Boston, MA, December 20, 2025
The Boston Common Frog Pond has opened for its winter season, becoming a hub of community activity and recreation. Managed by The Skating Club of Boston and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, the rink offers a variety of services, from skate rentals to unique programs like IceFlow Yoga on Ice. Despite a brief weather-related closure, the rink’s commitment to providing accessible outdoor skating continues to enhance the winter experience for both residents and visitors.
Boston, MA
Boston Common Frog Pond: Winter Tradition and Community Spirit
As winter settles over Boston, the iconic Frog Pond on Boston Common once again becomes a vibrant hub of activity, inviting residents and visitors to embrace the season’s chill with grace and good cheer. This beloved ice-skating rink, a testament to enduring community spirit and effective local partnerships, officially opened for its 2025-2026 season, offering a cherished civic space for recreation and connection.
The successful operation of such a significant public amenity highlights the power of collaborative efforts. Managed through a productive public-private partnership between The Skating Club of Boston and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, the Frog Pond exemplifies how focused initiatives can enhance urban living without excessive bureaucratic hurdles. This model ensures that Bostonians have consistent access to a well-maintained, family-friendly venue that contributes significantly to the city’s winter allure, fostering a sense of shared community and personal initiative in embracing outdoor pursuits.
Despite a brief, weather-related closure on December 19, 2025, the rink swiftly resumed operations, underscoring the dedication to providing this valuable recreational opportunity to the community. Such resilience in managing outdoor facilities ensures that Boston’s residents can continue to enjoy the wholesome entertainment that ice skating offers during the holiday season and beyond.
A Historic Gem Reborn
Nestled in the heart of Boston Common, the oldest city park in the United States established in 1634, the Frog Pond carries a rich history. Once a natural spring and later a watering hole, it transformed into a central gathering point with a grand fountain in 1848, symbolizing Boston’s civic progress. After a period of decline in the 1970s due to budget constraints, local foresight and dedication led to its revival in 1995 and construction of a new skating rink. This story of revitalization demonstrates how a community, through concerted effort and smart resource allocation, can preserve and enhance its cherished public spaces for future generations.
The 2025-2026 Skating Season in Full Swing
The Boston Common Frog Pond officially opened for its 2025-2026 season on Monday, November 24, at 10:00 AM. Following a temporary closure due to inclement weather on December 19, 2025, the rink was available for skating on December 20 and Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with free admission offered on those specific dates. Regular operating hours during the season are Sunday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday from 10:00 AM to 3:45 PM, and Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. On Friday and Saturday, the rink extends its hours until 10:00 PM. The season typically runs from mid-November through March, weather permitting.
Accessibility and Services for All Skaters
The Frog Pond is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of skaters. Admission to the rink is based on height, with skaters 58 inches and over paying $12.00, while those under 58 inches can skate for free. For those without their own equipment, skate rentals are readily available at $18.00 for adults and $12.00 for children. Additional amenities include lockers for personal belongings at $7.00, skate sharpening services for $12.00 per pair, and “Bobby the Skating Seal” aids for children learning to skate, available for $20.00 per hour. These services underscore a commitment to individual enjoyment and participation in winter sports.
Programs Encouraging Personal Achievement and Wellness
Beyond general public skating, the Frog Pond hosts several programs that encourage personal development and community engagement. The Skating Academy offers a variety of lessons for those looking to learn or refine their skills. A notable offering is IceFlow Yoga on Ice, a gentle yoga-inspired skating class for adults of all skill levels, which was offered in February 2026. This unique program, an example of innovative community programming, combines physical activity with mindfulness in a picturesque setting. Furthermore, the rink celebrates students with College Nights, providing half-price admission every Tuesday evening from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
Festive Events and Community Spectacles
The Frog Pond is also a venue for spectacular community events, adding to Boston’s vibrant holiday season. The Frog Pond Skating Spectacular features national and international competitive figure skaters, offering free ice shows to the public during significant events like the Boston Common Tree Lighting Festival in early December and on New Year’s Eve as part of First Night Boston. On December 31, 2025, two performances are scheduled at 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM, providing a free and engaging experience for all. These events showcase local talent and provide wholesome, free entertainment, embodying the spirit of community sharing and individual achievement.
The Boston Common Frog Pond stands as a shining example of how local initiative and effective partnerships can transform a historic space into a dynamic center for recreation, wellness, and community bonding. As the season progresses, it continues to offer diverse opportunities for residents to engage in healthy activity, cultivate new skills, and create lasting memories. We encourage everyone to visit the Frog Pond, support Boston MA events, and experience firsthand the benefits of a community that invests in its shared spaces and individual well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Boston Common Frog Pond ice skating rink open for the 2025-2026 season?
The Boston Common Frog Pond ice skating rink opened for its 2025-2026 season on Monday, November 24, at 10:00 AM. It was closed on December 19, 2025, due to inclement weather, but was available for skating on December 20 and Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Regular hours are Sunday 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Monday 10:00 AM – 3:45 PM, Tuesday-Thursday 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, and Friday-Saturday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM.
How much does admission and skate rental cost at the Frog Pond?
Admission for skaters 58 inches and over is $12.00, while those under 58 inches can skate for free. Skate rentals are $18.00 for adults and $12.00 for kids.
What special programs and events are offered at the Frog Pond?
Special programs include The Skating Academy for lessons, IceFlow Yoga on Ice (a yoga-inspired skating class offered in February 2026), and College Nights with half-price admission for college students every Tuesday evening from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The Frog Pond also hosts the Frog Pond Skating Spectacular, featuring free figure skating shows during the Boston Common Tree Lighting Festival and on New Year’s Eve (December 31, 2025, at 3:00 PM and 5:30 PM).
Who manages the Boston Common Frog Pond?
The Boston Common Frog Pond is managed by The Skating Club of Boston in a public-private partnership with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and the City of Boston.
Key Features of Boston Common Frog Pond Ice Skating
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Season Dates | Mid-November to March (2025-2026 season opened November 24, 2025) |
| General Hours | Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:45 PM Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM Friday-Saturday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Admission (58″ and over) | $12.00 |
| Admission (Under 58″) | Free |
| Adult Skate Rental | $18.00 |
| Kid Skate Rental | $12.00 |
| Locker Rental | $7.00 |
| Skate Sharpening | $12.00 per pair |
| Skating Aids (“Bobby the Skating Seal”) | $20.00 per hour |
| Management | The Skating Club of Boston (in partnership with Boston Parks and Recreation Department and City of Boston) |
| Special Events | IceFlow Yoga on Ice, The Skating Academy lessons, College Nights, Frog Pond Skating Spectacular (e.g., Dec 31, 2025) |
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Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
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