Iceland Family Skating Center
About
Iceland Family Skating Center offers year-round ice skating fun in Virginia Beach, making it the perfect escape from summer heat or a cozy winter activity. With both open skate sessions and lessons available for all skill levels, families can enjoy quality time together whether they're first-timers clutching the wall or confident skaters gliding across the ice.
Highlights
- ✓Year-round indoor ice skating regardless of Virginia Beach weather
- ✓Skating aids available for rent to help beginners gain confidence
- ✓Affordable group and private lessons for kids wanting to improve their skills
- ✓Birthday party packages available with rink access and party room
- ✓Well-maintained ice surface and friendly staff who help nervous skaters
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekends as the rink gets crowded, especially during afternoon public sessions - weekday evenings tend to be quieter
- 2.Bring your own gloves (required for safety) and warm socks; dress in layers as the rink is chilly but kids warm up quickly while skating
- 3.Rent a skating aid (walker-like device) for beginners - it makes the first experience much less frustrating for young kids
- 4.Check their website for themed skate nights and holiday events which add extra fun with music and decorations
- 5.Saturday morning opens at 7 AM for early birds wanting nearly empty ice - perfect for nervous first-timers
Best Time to Visit
Weekday afternoons (3:00-5:00 PM) offer the best experience with smaller crowds and more ice space for practicing. Saturday mornings right at opening are also excellent for beginners. Avoid Friday and Saturday evenings when the rink is busiest with teens and birthday parties.
What to Know
Admission is budget-friendly with skate rentals available on-site. The facility has a snack bar for hot chocolate and basic refreshments. Parking is free and plentiful in the shopping center lot.
Seasonal Notes
As an indoor facility, Iceland is perfect year-round, but it's especially popular during summer months when families seek air-conditioned activities. Holiday-themed skate sessions typically run during Christmas and Halloween seasons with special music and decorations.
Nearby Eats
Head to Chick-fil-A or Panera Bread, both within a mile in the same shopping area, for quick kid-friendly meals before or after skating. For sit-down dining, Coastal Grill nearby offers a family-friendly menu with seafood and American favorites.
More Activities Near Virginia Beach
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (Marsh Pavilion)
The Virginia Aquarium's Marsh Pavilion offers an exciting hands-on marine adventure where kids can touch stingrays and horseshoe crabs, marvel at graceful sea turtles gliding overhead, and watch mesmerizing jellyfish displays. With daily animal encounters, feeding demonstrations, and knowledgeable educators stationed throughout, children get up-close experiences that spark curiosity about ocean life in ways books simply can't match.
Military Aviation Museum
The Military Aviation Museum houses one of the world's largest private collections of historic military aircraft, with many planes still in flying condition. Kids will be mesmerized by the massive warbirds spanning WWI through WWII, and on select days, they can actually watch these vintage aircraft take to the skies during thrilling flight demonstrations.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offers families an incredible opportunity to explore over 9,000 acres of pristine coastal habitat along Virginia Beach's southern shoreline. Kids can spot dolphins, sea turtles, and hundreds of bird species while hiking easy trails through maritime forests, dunes, and freshwater marshes. The visitor center features interactive exhibits and touch tanks that bring local ecosystems to life for young naturalists.
First Landing State Park
First Landing State Park offers families 500 acres of coastal adventure where kids can explore maritime forests, play on sandy beaches, and spot wildlife in their natural habitats. With easy hiking trails winding through cypress swamps and dunes, plus nature centers packed with educational exhibits, this park combines outdoor fun with learning opportunities that keep children engaged for hours.