Contributed by Gardner Real Estate Group
Whether you’re a seasoned figure skater or a first-timer just finding your balance, Greater Portland and Southern Maine invite you to experience the pure winter magic of gliding across a frozen pond. Beyond its charming neighborhoods, this region offers a variety of ice-skating spots that showcase Maine’s natural beauty. Embrace the crisp, invigorating air, and discover why locals and visitors alike fall in love with Maine winters time and time again.
Living in Maine means quick access to winter activities like ice skating. This can be a major plus for homeowners. If being close to scenic outdoor rinks sounds appealing, keep reading to discover some of the area’s finest spots.
Tips for a Great Skating Experience
Check Ice Conditions: Especially at natural ponds like Capisic Pond or Massacre Pond, safety is your responsibility. Look for posted signs or local Facebook pages for updates.
Layer Up: Maine winters can be chilly and unpredictable. Dress warmly to stay comfortable.
Bring Your Own Skates: Many outdoor locations do not have on-site rentals.
Verify Hours: Indoor arenas often have varying public skate schedules; call ahead or consult their official websites/Facebook pages.
Outdoor Ice Skating in Portland Maine
Address: 1158 Riverside St., Portland
City-owned facility featuring two side-by-side rinks totaling 20,000 square feet of ice. The smaller rink is lit at night; both are free and open to the public 24/7, weather permitting
Address: Near Baxter Boulevard & Ocean Avenue, Portland
Payson Park has a great 0.6 acre skating pond that is maintained through the winter. Combined with the nearby sledding hill and the Payson Hill Terrain Park, you can make a good day of winter fun right in Payson Park.
Address: Deering Oaks Park, Portland
One of the most well known parks in Portland Maine, Deering Oaks is one of five Portland ice sheets the town manages.The Parks Department constantly updates the status of the ice condition of the Park
Address: Capisic St., Portland
Portland's largest freshwater pond. 4-acre pond surrounded by an 18-acre nature preserve. At the north end of the pond, there is a skating path that winds through the reeds.
Address: Ludlow Pond, Portland
Originally built as a skating pond in 1932, Ludlow Pond is a great wildlife and winter recreation spot in the heart of the Deering Center neighborhood. This pond is regularly maintained for skating by the Parks, Recreation and Facilities crew.
Address: 207 Thompsons Point, Portland, ME 04102
The Thompson's Point Rink, nestled beneath the iconic Depot Pavilion, offers an unparalleled ice skating experience on the picturesque waterfront of Portland. Boasting cutting-edge equipment and facilities, skaters are treated to gorgeous views of the Fore River.
Outdoor Ice Skating in Southern Maine
South Portland
This 10-acre park, bisected by the Greenbelt Walkway, offers a pond with a fountain, rose garden and a gazebo for events. Seasonal activities include holiday tree lighting, ice skating,
Cape Elizabeth
Address: 1 Gull Crest Drive, Cape Elizabeth
Currently operating an outdoor, regulation-sized, refrigerated ice rink at Gull Crest Fields in Cape Elizabeth, Maine from mid-December through February each year.
Scarborough
Location: Massacre PondScarborough, ME 04074
a spring-fed wetland just inland of the beach’s rolling dune ecosystem
Yarmouth
Address: 200 Main Street, Yarmouth, MAINE 04096
Maintained by Yarmouth Community Services, lit from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with a warming hut on-site.
Address: Main Street at Memorial Green, Yarmouth
Synthetic ice available at certain times; free to use. Loaner skates may be offered by Yarmouth Community Services.
Address: Royal River, Yarmouth Maine
Skating on the Royal River is a real treat. If you venture out onto the ice at your own risk, please be attentive to safety and keep in mind that ice conditions are always changing! Ice should be at least 4 inches thick and clear blue.
Biddeford
Address: West Brook Skating Rink
Free admission; donations welcomed. Loaner skates may be available. Check their Facebook page for hours.
Falmouth
Address: 20 Hat Trick Drive, Falmouth
Home to a pond-shaped, refrigerated outdoor rink (resurfaced by a Zamboni) plus an indoor rink open year-round.
Kennebunk
Address: 51 Main St., Kennebunk
open-sided 100’ x 120’ pavilion offering free skating daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (November through March). Bring your own skates;
New Gloucester
Address: 15 Farm View Dr., New Gloucester (Outdoor & Fitness Center)
An 80’ x 80’ rink, free to the public, open daily from 9 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., weather permitting. No rentals available
Ready to Explore Maine’s Winter Magic?
Ice skating is just one of the many reasons Maine winters are so special and Stevens Square keeps you close to all the winter fun!
For specific hours, admission fees, or skating conditions, please refer to the official websites or Facebook pages mentioned above. Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy the best of Maine’s wintry wonderland!
For more information about Stevens Square, please contact Ed and Kelley at Gardner Real Estate Group.
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