When asking yourself about something to do near me in Atlanta with a group of friends or family, consider
Skate the Sky
Why Skate the Sky is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Skate the Sky offers a distinctive seasonal ice skating experience atop The Roof at Ponce City Market in Atlanta, transforming the rooftop terrace into a winter wonderland. With breathtaking panoramic views of Atlanta's skyline, including sights of the Beltline and the Old Fourth Ward, it creates a stunning backdrop perfect for gatherings with friends and family during the holiday season. This 3,500-square-foot ice rink operates from late November through mid-February, attracting both locals and visitors looking to combine outdoor winter fun with urban ambiance. Beyond skating, guests can enjoy festive holiday lights and décor, seasonal food and drinks such as hot toddies from nearby Skyline Park, and special performances like those by the Resident Ice Queen on weekends. The rink provides skate rentals and invites skaters ages five and up, requiring minors to be accompanied by an adult. Its location on a rooftop adds a unique elevation experience, lively atmosphere, and photo-worthy moments. The venue also hosts 21+ skating hours in the evening on weekends, making it a versatile social spot. All these features make Skate the Sky a memorable and enjoyable place to meet up with friends for recreation, celebration, or simply soaking in the city’s winter charm.
Here's what people think of Skate the Sky
As of recent, Skate the Sky holds a 3.6-star rating based on 56 reviews.
Skate the Sky holds an average rating of 3.6 from 56 reviews, reflecting a mix of visitor experiences. Positive reviews often highlight the spectacular cityscape views from the rooftop rink, emphasizing the unique and festive atmosphere created by the holiday lights and décor. Visitors appreciate the combination of skating with seasonal treats and the proximity to attractions like Skyline Park, which enhance the overall outing. The venue's spacious 3,500-square-foot rink and well-managed skate rental add to its appeal, especially for those seeking a novel urban winter activity. Additionally, having dedicated 21+ skating times on weekend evenings is noted as a plus for adult visitors and social groups. Conversely, some negative feedback revolves around the cost; the $25 fee which includes both rink and rooftop admission is perceived by some as steep, particularly for the limited 50-minute skating sessions. Certain guests have mentioned congestion during peak hours and occasional wait times, which can detract from the experience. Weather conditions impacting scheduling and occasional operational hiccups were also cited. Despite these critiques, the overall sentiment acknowledges Skate the Sky as a distinctive and fun seasonal venue that delivers a unique skating experience at an exceptional city location, making it worthwhile for many visitors willing to embrace its charm with some minor compromises.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jonathan Alexander
We recently visited the rooftop ice-skating rink at Ponce City Market in Atlanta, and while there were definitely some highlights, the overall experience left us feeling pretty disappointed. First, the good stuff—the view from the rooftop is amazing. Beyond the ice-skating, there are fun family activities like mini-golf and games, which add to the festive vibe. The ice-skating itself was a fun and unique experience, especially being up high with such a great backdrop. Now, onto the not-so-good part. We had a reservation and arrived on time, but they still made us stand in line for quite a while. By the time we made it up the elevator, got our skates on, and hit the ice, 15 minutes of our skating time had already passed. To make things worse, they didn’t let us make up the lost time, and we were actually asked to leave the ice early. What was supposed to be a full hour of skating turned into maybe 30 minutes at best. The staff was not accommodating at all, and it felt like they just didn’t care about the experience they were offering guests. To add to the frustration, the website didn’t mention anything about arriving early. They made it seem like you’d be able to walk right in at your reserved time, but clearly, that’s not how it works. Overall, while the rooftop and activities are cool, the lack of organization and customer service left a bad taste in our mouths. If you plan on going, arrive at least 20 minutes early, and manage your expectations about how much actual time you’ll get on the ice. It’s a fun idea, but the execution needs some serious improvement.
Bianca L. lovi
It is a fun place, there is a game room, a bar, there are restaurants, the ice rink is small but super special, and everything is on the roof of the shopping center, ample parking. And in the December season the igloo are super special. If you go to Atlanta don't miss it.
Sofie Wilson
So you pay for both access to skating and the skyline park, and they're both so fun! It's definitely for beginner skaters, but since we're in the South most people don't skate a lot, so it's a lot of fun. The rink is a little small but fit everyone fine. It's nice they sold hot drinks there too. I loved the park bit with the golf and games, however the slide was closed. To be fair it was extremely cold so I don't know if it was because of that. It was still a ton of fun. Food and drinks were ridiculously expensive but we ate dinner elsewhere before so we didn't need to buy anything. I loved it and so did my partner.
