Best Ice Skating Rinks in Sacramento for Families
Lace up your skates and glide over to ice skating rinks in Sacramento. Going ice skating is one of the top holiday activities in Sacramento. Families can choose from a handful of ice skating rinks in the Sacramento area this season, from Folsom to Roseville, downtown Sacramento, and in Woodland in Yolo County.
A few free holiday events in Sacramento this year will have free ice skating at their one-day festivals. Most ice skating rinks have skate helpers for kids who are beginners. Some ice skating rinks will host special events, like Santa visits and ice skating with princesses and superheroes.
1. Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
November 6, 2025 – January 19, 2026
The Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink at Ali Youssefi Square opens in early November 2025. Go ice skating in downtown Sacramento, grab a seasonal hot beverage from Roots Coffee, and then cheer on the Sacramento Kings at the Golden 1 Center. This ice skating rink also has special events throughout its season, such as a princess and superhero day and an Xfinity free skate day in early December.
You can bring your own skates and helmets to this ice skating rink. If you don’t have your own equipment, you don’t need to worry as skate rentals are included in the admission price. Ice scooters are also available to rent at $5 for 30 minutes. Helmets are available to rent at $2.
Costs
- $15 for ages 7+
- $8 for children 6 and under.
- $5 off with Western Health Advantage card or Dignity Health card
- $2 off with same-day SacRT ticket or pass
- Free for Sacramento Kings Kids Club Members and Veterans and Active Duty with Military ID
Times
- Tuesday – Thursday, 2pm – 9pm
- Friday – Sunday, 10am – 10pm
- Closed on Mondays except for holidays
- Operating times vary on holidays
Location: Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink | Ali Youssefi Square, 7th & K Streets, Sacramento, CA 95814
2. Folsom Historic District Ice Rink
November 8, 2025 – January 19, 2026
The ice rink in Folsom’s Historic District is an annual holiday fixture. Families love the tradition of ice skating around the Christmas tree. Folsom gets in the holiday spirit early with the ice rink opening the first weekend of November 2025. The Folsom ice rink hosts unique programs, such as a Mommy & Me skate, where a parent can join their child under 5 for an ice skating lesson. There will be other fun events throughout the season, like princess parties and Movies on Ice.
All skate session times are 90 minutes long and admission prices include skate rentals. It’s also recommended to buy tickets in advance, online. The Folsom ice rink also has reservable fire pit seating at the rink. You can even add a s’mores kit! The tables are for up to 10 people, so these would be good for a group where you can split the cost (as they are pricey at $156).
Costs
- $24 for ages 10+
- $20 for ages 4-9
- $17 for a skate assist for full 90-minute session
Skate Session Times
- Monday – Wednesday, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm
- Thursday – Sunday, 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm
- Skate session times vary on holidays
Location: Folsom Historic District Ice Rink | 905 Sutter Street, Folsom, CA 95630
3. Illumination Festival 2025 — Elk Grove
December 6, 2025
Elk Grove doesn’t have a seasonal ice skating rink during the holiday season, but for one day each year, families can go ice skating in Elk Grove for free at the annual Illumination Festival. In 2025, the Illumination Festival occurs on Saturday, December 6. In addition to free ice skating (and free skates), there will be bounce houses for kids, Santa photo ops, and winter carnival games.
The event concludes with a tree lighting ceremony of the famous ribbon tree at District 56 and a special snowfall. The Illumination Festival is one of the best free holiday events in Sacramento for families.
Costs
- Free!
Times
- 3-8pm
Location: District 56, 8230 Civic Center Dr #100, Elk Grove, CA 95757
4. Woodland Holiday Ice Rink
December 6, 2025 – January 11, 2026
If you plan to venture to Yolo County for the holidays and want to go ice skating, the Woodland Holiday Ice Rink is your best bet. Look out for special events with Santa and themed days throughout the holiday season. Each skating session is 90 minutes and includes skate rentals. You may bring your own skates to the rink. A firepit section is also available to reserve for up to 4 guests for 90 minutes at $108.
