Experience the Magic of Ice Skating at the Long Center in Austin
Written and verified by the Rallyvite editorial team using publicly available data and the business’s official website. Last updated: 24 Dec 2025 03:24
TL;DR: Ice Rink at the Long Center Opera is One of the Best Group Outing Venues near Austin
The Ice Rink at the Long Center in Austin offers a unique and enchanting experience reminiscent of the famed Rockefeller Center skating rink. Open daily with weekday hours from 3 PM to 10 PM and weekend hours extending from 10 AM to 10 PM, this seasonal rink provides an exceptional venue for friends and families to gather and enjoy ice skating against the stunning downtown Austin skyline backdrop. The rink's atmosphere is lit up beautifully at night, creating a memorable setting for skating under the city lights. Alongside skating, visitors can indulge in comforting treats such as hot cocoa, fresh popcorn, hot toddies, and Christmas cookies, enhancing the festive and cozy ambiance. The venue also features special interactive events, including Disney Princess sing-alongs and meet-and-greet sessions on select days, adding a magical touch for younger guests. Additional entertainment and amenities are available through vendors offering face painting, braids, glitter tattoos, concessions, and various food trucks. The skate rental and an hour on the ice are included with ticket purchases, making it convenient for newcomers and regular skaters alike. Parking is accessible nearby, and safety measures such as adult supervision for children and waiver requirements ensure a secure and family-friendly environment. The combination of scenic views, festive activities, and inclusive amenities makes the Ice Rink at the Long Center an outstanding destination for social outings and holiday celebrations in Austin.
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What people think of Ice Rink at the Long Center, based on reviews
As of recent, Ice Rink at the Long Center holds a 4.2-star rating based on 350 reviews.
With a strong rating of 4.2 from 350 reviews, visitors generally have a positive impression of the Ice Rink at the Long Center. Reviewers often praise the rink for its picturesque setting, especially the stunning nighttime views of the Austin city skyline, which add an extra layer of enjoyment to the skating experience. Many appreciate the festive atmosphere created by the lights, refreshments like hot cocoa and cookies, and special events such as the Disney Princess performances, which are noted for being delightful and family-friendly. The inclusion of skate rentals in ticket prices and the variety of vendor options for food and entertainment also receive positive mentions, making the visit convenient and enjoyable for groups of friends and families. On the other hand, some negatives highlighted in reviews mention occasional difficulties with walk-up availability due to high demand, leading to limited access without prior reservations. A few visitors have noted issues with ice maintenance, mentioning that the rink's surface can be less smooth at times, which may affect skating quality. Also, parking can sometimes be challenging during busy periods. Despite these concerns, the overall consensus is favorable, with the positives outweighing the negatives. The rink's unique location, combined with its charming and fun offerings, consistently draws enthusiastic visitors, making it a recommended spot for seasonal outings in Austin.
How to reach Ice Rink at the Long Center
701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704, USA
FAQ about Ice Rink at the Long Center, your new favorite meetup place for groups in Austin, Texas
Gathering your friends at the Ice Rink at the Long Center is an exceptional way to create lasting memories and share joyful moments together. This venue offers a unique blend of festive ambiance and exhilarating activity, ideal for groups of all ages and interests. Picture skating hand-in-hand under twinkling lights, surrounded by the breathtaking Austin skyline—a setting that immediately fills you with holiday cheer and the thrill of winter fun. Whether you and your friends are seasoned skaters or trying it for the first time, the inclusive atmosphere welcomes everyone, making it simple to join in and enjoy the experience. Beyond skating, the opportunity to cozy up with warm drinks like hot cocoa or a hot toddy paired with fresh popcorn or holiday cookies gives the outing a warm, comforting touch, perfect for bonding after some time on the ice. Moreover, this ice rink recreates the charm of the famous Rockefeller Center experience in Austin, providing a magical urban winter escape right in the heart of the city. For a festive, active, and convivial outing, the Ice Rink at the Long Center is a top choice to rally your friends and celebrate together.
