The cold air stops many first-time visitors in their tracks. Music fills the rink. Skates glide across the ice. Families swap the summer heat for a few hours of something different. Walking into Chaparral Ice feels like entering another season.
Chaparral Ice is more than a holiday skating spot; it’s a year-round destination. From summer camps and youth hockey to birthday parties, themed skate nights and holiday traditions, it's a place for all ages to learn a new skill, celebrate milestones and make memories on the ice.
Year-round activities for every age
Whether it’s someone’s first time on the ice or they’ve been skating for years, Chaparral Ice offers year-round activities for nearly every age and experience level.
- Summer camps
- Public skating sessions
- Birthday parties and private events
- Special themed skate nights
- Learn to Skate and Learn to Play Hockey classes
Staff help newcomers get comfortable from arrival by fitting skates, offering skating aids for stability and answering questions.
"Just walking through the doors brings excitement," General Manager Richard McGovern said. "You feel the cool air hit you and realize this is a place where everyone—from kids to grandparents—can have fun and enjoy the ice."
A cool way to spend summer
While school is out, Chaparral Ice's weekly summer camps give children ages 6 to 14 a chance to stay active while learning new skills and making friends. Families can register for individual weeks throughout the summer.
Each camp week includes:
- Two 30-minute skating lessons each day
- Public skating time to practice new skills
- Arts and crafts activities
- Stick-and-puck sessions for hockey players
- Weekly trips to a local water or adventure park
Children don't need prior skating experience to attend the camp, making it an opportunity for beginners to learn alongside returning campers.
"Summer camp lets kids the chance to really immerse themselves in skating," McGovern said. "They're learning every day, practicing those skills on the ice and building confidence while having fun."
Events made easy
Chaparral Ice offers more than a skating venue; it's a flexible gathering space. Instead of rigid event packages, groups can personalize their celebration, including bringing outside food and adding a private coach for first-time skaters.
Throughout the year, the rink hosts various events, including:
- Birthday parties
- Corporate events
- Church gatherings
- Family reunions
- Holiday celebrations
- Community events
Things to look forward to
While summer is in full swing, Chaparral Ice is preparing a lineup of seasonal events that bring families back to the rink yearly.
This fall, newcomers can skate during the Try Hockey for Free event on Oct. 3 at 5:30 p.m. The program introduces children to the sport in a fun, supportive environment, and registration is at tryhockeyforfree.com.
The holiday season brings two of the rink’s traditions. Chaparral Ice’s annual ice show returns Dec. 12-13, continuing a tradition of performances inspired by “The Polar Express,” “The Nutcracker” and "The Grinch.” Families can also look forward to the popular Skate with Santa event, a seasonal favorite that draws visitors from across the Austin area.
Get on the ice today
Ready to try? Chaparral Ice is open year-round at 2525 W. Anderson Ln., Austin, and no reservation is needed for public skate sessions—just show up, lace up and go.
Follow Chaparral Ice on Facebook and Instagram for the latest events, special programs, and holiday happenings, or check the calendar page online for details.
To learn more about Chaparral Ice, visit the website.
The above story was produced by Multi-Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel, with the Community Impact's Storytelling team, using information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
