Ice Skating at the Whitewater Center

Charlotte, NC · Public skating times & prices

A 24,000-square-foot outdoor rink built each winter on the upper pond of the Whitewater River

Public skating at Ice Skating at the Whitewater Center: the next 7 days

Currently out of season Ice skating returns as part of Winter at Whitewater from mid-November 2026 through mid-February 2027; the Whitewater Center has not posted exact opening dates or daily hours yet. Official schedule update

Address
5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28214
Phone
(704) 391-3900
Website
whitewater.org
The outdoor rink at dusk from the bank above, lit by string lights, with the Whitewater Center's towers and trails behind it. — Ice Skating at the Whitewater Center
The outdoor rink at dusk from the bank above, lit by string lights, with the Whitewater Center's towers and trails behind it. Photo: Whitewater Center, official website · Source
A wide view of the outdoor rink in the whitewater park, many skaters spread across the winding ice with rocks and bare trees around it. — Ice Skating at the Whitewater Center
A wide view of the outdoor rink in the whitewater park, many skaters spread across the winding ice with rocks and bare trees around it. Photo: U.S. National Whitewater Center · Source

The Southeast's largest outdoor ice rink, billed by the Center

Every November the upper pond of the Whitewater River at the Whitewater Center is converted into a 24,000-square-foot ice skating center, which the Center bills as the largest ice rink in the Southeast. The rink returns as part of Winter at Whitewater for the 2026-27 season, running from mid-November 2026 through mid-February 2027.

The rink has four distinct skating areas: two ice trails, two free skate zones, and an Airstream in the middle of the ice serving hot and cold beverages. The team conditions the skating surface on a periodic basis.

Beyond open skating, the Center runs Cask Curling, where skaters slide mini kegs across the ice to compete for points, and a 3-on-3 pond hockey league with recreational and competitive divisions and a playoff bracket. A two-week Mini League has been added, running from January 26 to February 5.

Before you head out.

Admission, rentals and arrival details, researched from official rink information. Source checks stay current for 30 days.

Admission

Ice skating with a Single Activity Pass is $25, and skate rentals are included in pass purchases.

Source checked · · Official source

Skates & rentals

You can bring your own skates, but you still need to buy a Day Pass or Single Activity Ice Skating Pass.

Source checked · · Official source

Booking & check-in

Skaters check in at the River Center.

Source checked · · Official source

Skating with children

Guests of all ages can skate as long as they are able to walk.

Source checked · · Official source

Parking & arrival

Parking at the Whitewater Center costs $13 per vehicle per day.

Source checked · · Official source

A source check records what the rink published on that date. Session-specific booking details take precedence.