Skating in the Wisconsin Dells sounds like the perfect winter add-on—until you realize “open skate” can change week to week, rental sizes can run out fast, and nobody wants to drive over just to find hockey has the ice. If you’re staying at Bonanza Camping Resort and trying to build a simple, low-stress winter itinerary, this guide lays out the easiest ice skating options in and near the Dells—where to go, when to show up, what it costs, and what to pack so everyone stays warm (and happy).
Key takeaways
– Closest, easiest rink: Poppy Waterman Ice Arena in Lake Delton
– Address for GPS: 112 Miller Drive, Lake Delton
– Check before you drive: open skate times can change because of hockey games and events
– Typical public skate days: Wednesdays and Sundays (but confirm the same day)
– Arrive early: show up 15–30 minutes before skate time for rentals, tying skates, and bathroom breaks
– Price (listed): Adults $3.50, Kids 12 and under $2.50, Skate rental $2.50 per pair
– Rentals can run out: call ahead if you need kid sizes or beginner skating helpers
– Bring to stay warm: gloves or mittens, layers, warm (not super-thick) socks
– Bring for after skating: extra dry socks, small towel, dry shoes, blanket for the car
– Beginner safety basics: bend knees, take small steps, stay near the boards, take breaks, skate with the flow
– Simple backup plan: if public skate is canceled, choose another nearby activity (waterpark, tubing, arcade, winter hike)
If you’re planning with kids, think of the list above as your stress-reducer. It’s the difference between arriving calm and arriving flustered, especially when you’re juggling rentals, laces, and a child who suddenly needs the bathroom right now. Keep it handy while you’re packing for your cabin or RV, and you’ll feel the whole day get easier before you ever step on the ice.
If you only do two things, make them these: confirm the open skate schedule the same day, and pack for warmth after skating. The skating part is usually the fun part. The cold hands, wet socks, and rushed arrival are what turn a great idea into a rough outing.
Inside, you’ll get quick answers to the big parent-and-planner questions: Which rink is closest? Do they have skate rentals (including kids’ sizes)? What are the typical public skate days? And what should you bring from your camper or cabin so you’re not dealing with cold hands, wet socks, or cranky beginners halfway through the session.
Hook lines:
– Before you load the car, check this one detail—because it’s the difference between a fun family memory and a “well…that was a waste of a drive.”
– Want the most beginner-friendly experience? Timing matters more than skill.
– Rentals are easy—staying warm afterward is the part most people forget (especially when you’re heading back to camp).
Quick take: the simplest, closest plan for family-friendly skating
If you want the most straightforward answer, start with Poppy Waterman Ice Arena in Lake Delton. It’s very close to Wisconsin Dells, so you’re not turning a simple skate into an all-day expedition—especially helpful when you’ve got kids asking “Are we there yet?” before you’ve even finished buckling seatbelts. The arena’s listed address is 112 Miller Drive, Lake Delton, as noted in this Dells guide, which makes it easy to plug into your GPS and keep the day moving.
Here’s the “plan-it-fast” snapshot most families want before they load the car. Public skating is typically offered on Wednesdays and Sundays, but the schedule can shift, so you’ll want to verify the day of your visit using current skate details. Admission is listed at $3.50 for adults and $2.50 for kids ages 12 and under, with skate rentals at $2.50 per pair, according to local rink info.
Quick snapshot
– Rink: Poppy Waterman Ice Arena (Lake Delton)
– Address: 112 Miller Drive, Lake Delton
– Typical public skate days: Wednesdays and Sundays (confirm before you go)
– Cost: Adults $3.50, Kids 12 & under $2.50, Rentals $2.50/pair
What to expect at Poppy Waterman Ice Arena (and why families like it)
Walking into an indoor ice arena in winter feels like a small parenting win: no guessing if the outdoor ice is safe, no wind cutting through mittens, and no last-minute “Plan B” scramble. Poppy Waterman Ice Arena is a full-size NHL regulation hockey rink, and it’s also home to the Dells Ducks junior hockey team, which helps explain why the building can feel active and why the ice schedule can change around games and events. Those details are listed in this rink overview, and they’re exactly the kind of context that makes planning smoother.
For families staying at Bonanza Camping Resort, the best part is that this is a weather-proof outing that still feels like a winter adventure. You can skate, warm up, and head back without dragging everyone through a long day of transitions. The arena also has a concession stand and a pro shop with skate sharpening and accessories, as noted in this Dells resource, which is handy when someone realizes they forgot gloves or you want to bribe the crew with hot chocolate after a few chilly laps.
Public skate hours: how to avoid the waste-of-a-drive problem
Here’s the one detail that saves the day: public skate times at community arenas can move around quickly. Hockey games, tournaments, school events, and even routine ice maintenance can push public sessions earlier, later, or off the calendar for a week. That’s why the “typical” public skate days (often Wednesdays and Sundays) should be treated as a starting point, not a promise, and the listed guidance specifically encourages visitors to check the arena website or call ahead for the most current open skate times.
