Howard Park Ice Skating Rink – Indiana’s Most Unique Ice Skating Rink

Ready for a winter outing worth the drive from Indianapolis? The ice skating rink at Howard Park in South Bend pairs a 16,000-square-foot ice trail and pond with cozy fire pits and fun events. Find the 2025–2026 season dates, hours, holiday schedule, prices, and what’s new, including $5 Tuesdays and DJ Skate Night, plus tips on reservations, the playground, and warm cocoa stops.

Looking for more rinks closer to home? Explore our guide to Best Ice Skating near Indianapolis.

Howard Park Ice Trail and Pond (2025–2026)

Season: November 28, 2025–March 2026. Session length: 80 minutes. Limited online reservations are available and guarantee your time on the ice.

Regular Sessions (2025–2026)

• Mon: 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM
• Tue: 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM (All admissions $5; not valid Dec 20–Jan 3)
• Wed: 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM
• Thu: 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM
• Fri: 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM
• Sat: 10:00 AM*, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM
• Sun: 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM

* No 10:00 AM Saturday session starting Jan 10.

Holiday Hours

• Black Friday (Nov 28): 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM
• Holiday Break (Dec 20–Jan 3): 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM, 8 PM
• Christmas Eve: 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM
• Christmas Day: Closed
• New Year’s Eve: 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM, 8 PM
• New Year’s Day: 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM, 8 PM
• MLK Jr. Day: 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM
• Presidents’ Day: 10 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM

Tickets & Reservations

Admission (includes skate rental): $7 youth (ages 3–17) | $10 adult (18+)

Season Pass: $60–$200 (individual and family options)

Reduced-rate: “Skate-it-Forward” — $4 admission + rental (all ages; application required)

Buy or reserve tickets on the official Howard Park page. Skate rental is included with every admission.

• Move through the line faster: bring your own skates to get on the ice sooner.
• Season passes: speed entry and save if you skate often.

Buy Tickets Here

The ice trail features rolling hills, curves, and soft terrain changes for a unique loop experience. The attached ice pond offers a classic rink feel that’s perfect for new skaters and activities like broomball.

Weekly & Special Programming (2025–2026): $5 Skate Night every Tuesday (excludes Dec 20–Jan 3) and DJ Skate Night every Friday during the 8:00 PM session. Select special events run through the season—check the Howard Park site for the latest dates and additions.

What to Know Before You Go

• Dress in warm layers. Outdoor heaters and fire pits are located throughout the grounds.
• Outdoor skate-changing areas and additional seating are available during Zamboni breaks.
• Lockers are available to rent inside the Event Center; consider leaving valuables at home.
• Weekday sessions (Mon–Fri, 4 PM & 6 PM) are typically less crowded.
• A limited number of skate assists are available for young children.

Related Article: Worth-the-Drive: Pokagon State Park’s Toboggan Run

The Playground at Howard Park

After your skating session, the playground is worth a visit. The 13,000+ square-foot, ADA-minded design blends traditional and innovative equipment across multiple terrain levels for ages 2–12.

Dining at the Park

Howard Park Public House anchors the west end of the Event Center and is open year-round for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Current posted hours: Mon–Thu 9 AM–9 PM; Fri 9 AM–10 PM; Sat 8 AM–10 PM; Sun brunch 8 AM–4 PM.

Chocolate Café Express (South Bend Chocolate Company) serves seasonal snacks and hot drinks from the support building. Perfect for a cocoa break between sessions.

Related Page | LET’S GO TRAVEL: Family-friendly travel destinations around Indiana, the midwest, and beyond.

More Wintertime Fun

Fire Pits

First-come, first-served fire pits with Adirondack seating are set throughout the park for cozy warm-ups between laps.

Location & Hours

Address: 219 S. St. Louis Blvd., South Bend, IN. Park Hours: Daily 6:00 AM–11:00 PM. Check the daily skating schedule for session availability and online reservations.