Families in Milwaukee’s North Shore have a reliable, family-friendly place to skate each winter at the Brown Deer Community Ice Rink. Located in the heart of Community Square Park, this refrigerated, tent-covered rink offers consistent ice, open skate hours, youth hockey programs, and fun seasonal events for all ages.
Whether you’re planning your first visit or looking for updated hours and details, here’s everything parents should know before they go.
💡 Planning more winter fun? Check out our full guide to the Best Ice Skating Rinks Around Milwaukee for more places to skate this season.
Location & Parking
Community Square Park
📍 8705 N. Deerwood Drive, Brown Deer
Parking is available nearby at:
- Brown Deer Public Library (on-street parking)
4301 W. Brown Deer Road
Both locations offer easy access to the rink.
Hours & Seasonal Schedule
The Brown Deer Community Ice Rink is typically open:
- Early winter through early March
- Open Skate and Open Hockey hours vary by week
- Special events and weekend programs run throughout the winter
Because programming changes based on weather and community events, we recommend checking the latest schedule on the Village of Brown Deer Parks & Recreation website before heading out.
Skate Rentals & What to Bring
A limited number of skates are available first-come, first-served, so families are encouraged to bring their own skateswhenever possible.
Helpful items to bring:
- Gloves or mittens
- Extra socks
- Hand warmers
- A small towel for skate blades
- Layers (the tent is enclosed, but temps vary)
Open Skate, Open Hockey & Youth Programs
The rink offers a mix of programming:
Open Skate
Casual public skating for families and all skill levels.
Open Hockey
Set times for skaters who want to practice stickhandling or scrimmage.
Youth Hockey
The Milwaukee Winter Club Youth Hockey Organization (MWC) uses the rink for practices and games on select evenings and Saturday mornings.
Check weekly schedules online for updated times.
What Makes This Rink Unique
Parents will appreciate several standout features:
- Refrigerated ice means more reliable conditions
- Fully tented structure protects skaters from wind
- Consistent ice even during warm spells
- Community-supported project with over $200,000 raised
- Local programming including open skate, hockey, and family events
It’s one of the few small-community rinks in the area that can stay open regardless of weather fluctuations.
Tips for Families Visiting
- Arrive early if you need to borrow skates — supplies are limited.
- Bring a warm drink or plan a stop at the nearby library afterward.
- Weeknight sessions are generally quieter than weekends.
- Keep an eye on their website for pop-up events like themed skates or community nights.
- Dress in layers — the tent blocks wind but can feel chilly.
Stay Updated
For schedules, hours, open hockey times, and special events, visit the Village of Brown Deer’s website.
Looking for more places to skate?
Explore our full guide to the c for more rinks, parks, and winter activities the whole family will enjoy.
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Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
