Centene Community Ice Center

The Centene Community Ice Center is a top-notch ice skating facility that welcomes families year-round with dedicated public skate sessions and family-friendly skating times. With its excellent 4.7-star rating from over 660 reviews, this spacious complex offers everything from casual recreational skating to structured lessons, making it perfect whether your kids are first-timers wobbling on the ice or aspiring figure skaters and hockey players.

• ✓Well-maintained ice surfaces that are clean and smooth for safe skating
• ✓Skating aids and helpers available for beginners learning to balance
• ✓Family-friendly public skate sessions scheduled throughout the week
• ✓Affordable skating lessons for all skill levels from beginner to advanced
• ✓Snack bar serving hot chocolate perfect for warming up between sessions

1. 1.Arrive 20-30 minutes early to allow time for rental skates, lacing up properly, and getting kids comfortable before hitting the ice
2. 2.Bring or purchase gloves (required for safety) and dress in layers,kids will warm up quickly once moving, but the rink stays chilly
3. 3.Check the online schedule before visiting as public skate times vary and the rink often hosts hockey games and private events
4. 4.Consider skating aids (available at the rink) for beginners,they help kids build confidence without clinging to the boards or parents
5. 5.Visit during weekday morning or early afternoon sessions for smaller crowds and more ice space for wobbly beginners

Weekday mornings and early afternoons offer the least crowded sessions, giving nervous beginners more space to practice. Weekend family skate sessions are livelier with more energy but expect larger crowds. Avoid Friday and Saturday evenings when the rink is busiest.

Admission fees are budget-friendly (typically $8-12) with skate rentals available for a small additional fee. The facility has ample free parking, a warming area for breaks, and a snack bar with hot chocolate and basic refreshments. Helmets are available and recommended for young skaters.

Open year-round with extended hours and special themed skate sessions during winter holidays and school breaks. Summer is an excellent time to visit as a cool indoor activity during hot Missouri days. Check their calendar for holiday events like Halloween skating and winter break specials.

The nearby Hollywood Casino St. Louis complex has several family-friendly options including Epic Buffet and Range Steakhouse. For a quick casual bite, head to Chicken Out (5 minutes away) for chicken tenders and comfort food, or Jimmy John's in the adjacent shopping area for fast sandwiches.