


Tristate Ice Management brings winter magic to Veterans Plaza in Silver Spring with a seasonal outdoor ice skating rink that's perfect for families. With dedicated family skate sessions, on-site lessons for beginners, and a festive atmosphere complete with twinkling lights and seasonal music, it's an ideal spot to create holiday memories or simply enjoy classic winter fun close to home.
Weekday afternoons (Monday-Thursday, 12:00-5:00 PM) offer the least crowded skating sessions, perfect for beginners still finding their ice legs. Weekend mornings right at opening are ideal for families wanting to avoid the evening rush while still enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Skate rental is available on-site with multiple sizes for children. Veterans Plaza is in downtown Silver Spring with ample nearby parking garages and restaurants. The rink operates seasonally (typically late November through early March), so check their schedule before planning your visit.
This is a seasonal winter attraction, typically operating from late November through early March depending on weather conditions. The rink features special holiday events and themed skate nights during December. Hours are extended on weekends and during school holiday breaks. Always check their seasonal schedule as weather may occasionally impact operations.
Parkway Deli & Restaurant (classic diner with kids' menu and comfort food) is just a block away, perfect for warming up with hot soup after skating. For a quick bite, Urban Bar-B-Que Company offers family-friendly BBQ options within easy walking distance of Veterans Plaza.
Sligo Creek Trail offers families a scenic 10-mile paved path perfect for building biking confidence in young riders or enjoying leisurely nature walks without the hassle of navigating traffic. The trail winds through shaded woodlands and alongside babbling Sligo Creek, creating a peaceful escape from suburban life while remaining easily accessible from multiple neighborhood entry points throughout Silver Spring.
Brookside Gardens offers 50 acres of stroller-friendly exploration with something magical for every season. Kids delight in the whimsical Children's Garden with interactive features, the seasonal Butterfly Garden (summer months), and the fairytale-like conservatory filled with tropical plants year-round.
Step into a beautifully restored 1938 Art Deco gem that offers so much more than typical movie theater fare. The AFI Silver Theatre specializes in family-friendly classics, animated favorites, and special children's programming that introduces kids to the magic of cinema in a stunning historic setting with state-of-the-art projection and sound.
Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring is a vibrant urban oasis featuring a free splash pad that's perfect for spontaneous summer fun. Kids can run through colorful spray features and ground jets while parents relax on surrounding benches in this well-maintained plaza that's become a favorite gathering spot for local families.