Ashley Shields
It was $300 for the igloo rental and dinner. (Not including alcohol) the dinner was okay there wasn’t anything wrong with it but it wasn’t anything special. Definitely not worth $100. The server was extremely nice and did a great job. However there was nothing to do. The igloo had nothing inside of it other than chairs and blankets and there was an ice skating rink but that was it. It was over priced for what you get honestly. Inside the building had some games like uno and Jenga, super boring. Also the ice skating rink is really small and not well maintained. The igloo smelled extremely strong like plastic as well like they didn’t let it air out. Just don’t waste your money.
jonaz “Theo” walton
This place and the staff were awful. Me and my friends went to go ice skating, not knowing that this place also had games that you could play too. So first we had to pay $15 just to go up to the top of the deck to not do anything but sit there, and you had to pay $15 to skate and play games. We got on the ice at around 8:15 and were forced to get off at 8:50 for them to “clean the ice”. They did not even clean the ice, people got on immediately. So we decided to play the games that we were promised, we get to the lobby to find out the games were closed at 9pm! We ended up spending $30 just to skate for 35 minutes! Do not come here unless you want to waste your money.
How to reach Skate the Sky
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Why Skate the Sky may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Skate the Sky with your friends? Skate the Sky offers a unique blend of fun, activity, and social atmosphere that makes it an ideal spot for a group outing. Unlike typical meetups at cafes or restaurants, this venue combines the thrill of skating with stunning rooftop views, making your gathering memorable and lively. The setting encourages physical activity, which naturally boosts energy, laughter, and bonding. Whether your group includes seasoned skaters or complete beginners, the rink's welcoming environment and inclusive vibe ensure everyone can join in on the fun. It is also a space that supports shared experiences through group skating sessions and socializing spots nearby, making it easy to create lasting memories together. These qualities make Skate the Sky not just a venue, but a destination where friends and family can recharge, celebrate, and connect in an enjoyable, active way.
What activities are available at Skate the Sky, and how do they enhance a group meetup? The primary attraction is the rooftop ice skating rink, which has structured sessions lasting around 50 minutes each. This timeframe is optimal for group participation, keeping everyone engaged without fatigue. Skaters are encouraged to dress in layers because the rooftop environment can be chilly, adding to the seasonal ambiance. The rink offers skate rentals with various sizes available, and it’s recommended to book tickets in advance due to limited walk-in availability. The rink is thoughtfully designed to allow skaters of all skill levels to enjoy themselves safely. Beyond skating, the venue often features music to keep energy high and provide a festive atmosphere, appealing to groups looking for more than just physical activity. This combination of skating with a social, music-filled environment makes Skate the Sky the perfect choice for meetups where active fun and social interaction intertwine seamlessly.
Why is Skate the Sky a perfect place for a group meetup? Its location on a rooftop at Ponce City Market offers breathtaking views that create an exceptional backdrop for any gathering. The ambiance is both casual and lively, blending the excitement of skating with the charm of an urban rooftop setting. This mix encourages a laid-back yet invigorating vibe, where groups can skate, chat, and enjoy refreshments in a single, vibrant space. Additionally, the rink’s session system helps coordinate group activities to avoid overcrowding, providing a sense of exclusivity and comfort. The venue’s family-friendly approach also means there are options for all ages, so entire families can come together without worry. With food and beverage options close by in Ponce City Market, groups can easily transition from skating to dining or relaxing, making for a seamless and convenient outing. These factors together create an environment especially suited to hosting memorable group events.
What should you know about planning a trip to Skate the Sky? Preparing properly can greatly enhance the experience for your friends or family meetup. First, due to the popularity of the rink, purchasing tickets ahead of time is strongly recommended, as walk-in availability is often limited or nonexistent, especially on weekends and evenings. Arriving early is also advised to secure your place and avoid rushing. Wearing tall, warm socks is essential both for comfort and warmth while skating. Since sessions are relatively short at about 50 minutes, pacing your plans and allowing some buffer time for changing skates or breaks will keep the day stress-free. Lastly, managing expectations regarding the weather—especially as the rooftop can be cold—helps everyone stay comfortable and enjoy the time outside ice skating. Planning with these details in mind ensures your group has a smooth, enjoyable visit without unnecessary hassles.
