Photo: Peter Martin
Photo: Péter Szentiványi
Photo: Darryl Hill
Steinberg Skating Rink
★4.4(1,072 reviews)$Entertainment
🕑 1.5-2.5 hours👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger children (4-7) enjoy learning to skate with parental support or using skating aids, while older kids and teens can skate independently and practice tricks. Toddlers under 4 may find the activity challenging, though some families bring them for short sessions.🧡 Saved by 70+ families
About
Steinberg Skating Rink is the Midwest's largest outdoor ice skating venue, offering families a magical winter experience right in the heart of Forest Park. With its expansive ice surface and beautiful park setting, it's the perfect spot to introduce kids to skating or let experienced gliders show off their skills. The rink's festive atmosphere and accessible location make it a St. Louis winter tradition families return to year after year.
Highlights
- ✓Massive outdoor ice surface perfect for families to skate together
- ✓Skating aids and trainers available for beginners learning their first moves
- ✓Cozy warming house with hot beverages to take breaks and warm up
- ✓Beautiful Forest Park setting with scenic winter views
- ✓Festive holiday lights and music create a magical atmosphere
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekends (right when they open) to avoid the biggest crowds and have more room for beginning skaters to practice
- 2.Dress kids in layers and bring extra gloves/mittens,wet hands are the #1 complaint from young skaters
- 3.Rent skates even if you own them; the on-site rentals are well-maintained and properly sharpened, making skating easier for kids
- 4.Take advantage of the free skating aids (walkers/trainers) available for beginners,they make learning much less frustrating for young children
- 5.Park at the nearby St. Louis Art Museum or Missouri History Museum lots for free parking within walking distance
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons (2-4pm) offer the best experience with smaller crowds and more space for kids learning to skate. If weekends are your only option, arrive right at opening time. Avoid Friday and Saturday evenings when the rink is busiest with teens and date-nighters.
What to Know
Admission is budget-friendly at around $5-8 per person with skate rentals available for an additional fee. Free parking is available throughout Forest Park, and there's a warming house with hot chocolate and snacks on-site.
Seasonal Notes
Open mid-November through late February, weather permitting. The rink is most festive during the holiday season (late November-early January) with special decorations and extended hours. Check their website before visiting as extreme cold or warm temperatures can cause temporary closures.
Nearby Eats
The Boathouse at Forest Park (casual waterfront dining with a solid kids menu) is just a short drive away, or pack a thermos of hot cocoa and snacks to enjoy at the picnic areas throughout Forest Park before or after skating.
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