Des Moines Winter at Brenton Skating Plaza
When winter hits Des Moines, Iowa the kids and I love to bust out our Winter Bucket list and begin crossing outdoor activities off of our list like drinking hot cocoa, sledding, and building a snowman. One thing we always include is ice skating under the Des Moines skyline at Brenton Skating Plaza.
No Des Moines winter is complete without an adventure to Brenton Skating Plaza for ice skating in this open-air, wonderful venue. This is the perfect winter activity for people of all ages. They offer skate mates for all ages which allows children or adults to feel more confident while ice skating. Whether you have ice skated a hundred times or not at all you will want to make sure you fit in a skating session this winter.
Where is Brenton Skating Plaza located?
Brenton Skating Plaza is a skating rink located in the heart of downtown Des Moines along the Principal Riverwalk at 520 Robert D. Ray Drive. As you skate, you will enjoy a beautiful view of downtown Des Moines along the Des Moines River waterfront.
Learn to Skate
Free Learn to Skate clinics are offered at various times during the Winter. They are led by a professional ice skater and are a great experience for those who want to learn the basics of ice skating on an ice rink. Children must be over the age of 4 years old. Online registration for this event is highly encouraged.
2023-24 Skating Clinic Dates:
- November 18, 2023
- December 9, 2023
- January 6, 2024
- January 20, 2024
- February 3, 2024
- February 10, 2024
Celebrate the Holiday Season
Brenton Skating Plaza will open for the 2023 winter season on Friday, November 17. Mark your calendars! This night is now of my favorite Greater Des Moines activity to kick off the holiday season. We try to attend every year! Not only will the open-air facility open for the season, but there will be holiday tree lighting, a chainsaw ice carver, and a visit from Santa. All a part of the Holiday Promenade in downtown DSM.
If you are looking for a special activity to do on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, grab the family and enjoy some ice skating. Brenton Skating Plaza is open during special hours on these holidays and wants you to come and celebrate!
Brenton Skating Plaza and Events
This outdoor ice skating rink is the perfect family entertainment venue which is why they offer many events and programs throughout the cold weather season. You will enjoy tons of wintertime fun at events like Student Night, Family Skate Date, Superhero and Princess Skate, and Valentine’s Day Skate. Take a look at the entire schedule including times for Adaptive Skating allowing individuals with a range of physical or developmental abilities to ice skate.
Hours
Online registration is highly recommended for ice skating. Brenton Skating Plaza will have limited walk-up admission depending on how busy the skating rink is during that time. They offer different sessions during the hours they are open to offering the best recreational experience.
- Monday through Thursday 5 to 9 p.m.
- Friday 5 to 11 p.m.
- Saturday Noon to 11 p.m.
- Sunday 11 am. to 5 p.m.
Pricing
- Adults | $10
- Child (5 to 12 years old)/Military/Senior 62+ | $6
- Child 5 and under | FREE
- Skate Rental | $5/pair
- Shoe Check | $1.00
Contact Brenton Skating Plaza
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DesMoinesParks
- Email Address: Brentonskating@dmgov.org
Favorite winter activity is sledding, but also reading by a fire!
Definitely love ice skating at Brenton Plaza!
Skating is fun!
Oooo I love the idea of reading by a fire!
Sledding!
While I don’t love the cold, we are trying hard to embrace winter. We’ve loved sledding at our neighborhood park, then coming home to hot chocolate and popcorn.
The Silver Skater ice skaters are looking to expand our group. We are encouraging anyone 62+ to consider purchasing a Senior pass from Brenton Plaza and then joining us for some fun skating times on the ice. Please feel free to contact me at 515-222’9168 for details.