How does Skate the Sky foster a welcoming atmosphere for diverse groups? This venue values inclusivity, offering skating sessions that cater to people of all ages and skating abilities. The staff members are generally supportive, ensuring safety and providing assistance as needed to newcomers or less confident skaters. The rink’s size and session limits mean it doesn’t feel overwhelming or crowded, allowing for easier socializing and personal space for your friends or family to interact. The presence of music and the backdrop of the city from the rooftop add to the uplifting vibe, making group members feel energized and connected. The flexibility in session times and the overall design support a communal spirit where everyone can comfortably participate, encouraging friendship-building and shared joy throughout the visit.
What makes the combination of ice skating and a rooftop view unique at Skate the Sky? Experiencing ice skating with an open-air perspective high above the city streets is rare and adds breathtaking visual delight to a classic winter activity. The panoramic urban skyline and fresh air elevate the physical activity into a memorable adventure, distinct from indoor rinks or casual gatherings. This setting enhances the festive, exhilarative feel of skating, turning each glide into a moment to savor with friends against a dynamic backdrop. The novelty of skating on a rooftop also invites plenty of photo opportunities, allowing your group to capture and preserve the special day. This combination uniquely appeals to those seeking both fun and atmosphere, providing a setting that stimulates the senses and senses of camaraderie alike.
How can Skate the Sky accommodate different preferences within your group? With its various features and location benefits, Skate the Sky is versatile enough to suit many tastes and activity levels. While some members enjoy energetic skating, others can relax watching from rinkside or exploring nearby dining options within Ponce City Market. The venue supports short skating sessions, which means less active participants can opt out or rest between rounds without feeling left behind. Additionally, the rink rental options are broad, including different skate types and sizes to fit all feet comfortably. The social nature of the venue encourages mingling and group cohesion even when everyone is not skating simultaneously. Whether participants want to skate vigorously or simply soak in the atmosphere, Skate the Sky can cater to a wide range of social and recreational desires.
Why does the convenience of location enhance your meetup at Skate the Sky? Being situated on the rooftop of Ponce City Market, the venue benefits from excellent accessibility to public transit, parking facilities, and food and shopping amenities. This makes meeting up straightforward for groups coming from different parts of the city. The onsite options for refreshments and meals mean groups can easily extend their meetups beyond skating without relocating. This convenience reduces logistical challenges and allows the event to flow naturally from skating to dining or casual socializing. Moreover, the vibrant market atmosphere adds variety and choices for group members to split into smaller interest-based gatherings if desired, yet remain within a cohesive venue. The location therefore not only supports the skating activity but amplifies the overall social experience of hosting a meetup there.
How does Skate the Sky’s social environment encourage making new memories? The combination of physical activity, a shared beautiful space, and a lively crowd fosters a sense of community among visitors. The rink’s design and session system mean your group shares the ice with others in an energetic but respectful setting. This prompts interaction both within your group and with other skaters, facilitating new friendships and connections. The music and rooftop ambiance stimulate conversation and laughter, while the skating itself provides moments of joy, challenge, and fun that everyone remembers. These shared experiences promote bonding and create positive emotional associations linked to being together at Skate the Sky. For groups looking to deepen connections or simply enjoy a special outing, the atmosphere here is ideal for making lasting memories.
What are some tips for making the most of your visit to Skate the Sky? To maximize enjoyment, book tickets well in advance because the rink often sells out, especially weekends and evenings. Arrive at least 30 minutes early before your session to allow time for skate rentals and lacing up without stress. Dress warmly in layers, focusing on thermal socks and gloves to stay comfortable throughout. Take breaks as needed to avoid fatigue, and plan to exit a few minutes before your skating slot ends to avoid long lines at return stations. Finally, embrace the fun and be patient—skating can have a learning curve, but the friendly environment encourages persistence and laughter. Following these tips will ensure your group enjoys a smooth, delightful outing at this rooftop skating venue.
In summary, Skate the Sky presents a compelling choice for group meetups due to its unique rooftop setting, inclusive skating sessions, convenient location, and vibrant social atmosphere. These elements combine to offer a dynamic, enjoyable experience where friends and families can engage in active fun, enjoy beautiful views, and create beloved shared memories together. It transcends the typical gathering spot, making any meetup here something special and worth repeating. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply desiring a lively place to connect, Skate the Sky delivers a refreshing and exciting venue for socializing and skating alike.