Top 5 Ice Skating Rinks in Johannesburg (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

Ice skating in Johannesburg offers a thrilling escape from the city’s warm climate, blending fun, exercise, and family-friendly entertainment. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a beginner wobbling on blades, the city’s ice rinks provide diverse experiences, from casual public sessions to structured skating academies. Johannesburg’s rinks are housed in vibrant shopping centers, making them convenient for a day out with dining and shopping options. This evergreen guide highlights the top five ice skating rinks in Johannesburg, focusing on their unique features, accessibility, and visitor experiences.

Top 5 Ice Skating Rinks in Johannesburg

1. Northgate Ice Rink

Located in the bustling Northgate Shopping Centre, Northgate Ice Rink is a premier destination for ice skating enthusiasts. This indoor rink is renowned for its well-maintained ice, spacious layout, and family-friendly vibe. It’s a hub for both casual skaters and those pursuing structured training through its Skating Academy, which offers eight-week courses on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings. The rink hosts public skating sessions daily, with extended hours from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, except on certain public holidays.

Key Features:

  • Pricing: Entry is R95 per session, with free skate hire on Sunday nights (7:30 PM–10:00 PM). A Cheap Skate Card offers 10 entries at a discounted rate.

  • Facilities: A kiosk serves refreshments, and a skate shop provides equipment. Free parking with car guards enhances convenience.

  • Unique Aspects: The rink supports the Northgate Speed Skating Club, active on Friday evenings, and offers ice hockey training, though games are played elsewhere due to the lack of glass barriers.

  • Visitor Experience: Reviews praise the rink for its fun atmosphere and accessibility, though some note occasional staff unfriendliness and slow payment systems. Arriving 30 minutes early on busy weekends is advised to avoid queues.

Why Visit? Northgate Ice Rink is ideal for families, beginners, and those seeking a lively skating experience within a shopping center setting. Its academy and clubs make it a great choice for skill development.

2. Festival Mall Ice Rink

Situated in Kempton Park’s Festival Mall, this rink is a favorite for its vibrant atmosphere and accessibility. It’s particularly popular among families, with kids enjoying the thrill of gliding on ice. The rink operates daily, with session times varying based on school terms and public holidays. Its location in a mall ensures easy access to dining and entertainment post-skating.

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Key Features:

  • Pricing: Entry fees are approximately R80–R100, with skate hire around R30–R40. Group rates are available for parties or school outings.

  • Facilities: The rink includes a seating area for spectators and nearby mall amenities. However, reviews suggest limited on-ice assistance for first-timers, so beginners may need extra caution.

  • Unique Aspects: The rink’s energetic vibe, often enhanced by music, creates a fun, social experience. It’s a go-to spot for birthday parties and group events.

  • Visitor Experience: With a 4/5 rating from 31 reviews, visitors love the kid-friendly environment but note that staff assistance could improve for new skaters.

Why Visit? Festival Mall Ice Rink is perfect for families and groups seeking a lively, affordable skating outing with the convenience of mall amenities.

3. Forest Hill Ice Rink

Located in Centurion’s Forest Hill City Mall, this rink offers a modern skating experience with a focus on fun for all ages. It’s particularly noted for its “helpful penguins”—skating aids for kids and beginners—making it an excellent choice for first-timers. The rink is open daily, with sessions typically lasting 2–3 hours.

Key Features:

  • Pricing: Entry is around R80–R100, with skate hire included in some packages. Penguins are free for kids, enhancing accessibility for young skaters.

  • Facilities: The rink features a clean, well-lit environment with friendly staff. Nearby mall restaurants and shops add to the experience, though toilet cleanliness has been flagged as an issue.

  • Unique Aspects: The availability of skating aids sets this rink apart, ensuring even non-skaters can enjoy the ice safely.

  • Visitor Experience: With a 3.9/5 rating from 32 reviews, visitors appreciate the fun atmosphere and staff support but suggest improvements in facility maintenance.

Why Visit? Forest Hill Ice Rink is a top pick for beginners and families, thanks to its skating aids and welcoming environment.

4. Grove Ice Rink

Though technically in Pretoria, Grove Ice Rink at The Grove Mall is close enough to Johannesburg to merit inclusion. It’s a smaller, community-focused rink known for its enjoyable sessions and beginner-friendly atmosphere. The rink operates daily, with reduced session times (120 minutes) during certain periods, such as Level 3 restrictions.

Key Features:

  • Pricing: Entry fees range from R80–R120, with skate hire included in most packages. Prices remain consistent despite shorter session times during restrictions.

