Slice of Ice at Red Arrow Park: Hours, Prices, Parking & Tips for Families (2025–26)

Updated November 2025

Quick Info for Parents

• Opening Day: TBD for 2025-26 season
• Cost: Free with your own skates; rentals start at $8–11
• Extras: Polar Pals for kids, ADA ice sleds, skate sharpening
• Parking: Marcus Center garage + street parking nearby
• What’s New: Biggby Coffee is back for warm drinks + snacks inside the warming house
• Best Time to Go: Weekday mornings or early afternoons for the lightest crowds

Looking for more options? Here are all the indoor and outdoor rinks in the area:
👉 Best Places to Ice Skate in Milwaukee

---

What to Expect at Slice of Ice in Downtown Milwaukee

If you’ve ever wandered through Red Arrow Park in winter, you’ve probably seen the twinkling lights, the skyline views, and the happy chaos of kids wobbling across the ice. Slice of Ice is one of downtown Milwaukee’s most beloved winter traditions—and its rink is actually bigger than the one at Rockefeller Center in New York City.

This season comes with a cozy bonus: Biggby Coffee inside the warming house, offering warm drinks and quick bites while families skate.

Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for another season, here’s everything to know before you go.

---

Season Details for 2025–26

Opening Day

• TBD for 2025-26 season
• Free skate rentals from 4–6 p.m.
• Opening remarks at 3:30 p.m. with Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley
• A fun kickoff celebration to start the winter season

Regular Hours

Sunday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–9 p.m.
Friday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.

Holiday Hours

Dec. 24: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Dec. 25: 4 p.m.–11 p.m.
Dec. 26–31: 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
Jan. 1: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.

January & February Hours

Sunday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. (rentals start at 11 a.m.)
Monday–Thursday: 11 a.m.–8 p.m. (rentals start at 2 p.m.)
Friday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. (rentals start at 2 p.m.)
Saturday: 11 a.m.–10 p.m. (rentals start at 11 a.m.)

---

Admission & Rentals

Pricing

• Free if you bring your own skates
• Skate rentals:
  • $11 adults (18+)
  • $8 youth (17 & under)
  • $5 for pre-scheduled school + nonprofit groups

Extras Available

• Polar Pals: $1 (+ refundable deposit or photo ID). Great for younger kids or beginners thanks to sponsorship from the Milwaukee Admirals.
• ADA Ice Sleds: Free, first come, first served. Call ahead at (414) 289-8791 to reserve.
• Skate Sharpening: $7 per pair.

---

Where to Park Near Red Arrow Park

Most families choose the Marcus Center parking structure directly across the street—it’s the easiest in winter. Street parking is also available around Red Arrow Park, though you may have a short walk depending on timing and events downtown.

If you’re heading to a matinee or weekend event at the Marcus Center, expect a bit more foot traffic in the area.

---

Best Times to Skate (Crowd Levels Explained)

• Quietest: Weekday mornings + early afternoons
• Moderate: Weekday evenings (after-school crowd)
• Busiest: Friday and Saturday nights
• Most magical: After dark when the holiday lights are glowing

If your kids need Polar Pals, try to arrive early—they go quickly on busy days.

---

What to Bring (Especially With Kids)

• Warm layers
• Waterproof gloves
• Extra socks
• Hats + scarves
• Hand warmers
• A small bag for snacks or water
• Skates (if you have them—free admission!)

---

Ice Conditions & Weather Notes

Slice of Ice can stay open in most winter weather. If temperatures climb or we get heavy rain, the rink may close temporarily. Check the Milwaukee County Parks social channels for the most up-to-date information.

The rink is resurfaced regularly with the Zamboni—usually once every hour—so it’s totally normal to have short breaks throughout your visit.

---

What’s New for the 2025–26 Season

Biggby Coffee Returns

Families can warm up with hot chocolate, lattes, muffins, and grab-and-go snacks inside the Warming House, which also features a cozy fireplace and a space to store boots or bags.

Season Kickoff Celebration

The opening-day festivities continue this year with free skate rentals and community programming.

---

Inside the Warming House

This is where you’ll find:

• Skate rentals
• Skate sharpening
• Restrooms
• Biggby Coffee
• Indoor seating + fireplace
• Space to warm up during Zamboni breaks

It’s a welcome spot for parents watching multiple kids or anyone taking a break from the cold.

---

Inclusive Fun for All Ages

Slice of Ice is designed to be accessible for everyone:

• Polar Pals help beginners stay upright
• ADA ice sleds allow more people to enjoy the rink
• Plenty of room to move around thanks to the unusually large rink size
• A festive downtown atmosphere with lights and music

---

Extra Tips for Families

• Arrive early for rentals on weekends.
• Keep gloves and hats in your pockets in case someone drops theirs.
• Take a photo near the skyline lights—they make a great family winter memory.
• If your child wants a quieter skating experience, weekday afternoons are ideal.

---

Things to Do Nearby After Skating

You’re right in the heart of downtown, so you can easily:

• Visit the Milwaukee Public Market
• Walk through nearby holiday lights displays
• Stop by Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
• Grab dinner at a restaurant along Water Street (Safehouse if one of our favorites!)

---

Related Guides

More Ice Skating Spots Around Milwaukee

Looking for more options? Here are all the indoor and outdoor rinks in the area:
👉 Best Places to Ice Skate in Milwaukee

More Winter Fun

If you’re planning ahead for the season:
👉 100 Fun Things to Do in Winter
👉 Best Sledding Hills in Milwaukee