Photo: Jeremy Buenneke
Photo: KAYLA CHEENEY
Photo: travis king
Independence Community Ice
★4.6(260 reviews)$Sports
🕑 1.5-2 hours👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger children (4-7) enjoy learning to skate with the help of skating aids and patient instruction, while older kids and teens can work on their skills or just have fun with friends. Toddlers under 4 may find it challenging, though some do well with plenty of parental support.🧡 Saved by 150+ families
About
Independence Community Ice offers year-round ice skating fun for families, making it a perfect escape from hot Missouri summers or a festive winter outing. With skate rentals available on-site and open skate sessions throughout the week, it's an accessible way to introduce kids to skating or let experienced skaters practice their moves in a welcoming, community-focused environment.
Highlights
- ✓Year-round indoor ice skating regardless of outdoor weather
- ✓Skate rentals available for all sizes, including children
- ✓Family-friendly open skate sessions throughout the week
- ✓Special skating events and themed skate nights
- ✓Skating aids available to help beginners build confidence
Pro Tips
- 1.Call ahead or check their website for the current open skate schedule, as times vary and the rink hosts hockey leagues and private events that limit public skating hours
- 2.Dress kids in layers with long pants and gloves,falls are part of learning, and gloves protect hands from both ice and skate blades
- 3.Arrive early on weekends to beat the crowds and give beginners more space to practice without feeling overwhelmed
- 4.Bring your own skates if you have them to save on rental fees for multiple kids, though rentals are reasonably priced and well-maintained
- 5.Consider renting a skating aid (usually available) for first-timers to build confidence before venturing out independently
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings and early afternoons are ideal for beginners and younger children, offering less crowded ice and a calmer atmosphere. Weekend evenings can get busy but offer a lively, energetic vibe that older kids and teens particularly enjoy.
What to Know
Skate rental fees are separate from admission, so budget accordingly for the family. The facility has ample parking and typically offers concessions for snacks and hot chocolate to warm up between skating sessions.
Seasonal Notes
Being an indoor facility, Independence Community Ice offers consistent skating opportunities year-round. Watch for special holiday-themed skating events around Christmas and Valentine's Day, and summer break often features additional daytime open skate hours perfect for keeping kids active during vacation.
Nearby Eats
Grab burgers and shakes at Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers just a few minutes away, or head to Panera Bread on Valley View Parkway for soup and sandwiches that will warm everyone up after time on the ice.
More Activities Near Independence
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Englewood Park
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Englewood Park is a welcoming neighborhood park in Independence that offers something for every member of the family. With its modern playground equipment designed for various age groups, well-maintained basketball courts, and scenic walking trails, it's an ideal spot for an active morning or afternoon outdoors. The generous open spaces make it perfect for flying kites, playing catch, or spreading out a picnic blanket while the kids burn off energy.
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McCoy Park
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McCoy Park is a spacious community gem in Independence that offers something for every member of the family. With well-maintained playgrounds for multiple age groups, extensive walking trails perfect for stroller walks or family bike rides, and wide open green spaces ideal for impromptu soccer games or kite flying, this park is a go-to destination for active families. The picnic shelters make it easy to spend an entire afternoon here without having to pack up and leave for meals.
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The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum offers an engaging way for families to explore American history through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. Kids can step into a replica Oval Office, participate in special family programs, and learn about presidential life through age-appropriate displays that make history come alive.
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