Once you’ve confirmed the session, the second-best move is arriving 15–30 minutes early, especially on weekends and school-break days. That cushion gives you time for rentals, lacing up, bathroom breaks, and the inevitable “my skate feels weird” re-tie that happens right as the ice is opening. If you’re driving in from Bonanza Camping Resort, it also helps to build a winter buffer—roads can be slower, parking lots can take longer to navigate, and traffic around popular Dells attractions can add surprise minutes when you least want them.
If you’re coordinating a bigger crew, calling ahead is the quiet superpower. Arenas often have their own flow for groups, and staff can tell you if a certain session tends to be calmer or more crowded. It also gives you a chance to ask about skate sizes and any beginner helpers before you’re standing at the counter with excited kids and a ticking clock.
Pricing and rentals: simple math before you load the car
Keeping the cost predictable makes a winter outing feel lighter, especially when you’re already budgeting for food, activities, and maybe a waterpark day. Admission at Poppy Waterman Ice Arena is listed as $3.50 for adults and $2.50 for children ages 12 and under, with skate rentals available on-site for $2.50 per pair, based on these pricing details. That means you can do the math quickly and decide whether you’re making this a full session or a “try it for an hour” kind of adventure.
A quick family example helps it click: two adults and two kids would be $12.00 for admission, and if all four need rentals, that’s another $10.00—so roughly $22.00 before snacks. If one kid brings their own skates, you’ve just saved enough for hot chocolate and a treat without thinking twice. And because rentals can be limited during busy weekends and holiday weeks, it’s smart to call ahead if you’re worried about kid sizes, especially for little feet that can be harder to match.
Before you go, these call-ahead questions can prevent the most common surprises:
– Do you have a good selection of kid sizes available today?
– Are skating aids (trainer frames) available for beginners?
– Is there anything scheduled that might shorten or affect public skate?
What to bring from your cabin or camper so everyone stays warm and happy
Skate rentals usually mean skates only, so the comfort factor is mostly up to what you pack. Start with socks that are warm but not overly thick—super-thick socks can bunch up inside rental skates and create pressure points that turn into “my feet hurt” halfway through the session. Gloves or mittens are also a must, because hands get cold fast on the ice and gloves protect palms when someone catches themselves during a fall.
For clothing, think layers instead of one bulky coat. A base layer plus a light insulating layer lets kids warm up without overheating, and it’s easier to adjust when someone suddenly goes from shivering to sweaty after a few loops. For safety, many parents choose to bring a helmet for kids and new skaters, and a bike helmet or snow-sport helmet from home is often the easiest option when you don’t want to rely on limited availability at a rink.
The “camping resort” difference is what happens after you skate. Pack a small bag with extra dry socks and a small towel so you can deal with wet laces, damp cuffs, and the puddles that appear the moment skates come off. Dry footwear for the ride back is a game-changer, and if you’re heading back to Bonanza Camping Resort, a blanket in the car (plus a thermos of something warm) makes the transition back to camp feel cozy instead of chilly.
Beginner-friendly skating tips and public session etiquette (the calm, safe approach)
If you’re skating with kids or true beginners, the goal isn’t speed—it’s confidence. Start slow and stay near the boards until everyone feels steady, especially if you’re on rental skates or skating for the first time in a while. The fastest wins for first-timers are simple: knees slightly bent, small marching steps, and hands out for balance (not tucked in pockets where you can’t catch yourself).
Public skate sessions also have an unspoken rhythm that keeps things safe and smooth. Most of the time, everyone skates in the same direction, and cutting across traffic is what causes the near-misses that make parents tense up. Teach kids to look before turning or stopping, and encourage short, frequent breaks—fatigue is one of the biggest reasons falls happen, and stepping off to rest is normal and encouraged.
If your rink offers skating aids, they can be helpful for the first few minutes, but they’re not a parking spot in the middle of the ice. Keep to the edges when you need to regroup, and avoid stopping in high-traffic areas where faster skaters are moving through. One more simple safety rule that helps everyone: keep phones off the ice, because awareness matters and a dropped phone becomes a slippery obstacle instantly.
Getting more value from your visit: small goals, warm-ups, and helpful upgrades
The best family sessions usually have one small, cheerful goal instead of a big expectation. Try something like “one lap without holding the wall” or “glide from this blue line to that one,” and let everyone celebrate their own pace. When kids feel successful early, they’re more likely to stay out longer—and you’re less likely to end up negotiating a meltdown in the lobby.
If someone in your group is more experienced, you can still make the outing feel special. The pro shop at Poppy Waterman Ice Arena offers skate sharpening and accessories, as noted in this arena summary, which can improve control for intermediate skaters who brought their own skates. Beginners typically do fine on standard rental edges, so sharpening is more of an enthusiast upgrade than a requirement.
After skating, do the warm-up routine before you get back in the car. Swap into dry socks and shoes, grab a warm drink if you can, and take two minutes to get everyone’s fingers warm again before the drive. That quick reset matters even more when you’re returning to a campsite or cabin, because staying comfortable afterward is what turns “we tried skating” into “let’s do that again next trip.”
