Are you planning a vacation to Maine with your family this winter? If so, you might want to try and fit in a little ice skating while you are there. There are plenty of ice skating areas to choose from.
Here are my picks for the best five:
1. Sunday River White Cap Fun Center
The Sunday River White Cap Fun Center is located in Bethel. It features an outdoor, lighted ice rink that is open daily. There is no admission to use the rink and ice skate rentals are available for a modest fee. I, however, suggest that you bring your own. Snow tubing and skiing are also available on-site.
2. Family Ice Center
The Family Ice Center is located in Falmouth. It is open year-round and features both outdoor and indoor ice rinks. One of the things I like best about it is that it offers free skate sessions to disadvantaged youth and seniors through its Opportunity Skate Program. Admissions to the rinks vary and range from $5 to $10 per person. Kids 5 years of age and younger typically skate either area for free. Hours of operation vary by season and rink, so it is best to call in advance of your visit. Ice skate rentals are available on-site for $2 a pair and blade sharpening services are $5.
3. Sugarloaf Mountain Resort
The Sugarloaf Mountain Resort is located in Carrabassett Valley. It features an outdoor ice skating rink that is worthy of an NHL game. It is open annually from December through March, weather permitting. It typically opens to the public at 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday and at 1 p.m. on Sundays. Admission prices start at $6 per person. Ice skate rentals are available on-site for $6 to $8 a pair. Sharpening services are also available for $10.
4. Midcoast Recreation Center
The Midcoast Recreation Center is located in Rockport. It features an indoor ice skating rink that is open to the public September through April. Hours of operation do vary, though, so I’d call ahead to confirm. The rink is NHL-sized and well maintained, which makes it great for large families. Admission prices tend to range from $4 to $5 per person and skate rentals are $4 each.
5. Portland Ice Area
The Portland Ice Area is located in Portland. It features an indoor ice rink that is open from July through April. Skate rentals and sharpening services are available on premise. Hours of operation vary and admission prices start at $3 per person.
My family enjoys winter sports and has traveled extensively.
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