gov ➜ Skating + curling + hockey + figure skating. Open year-round.
Kennedy Recreation Complex Ice Rink (Indoor)
6050 Wells Road, St. Louis | 314.615.5572 | StLouisCountyMo.gov ➜ Skating + lessons.
Open year-round.
St. Peters Rec-Plex (Indoor)
5200 Mexico Road, St. Peters | 636.939.2386 | StPetersMo.net ➜ Skating + hockey. Open year-round.
Wentzville Ice Arena (Indoor)
910 Main Plaza Drive, Wentzville | 636.639.7600 | WentzvilleMo.gov ➜ Skating + hockey. Open year-round.
Pacific Ice Rink (Indoor)
460 Indian Warpath Drive, Pacific | 636.393.0705 | PacificIceRink.com
➜ Skating + hockey. Open year-round.
CENTRAL MISSOURI
Washington Park Ice Arena (Indoor)
711 Kansas Street, Jefferson City | 573.634.6580 | JCParks.com ➜ Skating + lessons. Open year-round.
KANSAS CITY & NORTHWEST MISSOURI
Crown Center Ice Terrace (Outdoor, Seasonal)
2425 Grand Boulevard, Kansas City | 816.274.8411 | CrownCenter.com
➜ Skating at Kansas City’s oldest outdoor skating rink. Open November–early March.
The Rink at Zona Rosa (Outdoor, Seasonal)
8731 North Stoddard Avenue, Kansas City | 816.587.8180 | ZonaRosa.com
➜ Skating. Open November–mid-February.
Summit Ice (Outdoor, Seasonal)
120 Northeast Chipman Road, Lee’s Summit | 816.969.1560 | SummitIce.net
➜ Skating. Open November–late February.
The Rink at T.B. Hanna Station (Outdoor, Seasonal)
214 South Washington Street, Raymore | 816.322.2791 | Raymore.com/skate
➜ Skating. Open December–January.
Line Creek Community Center Ice Arena (Indoor)
5940 Northwest Waukomis Drive, Kansas City | 816.513.4500 | KCParks.org
➜ Skating + hockey. Open year-round.
Bode Ice Arena (Indoor)
2500 Southwest Parkway, St. Joseph | 816.271.5506 | StJosephMo.gov
➜ Skating + lessons + broomball. Open year-round.
SOUTHWEST MISSOURI
Cassidy Station at Estes Farms (Outdoor, Seasonal)
5176 North Fremont Road, Nixa | 417.522.3659 | CassidyStation.com
➜ Skating + fire pits + food. Open November–December.
Brightspeed Ice Park (Indoor)
635 East Trafficway, Springfield | 417.866.7444 | ParkBoard.org/icepark
➜ Skating + hockey. Open year-round.
The article was orginially published in the November/December 2025 issue of Missouri Life.
