During the harsh New Jersey winter that stretches from November to April, New Jersey moms are always on the hunt for good ways to burn off their kids’ energy — especially when it’s too cold for the playground. This winter, our family went on an “ice rinks tour,” and I’ve narrowed down the top 4 spots that are actually worth the trip for local families.
Whether your little one is a future hockey star or just trying to stay upright on the ice, here is my honest take on the best rinks in New Jersey.
1. Van Saun Park: Pramus Winter Wonderland
First of all, if you are looking for a complete holiday atmosphere, the Winter Wonderland at Van Saun Park in Paramus is a must-visit. It’s more than just an ice rink. They have festive lights, food trucks, and even a carousel.
- Address: 216 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652
- Admission: $20 (Skate Rental: $5, Aid Rental: $10)
Why we loved it!
On top of the exciting outdoor ice rink time, my kids were absolutely obsessed with the carousel rides. Since the carousel is included with the Winter Wonderland admission, you can just show your ticket at the booth and hop right on — it’s so easy to go back for seconds!
If you want to make the most of your visit, the food trucks are where the real fun is. I loved that parents could grab a local craft beer while the kids stayed busy roasting marshmallows. The food trucks sell these super convenient S’more kits, so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own supplies.
Sadly, the season has just wrapped up, but it’s definitely a spot to mark on your calendar for next winter!
2. American Dream: The Rink
In addition to outdoor rinks, New Jersey offers incredible indoor options. Specifically, the Rink at American Dream in East Rutherford is an NHL-regulation-size ice rink that is open year-round.
Since it’s indoors, you don’t have to worry about the freezing wind or snow. It’s located right in the middle of the mall, so you can combine skating with shopping or dining. Furthermore, it is the warmest choice for ice skating, making it ideal if your children are sensitive to the cold.
- Address: 1 American Dream Wy, East Rutherford
- Admission: $25 (Skate rental included) (Aid Rental: $10)
Why we loved it!
Besides being indoors, I found it really reasonable that the ticket already includes skate rentals, which can often cost an extra $5 or more per person elsewhere. Plus, their skates were surprisingly comfortable and easy to ride in.
But the absolute highlight for my kids was the skate aids shaped like cute seals. My four-year-old especially loved sitting on the seal’s back while I pushed her across the ice. It was a total lifesaver — it saved my lower back and kept her smiling the whole time!
3. Mackay Ice Rink in Englewood
Furthermore, for a more local and community-focused feel, the Mackay Ice Rink in Englewood is a fantastic choice. This rink is covered but open-air on the sides, giving you that “outdoor” feeling without being completely exposed to the elements. As a result, it’s generally less overwhelming than the major tourist spots.
- Address: 130 W Englewood Ave, Englewood
- Admission: $10 for Englewood residents / $15 for Non-residents (including skate rental)
Why we loved it!
As a mom, I especially appreciated the safety rules here. Helmets are mandatory for children, though they remain optional for adults. A less crowded environment compared to famous ice skating spots like The Rink also allowed my two young daughters to focus more on their skating in a much safer atmosphere.
This local community center also offers skate lessons on both weekends and weekdays at a very reasonable price:
- Englewood Residents: $100
- Non-Resident: $150
4. Ice House in Hackensack
Lastly, for those who are serious about skating or want a professional environment, the Ice House in Hackensack is one of the premier facilities in the region. With four full-sized NHL rinks, it is massive. It’s where many local kids take their first skating or hockey lessons.
- Address: 111 Midtown Bridge Dr, Hankensack
- Admission: $25 (Online pre-purchase) / $30 (On-site) (Skate rental included)
Why we liked it!
One of the biggest advantages of the Ice House is its world-class coaching staff. Many of the instructors here are former members of Team USA or have competed at the international level. Because of this high level of expertise, it’s a popular spot for competitive figure skaters and hockey players. Therefore, if you want your child to learn the proper fundamentals from the very beginning, this is the place to be.
In fact, I just signed up my two daughters for the Spring ‘Learn to Skate’ program here. After looking around, I found the coaches at the Ice House to be the most professional and competitive in all of North Jersey.“
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on the Best Ice Rinks in NJ
In conclusion, finding the best ice rinks in NJ is a fantastic way to keep your family active and entertained during the long winter months. Whether you are looking for the magical holiday atmosphere of Paramus, the indoor comfort of American Dream, or the professional coaching at the Ice House, New Jersey has an option for every preference.
Because each rink offers a unique experience, I recommend trying a few different spots to see which one your kids enjoy the most. To sum up, don’t let the cold weather keep you indoors–grab your skates and explore these wonderful local facilities!
Which of these rinks is your favorite? Or is there another hidden gem I missed? Let me know in the comments below!
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