Public skating sessions allow skaters of all ages and abilities a chance to enjoy a fun, healthy recreational activity. Whether you want to practice your skating skills or simply enjoy time with family or friends, we’ve got you covered!
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, sessions have capped attendance. Therefore, we allow walk-ups only if space is available. We highly encourage patrons to register in advance using our DaySmart software system or you may be turned away when you arrive. This is generally more of an issue during winter weekend sessions.
Session Information and Cost
Weekend Sessions
Sessions are 1.25-1.75 hours long (depending on day/time/season) and are capped at 175 skaters. Sessions that are 1.75 hours will have an ice cut halfway through. Skate aids (walkers) are NOT allowed during these sessions. These sessions are generally held on weekends – Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays – and holidays.
Cost: Admission – $9; skate rental – $3. Children ages 4 and under are free
Family Skate
Sponsored by Horizon Credit Union
These sessions allow families with young children and/or beginning skaters to skate in a less-crowded environment. Sunday sessions are 75 minutes, weekday sessions are 60 minutes (no ice cut) and sessions are limited to 60 skaters. Skate aids ARE allowed during these sessions.
Cost: Admission – $10; skate rental – $3. Children ages 4 and under are free.
Weekday Skates
Sessions are one hour and limited to 60 skaters. Skate aids are NOT allowed during these sessions. These are held Mondays (holidays excepted) and Thursdays.
Cost: Admission and skate rental – $6 (no discount for your own skates). Children ages 4 and under are free.
Senior Skate
These one-hour sessions (no ice cut) are held Wednesday mornings and are for adults ages 55 and older. Sessions are limited to 40 skaters.
Cost: Admission and skate rental – $5 (no discount for your own skates).
Parent and Tot Skate
Sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Missoula
These 45-minute sessions (no ice cut) are held Wednesday mornings and are for preschool-age children and their parent or caregiver. Sessions are limited to 50 skaters and skate aids ARE allowed during these sessions.
Cost: Admission and skate rental – $5. All skaters, regardless of age are charged. Helmets are required for children.
Special Events and Theme Skates
These sessions are where we have some fun and pick a theme for the skate. Sessions are 1.75 or 2 hours (ice cut included) and capacity is expanded to 200 skaters. Special events and theme skates are posted on our home page. Skate aids are NOT allowed during these sessions.
Cost: Admission – $12; skate rental – $3. Children ages 4 and under are free.
Registration
- Create an account in our Daysmart Recreation system. You will need to create accounts for anyone you are registering (spouse/children). If you bring different people to skate, you can create a generic account (e.g., John Doe).
- Click on “drop-in events” on the left-hand menu.
- Search for the day/time of your desired session
- Click on the cart to check out.
Online registration for public programs opens one week prior to the start of the month (e.g., registration for December events opens November 24).
General Information
Check-in
Please check in with staff upon arrival. If the session is scheduled on the outdoor rink, please enter the rink directly from the parking lot. If the session is on the indoor rink, enter through the front doors.
Rental Skates
We have nearly 300 pairs of hockey and figure skates for rent in a range of sizes from toddler size 8 to adult size 14. Rentals may be purchased in advance online and picked up from the skate shop. Staff will size skates appropriately based on patrons’ shoe size. We do not rent skates for off-site use.
Attire
The indoor rink is generally 40-50 degrees and the outdoor rink can be cold. Be sure to wear long (thin) socks, gloves, and warm layers to ensure an enjoyable experience. Though not required, we highly recommend wearing a helmet (hockey, bike or ski helmets work).
Skate Aids (Walkers)
Skate aids are NOT allowed during general public skating sessions. They ARE allowed during Family Skates and Parent/Tot skates. If you have a beginner or young skater who will need assistance, please come to one of these skating sessions.
Rules
Skaters are expected to abide by our Facility Policies and Public Program Rules as they are designed to maintain a safe and enjoyable environment for all rink users. All users participate at their own risk.
