Wellesley has a few ice skating options for everyone from kids who are just learning to adults looking to join a hockey league. The town’s indoor rinks provide the most reliable ice time, of course. But as soon as the winter temperatures drop low enough to freeze area ponds, residents take to the outdoors to enjoy the kind of old-timey fun that can’t be found in a regulated environment.
Ice skating options in Wellesley
The Wellesley Youth Hockey Association, Inc. (WYHA) is a not-for-profit corporation that was founded in 1961. Players, aged four and a half through seventeen, parents, coaches, and program leaders and volunteers comprise the WYHA and run it for the purpose of promoting sportsmanlike competition, team and individual values, and respect for the rules of play in the great game of ice hockey. Nearly 500 children participate in their programs to learn skating and hockey skills in both a recreational and competitive atmosphere.
WYHA teams practice in Wellesley at the Boston Sports Institute located at 900 Worcester Street in Wellesley.
Babson Skating Center
150 Great Plain Ave.
Wellesley, MA
- Home to the Babson College Beavers hockey team
- Offers learn-to-skate programs, public skating (skate rental available), pick-up hockey, and more.
Boston Sports Institute
900 Worcester St. (route 9, eastbound side)
The Boston Sports Institute is a multi-use recreation center. The facility features two NHL regulation ice surfaces (one fully sled hockey compatible)
- No open-ice public skating times available. The ice time is taken up by teams and lessons.
- Learn to skate programs for all ages
- Home to Elite Edge Skating Club for competitive figure skaters
- Home to the Power Play Hockey League, an Adult Hockey League for players of all skill levels
- The hockey team at Dana Hall, a private girls boarding school in Wellesley, practices at Boston Sports Institute
Outdoor skating
Outdoor ice skating can be a fun and exhilarating activity, but it is important to be aware of the dangers involved.
- Check the ice conditions before you go out. If the ice is thin or uneven, it is not safe to skate on.
- Wear a helmet and other protective gear.
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for other skaters, obstacles, and hidden dangers.
- Don’t skate alone.
In 2022, we saw outdoor skaters having a great time at Longfellow Pond, Morses Pond and Lake Waban.