While in Woodland, check out the brand-new Woodland Wonderland of Lights. This holiday lights drive-thru experience debuts in December 2025 at the Yolo County Fairgrounds.
Costs
- $18 for ages 12+
- $10 for ages 3-11
Times
- Monday – Thursday, 11am – 9pm
- Friday – Sunday, 11am – 10:30pm
Location: Woodland Holiday Ice Rink | Freeman Park (1001 Main St), Woodland, CA 95695
5. The Downtown Roseville Ice Rink
December 7, 2025 – January 4, 2026
In 2025, Downtown Roseville will debut its first-ever ice skating rink. This rink will have synthetic ice at Vernon Street Town Square. Since it’s an artificial ice rink, you cannot bring your own skates. Skates must be rented at the Downtown Roseville Ice Rink. Tickets can be purchased on-site; However, it’s encouraged to buy them in advance online. Skate helpers are available for beginner skaters. Skate sessions last for one hour.
Costs
- Admission and skate rentals are $18 for ages 14+
- $10 for ages 6–13,
- Free for ages 5 and under
Times
- Hours vary by day
Location: Downtown Roseville Ice Rink | Vernon Street Town Square, 311 Vernon St, Roseville, CA 95678
6. D1 Winter Wonderland — North Natomas
December 14, 2025
For free ice skating in North Natomas, head to the D1 Winter Wonderland event on Sunday, December 14, 2025. This is one of the best free holiday events in Sacramento for kids. In addition to free ice skating, there will be holiday workshops, games, and a Santa appearance.
Costs
- Free!
Times
- 11am – 3pm
Location: North Natomas Regional Park | 2501 New Market Dr., Sacramento, CA 95835
7. Sock Skating at Sacramento Children’s Museum — Rancho Cordova
2025 Dates TBD
For something a little different, the Sacramento Children’s Museum has an annual indoor sock skating rink. If younger kids aren’t quite ready for a real ice skating rink yet, they can twirl around in their socks. Hockey equipment is usually available. If you need them, the museum typically has socks. While 2025 dates haven’t been released yet, sock skating often takes place in early January.
Sock skating is included with regular museum admission. Want free admission to the Sacramento Children’s Museum? Use your Sacramento Library to receive free admission through the Discover & Go Program.
Costs
- $10 for adults and children ages 12 months+
- $8 for grandparents/seniors and military/veterans
Times
- Tuesday – Friday, 10am – 3pm
- Saturday & Sunday, 10am – 4pm
Location: Sacramento Children’s Museum | 2701 Prospect Park Dr, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
8. Skatetown Ice Arena — Roseville
Year-Round Ice Skating
Skatetown has ice skating all year, and you could go ice skating here in the summertime if you wanted! In the wintertime, it has special events and specific hours. They have weekly public skating sessions. Families with younger kids are encouraged to attend their Family Sessions (Fridays from 3-5pm, 7-9pm, and Saturdays from 3-5pm). Teens will enjoy the Saturday evening skating session from 7-9pm.
For an additional fee, there are a variety of interesting skate helpers and sleds for children who are learning to get comfortable on the ice. Ice cruiser sleds are available for children 3 years old and younger. Free loaner helmets are also available.
Skatetown takes the fun on the ice to the next level with fun games, dances, and even laser and disco light shows. They also have an on-site cafe serving light fare like hot chocolate, snacks, and coffee.
Costs
- $20 (with or without skates) from November 24, 2025 – January 19, 2026
- Free for children 4 and under with adult admission
Times
- Family Sessions: Friday & Saturday, 3-5pm
- Teen & Young Adult sessions: Friday & Saturday, 7-9pm
Location: Skatetown Ice Arena | 1009 Orlando Ave, Roseville CA 95661
Top photo courtesy of Downtown Sac