The primary attraction at the Ice Rink at the Long Center is, of course, ice skating. Open daily with extensive hours—from weekday afternoons into the night and full-day weekends—the rink offers ample opportunity to glide and spin over a smooth ice surface while taking in the spectacular city views. Skating sessions are one hour long and include skate rental, ensuring that everyone in the group can participate without the hassle of bringing their own equipment. Beyond general public skating, the rink hosts special interactive events such as Disney Princess sing-alongs and meet-and-greet sessions on select days, perfect for groups including children or those young at heart looking for a whimsical experience. Additional activities on-site enhance the festive atmosphere: face painting, braids, and glitter tattoos are available, adding a creative and colorful flair to your visit. Food vendors and trucks provide delicious refreshments, from warm drinks to tasty snacks, ensuring everyone stays refreshed and energized. These varied activities make the Ice Rink at the Long Center much more than just a skating venue—it’s a festive playground ready to entertain groups with diverse tastes and ages.
Hosting a group meetup at the Ice Rink at the Long Center combines convenience, excitement, and ambiance into a seamless social experience. The rink is conveniently located right in Austin with accessible parking options nearby, including street and parking lots, making arrival and departure easy for all members of your group. The scenic backdrop of the Austin skyline provides an inspiring and picturesque setting, enriching your group's photos and videos and making every moment Instagram-worthy. The managed reservations system ensures your group can secure spots together, overcoming the challenge of walk-up availability during peak times, so planning ahead guarantees a smooth visit especially for larger groups. The rink caters to all skill levels—from first-timers needing guidance to adept skaters eager to show off—allowing every group member to feel included and engaged. Plus, the inclusion of warm refreshments, special entertainment, and fun extras like face painting means your meetup is not time-limited to skating alone but extends into a well-rounded social outing. This combination of features, comfort, and festive activities makes the Ice Rink at the Long Center an ideal place to unite friends or family for a memorable and joyful gathering, particularly during the holiday season.
The Ice Rink at the Long Center transforms into a winter wonderland that captures the essence of the holiday season in Austin. The air is filled with the cheerful buzz of skaters enjoying themselves beneath dazzling lights that highlight both the rink and the surrounding cityscape, creating a magical atmosphere that feels both urban and festive. Decorations, lighting, and music contribute to a joyful seasonal ambiance that invites visitors to embrace the spirit of togetherness and celebration. Warm beverages such as hot cocoa and signature hot toddies along with holiday cookies and fresh popcorn provide comforting flavors that complement the chilly outdoor setting, encouraging guests to relax and socialize off the ice. Seasonal activities like themed entertainment—such as the interactive Disney Princess sing-alongs—add a whimsical and inclusive dimension to the festivities, making it a place where holiday dreams come alive for children and adults alike. This carefully crafted ambiance elevates a simple skating outing into a full sensory holiday experience, inviting groups to connect amidst sparkle, warmth, and laughter.
When planning your visit to the Ice Rink at the Long Center, it’s important to consider several details to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. First, due to high demand, walk-up admission is unlikely, and advance ticket reservations are highly recommended to guarantee entry for your group. The rink operates from early December through late January, offering consistent seasonal availability while helping plan your meetup during this festive winter period. Tickets include an hour of skating and skate rental, which simplifies logistics and makes it easy for groups without personal skates to participate. Children under 12 must be supervised by adults, and those five and under require an accompanying skating adult, so plan accordingly if your group includes young children. All participants need to sign a waiver before skating for safety reasons. Parking is ample with multiple options nearby, but arriving early to secure convenient spots, particularly for larger groups, is advisable. Finally, the venue partners with food vendors and entertainment providers, contributing to a vibrant, engaging environment but also meaning you may encounter crowds, so taking these factors into account will help your group have the best possible experience.
With a solid rating of 4.2 based on 350 reviews, the Ice Rink at the Long Center enjoys a generally positive reputation among visitors. Customers frequently praise the beautiful views of the Austin skyline visible while skating, highlighting the unique and picturesque setting as a key draw. Many reviews note the festive charm and joyful atmosphere, mentioning how the rink succeeds in bringing a taste of a traditional winter holiday celebration to Austin’s warmer climate. Visitors appreciate the inclusion of skate rental in the ticket price and the availability of refreshments, which enhance comfort and convenience during visits. Some reviews mention busy periods when advance reservations are critical, reflecting the venue’s popularity, though generally customers recommend booking early to avoid disappointment. Feedback also often highlights the friendliness of staff and the fun additional activities such as face painting and themed entertainment that improve the overall event experience. Overall, the rink is viewed as an excellent location to enjoy the holidays with friends or family, combining active fun and festive spirit in an urban setting.