  • Facilities: The rink offers a cozy setting with spectator seating and access to mall dining. Visitors note that skating here can be physically intense, so dress lightly to avoid overheating.

  • Unique Aspects: The rink’s intimate size fosters a relaxed, community vibe, ideal for casual skaters and small groups.

  • Visitor Experience: With a 4.3/5 rating from 35 reviews, skaters enjoy the experience but mention that session times can feel short for the price.

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Why Visit? Grove Ice Rink suits those seeking a quieter, community-oriented skating experience just outside Johannesburg.

5. Eastgate Roadhouse Roller Rink (Ice Skating Alternative)

While primarily a roller-skating venue, Eastgate Shopping Centre’s Roadhouse Roller Rink occasionally hosts synthetic ice skating events, offering a unique alternative. Located opposite Indy Kart, this rink is accessible via Entrance 1 and appeals to those looking for a modern twist on traditional ice skating.

Key Features:

  • Pricing: Entry is around R80–R100, with skate hire included. Synthetic ice events are priced similarly to traditional rinks.

  • Facilities: The rink features neon lighting and effect music, creating a disco-like atmosphere, especially during evening sessions. Support frames are available for kids, and protective gear can be rented for R50.

  • Unique Aspects: Synthetic ice is a low-maintenance, weather-resistant alternative, making it ideal for Johannesburg’s warm climate. The rink’s vibrant ambiance appeals to younger crowds.

  • Visitor Experience: Reviews highlight the fun, family-friendly environment, though some note the rink’s location within Eastgate can be hard to find without clear directions.

Why Visit? Eastgate’s synthetic ice events offer a fresh, trendy skating experience for those open to alternatives.

Why Ice Skating in Johannesburg Is a Must-Try

Ice skating in Johannesburg combines exercise, entertainment, and social fun, making it a versatile activity for all. Here’s why it’s worth lacing up your skates:

  • Year-Round Fun: Indoor rinks ensure skating is accessible regardless of South Africa’s warm climate.

  • Family-Friendly: Rinks like Forest Hill and Festival Mall cater to kids with aids and group rates, fostering inclusive fun.

  • Skill Development: Academies at Northgate and other rinks offer lessons for beginners and advanced skaters, including speed skating and ice hockey.

  • Social Vibes: Music, lights, and group events create a lively atmosphere, perfect for dates, parties, or outings with friends.

  • Convenience: Most rinks are in shopping centers, allowing you to combine skating with dining and shopping.

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Tips for a Great Ice Skating Experience

To maximize your visit to Johannesburg’s ice rinks, consider these practical tips:

  • Arrive Early: Especially at Northgate, arriving 30 minutes early on weekends avoids slow payment systems and crowds.

  • Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable, warm clothing, but avoid heavy layers at rinks like Grove, where skating can lead to sweating.

  • Check Schedules: Rinks may close for refurbishments (e.g., Galleria Ice Rink until March 2025) or private events, so confirm session times online.

  • Use Skating Aids: Beginners, especially kids, benefit from penguins or support frames at Forest Hill and Eastgate.

  • Book Group Events: For parties, contact rinks in advance for group rates and dedicated sessions.

  • Stay Safe: Watch for experienced skaters, particularly at busy rinks, to avoid collisions.

The History of Ice Skating in Johannesburg

Ice skating in Johannesburg has a rich history, dating back to 1909 when Mrs. Dale Lace established Africa’s first ice rink on Eloff Street. The South African Ice Skating Association, formed in 1937, and the Wembley Ice Rink in Springfield marked significant milestones. The Carlton Sky Rink, once atop the Carlton Centre, was a 1970s hotspot but has since closed. Today, modern rinks like Northgate continue this legacy, blending recreation with competitive training.

Choosing the Right Rink for You

Selecting a rink depends on your needs:

  • For Families: Forest Hill and Festival Mall excel with kid-friendly aids and group rates.

  • For Beginners: Northgate’s Skating Academy and Grove’s relaxed vibe are ideal for learning.

  • For Social Fun: Eastgate’s synthetic ice events and Festival Mall’s lively atmosphere suit group outings.

  • For Serious Skaters: Northgate’s speed skating and hockey programs cater to advanced enthusiasts.

Conclusion

Johannesburg’s ice skating rinks offer something for everyone, from family outings to competitive training. Northgate Ice Rink stands out for its academy and vibrant sessions, while Festival Mall and Forest Hill prioritize family fun. Grove Ice Rink provides a cozy alternative, and Eastgate’s synthetic ice events add a modern twist. With rich history, convenient locations, and diverse offerings, these rinks make ice skating a year-round delight in Johannesburg. Lace up, hit the ice, and enjoy a memorable glide at one of these top venues.