If public ice is limited: smart backup plans for a winter Dells itinerary
In smaller tourist areas, it’s common to have one main indoor rink serving the region, so it’s worth building a backup plan that still feels like a win. If public skate is canceled or sold out, consider checking community arenas in surrounding towns within a comfortable driving radius, or look for seasonal outdoor skating options when conditions allow. Outdoor ice can be a fun bonus, but it’s weather-dependent, so it’s best treated as an extra, not your only plan.
If you’d rather stay closer to Wisconsin Dells when plans shift, pivot to another winter-friendly activity that keeps the day fun. Tubing hills, indoor waterparks, arcades, and winter hikes can all scratch the “let’s do something together” itch when the rink schedule doesn’t cooperate. And if you’re staying at Bonanza Camping Resort, the most practical backup is one you can pack right now: keep dry layers in the car, bring a blanket, and consider a thermos—because the most memory-making trips aren’t the ones that go perfectly, they’re the ones where you stay warm, flexible, and ready for the next good idea.
With a quick schedule check, a few warm layers, and a plan for dry socks afterward, ice skating in and near Wisconsin Dells becomes the kind of simple winter outing that actually feels easy—especially when you pick a close, family-friendly rink and keep a backup idea in your pocket. If you’re ready to turn a few laps on the ice into a full memory-making getaway, make Bonanza Camping Resort your home base: you’ll be close to the Dells’ best winter fun, then come back to a cozy North Woods setting to warm up, unwind, and do it all again tomorrow. Book your stay and start planning your low-stress winter itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re planning ice skating near Wisconsin Dells with kids, these are the quick clarifiers that prevent most day-of stress. Schedules, rentals, and session types can vary more than families expect, especially during weekends and school breaks. Skim this section before you leave Bonanza Camping Resort so you know what to double-check.
When in doubt, treat skating like a simple two-step plan: confirm the schedule, then pack for warmth and dry gear afterward. That approach works whether you’re aiming for a full public skate session or just want a short, beginner-friendly lap or two. And if the ice is booked, you’ll still have a ready-to-go backup activity that keeps your winter trip fun.
Q: Are there ice skating rinks actually in Wisconsin Dells, or do we need to drive?
A: You’ll find a mix of options in the Wisconsin Dells area depending on the time of year, including seasonal outdoor ice and indoor rinks within a reasonable drive, so it’s smart to decide first whether you want guaranteed indoor ice or you’re happy to plan around weather for an outdoor skate.
Q: What’s the best skating option for beginners and kids?
A: For first-timers, an indoor rink or a well-managed public skate session is usually the easiest choice because the ice conditions are more consistent, there’s typically staff on hand, and you’re more likely to find rentals, seating, and a warm place to take breaks.
Q: Do rinks near Wisconsin Dells rent skates, and will they have little kid sizes?
A: Many public rinks offer skate rentals, often including youth sizes, but inventory can be limited during busy weekends and holiday weeks, so it’s worth calling ahead the same day to confirm that the rink has rentals in your child’s size (and whether they offer figure skates, hockey skates, or both).
Q: Do we need to reserve skating time or skate rentals in advance?
A: Most public skate sessions are first-come, first-served, but some facilities and special events can sell out or cap attendance, so if you’re traveling on a peak weekend or coming with a group, calling ahead to ask about reservations, capacity limits, and rental availability can save a lot of frustration.
Q: What do “open skate,” “public skate,” and “stick-and-puck” mean?
A: “Open skate” or “public skate” generally means anyone can skate during that session, while “stick-and-puck” is typically geared toward hockey practice and may not be appropriate for casual skaters or small kids, so double-check the schedule to make sure you’re arriving during the right type of session.
Q: How do we find the current hours for rinks in and near Wisconsin Dells?
A: Skating schedules often change week to week due to hockey games, figure skating practice, events, and weather, so the most reliable approach is to check the rink’s official website or social media for the day you plan to go, then call if you’re driving in from out of town.
Q: How much does it usually cost to go ice skating (admission plus rentals)?
A: Pricing varies by facility and by session, but most places charge a skate admission fee plus a separate rental fee if you don’t bring your own skates, so budget for both and ask whether there are family rates, kids’ pricing, or special discounted sessions.
Q: What should we wear for ice skating with kids in winter?
A: Dress in warm layers that still let you move, plan on waterproof gloves or mittens, and choose socks that are warm but not bulky (too-thick socks can make skates feel painfully tight), and if you’re skating outdoors, bring an extra layer in the car in case wind chills drop.
Q: Should my child wear a helmet while skating?
A: Helmets are a great idea for beginners and kids, especially if they’re still learning balance or tend to skate fast, and a properly fitted bike or snow sports helmet is usually fine as long as the rink allows it and it doesn’t interfere with vision or comfort.
Q: Do rinks offer skate aids or “