THE RINK at Red Hat Amphitheater: Downtown Raleigh Ice Skating

About this adventure

Downtown Raleigh's premier open-air winter experience returns as Red Hat Amphitheater transforms into THE RINK, featuring an expansive natural outdoor ice skating surface situated beneath the city's illuminated skyline. Families can skate to cheerful holiday pop tunes, warm up by cozy open-flame fire pits, relax in comfortable lounge stations, enjoy giant outdoor lawn games like Jenga and Connect Four, and savor hot chocolate, apple cider, and festive treats from on-site concessionaires. The venue also features holiday photo installations including illuminated arches, giant ornament baubles, and themed photo backdrops. Family Experience & Accessibility: • Stroller Accessibility: The amphitheater concourses, viewing decks, and fire pit lounges are fully paved, flat, and ADA compliant with plenty of space for strollers and wagons; strollers are not permitted directly on the ice surface. • Nursing & Rest Spots: Clean, heated indoor restrooms with baby changing stations are located within the amphitheater pavilion; quiet bench seating is available along the perimeter viewing platforms away from the rink music. • Age Suitability: Great for toddlers through teens and parents. Double-bladed beginner skates and supportive seal-shaped skate-assist gliders are available for young children learning to balance on ice. • Sensory Tips: Upbeat holiday music plays across the rink area alongside bright theatrical lighting. Families with sensory-sensitive children should visit during early weekend afternoon sessions or weekday twilight hours when crowds are smallest.