A winter wonderland and art adventure all wrapped into one at the National Gallery of Art's Ice Rink. 

Inside the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden is a cozy ice skate rink decorated with string lights and music. It’s a perfect spot to take the family for some winter fun or for some one-on-one time with a friend. It’s open from November 1st to March 16th, but the best times to go are weekday afternoons, as it tends to get crowded on the weekends. One ticket gives you 45 minutes to skate, beginning on the hour. In case you do have to wait a long period for your turn, don’t miss the opportunity to walk through the gardens and see the many sculptures and plants. You can also stop by the Pavilion Café for a quick snack or restroom break. They serve soups, sandwiches, salads, sweets, and beverages for kids and adults. 

You aren't required to wear a mask in the outdoor ice skating rink but you are required to wear one inside the Pavilion Café. Additionally, all skates are sanitized after every use. 

Tickets are $10 for anyone 13 years and older, and $9 for anyone age 60 and over, children age 12 and under, military service members, and students with a valid school ID. Skate rentals cost $5 and lockers are $1, the lockers are on a first come first serve basis and can not be reserved, so plan accordingly. 

Make sure to wear warm, non-restrictive clothing, especially gloves in case you fall. Kids and beginners should be given a helmet (just in case). The ice rink is closed when it rains or when the temperature dips below 20°F.

The art gallery closes at 5:00pm, but the ice skating rink can still be accessed through the entrances at Constitution avenue and Madison Drive near 9th Street. There is metered, 3-hour parking on Madison Drive (adjacent to the ice rink), as well as on Constitution Avenue and 7th Street nearby. The nearest Metrorail stops are Archives-Penn Quarter-Navy Memorial on the Yellow/Green Lines, Judiciary Square on the Red Line, and Smithsonian on the Blue/Orange/Silver Lines. Metrobus stops are located on 4th Street and 7th Street NW, and the DC Circulator bus stops at Madison Drive and 7th Street.

Grab a bite

For a bite to eat, the Pavilion Café is onsite, but it’s easy to head to other options downtown. You can find delicious Indian food at Rasika (633 D St, NW), or wander over to Penn Quarter (only a fifteen minute walk) to try one of the many options in that area, such as Jaleo (480 7th St NW) and Zaytinya (701 9th St NW). If pizza is your choice, we are big fans of Ella’s Wood Fired Pizza (610 9th St NW) and Pi Pizzeria (910 F St NW). If you want to grab something on the go, try Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken (1308 G St NW).

It’s also an easy walk from the ice skating rink to view the National Christmas Tree at President’s Park.