Photo: Rome - N - Around Outdoors
Photo: Mister Jon
Photo: Mister Jon
Novi Ice Arena
★4.4(428 reviews)$Sports
🕑 1.5-2 hours👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Preschoolers can start with beginner skating aids and learn-to-skate classes, while older kids and teens enjoy open skate sessions, hockey programs, and the independence of skating with friends. Even non-skating toddlers can watch from the warm viewing areas.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
Novi Ice Arena is a welcoming community ice rink that makes skating accessible for families year-round, regardless of skill level. With dedicated family skate nights, beginner-friendly learn-to-skate programs, and public skating sessions throughout the week, it's an ideal spot for creating winter memories any time of year while staying active indoors.
Highlights
- ✓Public skating sessions with music that make everyone feel like they're in their own ice show
- ✓Learn-to-skate programs that build confidence through progressive skill levels
- ✓Family skate nights with fun lighting and themed music
- ✓Skate rental available in all sizes, including beginner-friendly double-blade trainers
- ✓Warm viewing areas where parents can watch while younger siblings nap or older kids skate independently
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive 15-20 minutes early to allow time for renting skates and getting fitted,lines can get long during weekend public skate sessions
- 2.Bring your own gloves or mittens (required for safety) and dress in layers; the rink is cold but kids warm up quickly once they start moving
- 3.Check the daily schedule online before visiting as public skate times vary and the rink often hosts hockey games and private events
- 4.Consider purchasing a skate helper or trainer aid for beginners,they're available for rent and make learning much less frustrating for young kids
- 5.Family skate nights offer the best value and atmosphere with special music and sometimes themed events
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings and early afternoons are least crowded, ideal for nervous beginners. Weekend family skate nights (typically Friday or Saturday evenings) offer the most festive atmosphere with music and special lighting, though they're busier.
What to Know
Admission and skate rental fees are very affordable (typically under $15 per person). Helmets are available free for young children. The facility has heated seating areas, vending machines, and accessible restrooms, plus skate rental sizes starting from youth sizes.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with consistent programming, making it a perfect summer escape from the heat. Holiday-themed family skate events are often scheduled around Christmas and winter break. Check the schedule during school holidays as hours may be extended with additional public skate times.
Nearby Eats
Buddy's Pizza on Grand River Avenue (about 2 miles away) is a Michigan favorite with kid-friendly Detroit-style square pizza. For quick post-skating fuel, Panera Bread in the nearby Novi Town Center offers warm soups and mac & cheese that hit the spot after time on the ice.
More Activities Near Novi
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Macys Lakeshore Grill
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Macys Lakeshore Grill offers families a relaxed waterfront dining experience where kids can enjoy watching boats and ducks on the lake while parents savor New American cuisine. The spacious outdoor patio provides plenty of room for little ones to move around, and the dedicated kids' menu ensures even picky eaters will find something they love in this casual, no-stress atmosphere.
Farm
MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center
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MSU Tollgate Farm and Education Center offers families an authentic working farm experience right in Novi. Kids can meet friendly farm animals, explore nature trails, and participate in hands-on educational programs that teach about agriculture, sustainability, and the natural world. With seasonal events, garden tours, and workshops designed for young learners, it's an enriching outdoor destination where children can connect with nature and discover where their food comes from.
Park
Pavilion Shore Park
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Pavilion Shore Park is a beloved Novi destination where kids can cool off in the zero-depth splash pad,perfect for even the littlest water lovers,before burning off energy on the modern playground equipment. With shaded picnic pavilions and plenty of open green space for running and playing, it's an ideal spot for everything from quick after-school visits to full afternoon family outings.
Library
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Novi Public Library is a family favorite that goes far beyond books, offering an impressive lineup of weekly programs designed to engage kids of all ages. The extensive children's section provides a welcoming space for little readers, while regular storytimes, hands-on STEM activities, craft sessions, and teen gaming events keep kids coming back week after week. With a 4.6-star rating from hundreds of parents, this modern library has become a community hub for educational fun.