City National Arena Open Skate: Ice Skating in Summerlin

Ice skating might not be the first activity that comes to mind in Las Vegas, but in Summerlin, families can trade the desert heat for an afternoon on the ice at City National Arena.

City National Arena is the official practice facility for the Vegas Golden Knights, and its scheduled Open Skate sessions give the public a chance to skate in the same building where Vegas’ NHL team trains. For our family, that connection made the experience feel like more than a typical trip to an ice rink.

Whether you have a child learning to skate, want an active family outing, or are simply looking for something different to do indoors, Open Skate is one of the more unique things to do in Summerlin.

Ice Skating at City National Arena

City National Arena’s public skating program is called Open Skate. These recreational sessions let skaters enjoy the ice without joining a hockey program or taking a skating lesson, making them approachable for families and beginners.

That worked particularly well for us because my son could focus on getting comfortable on the ice without feeling like he needed to keep up with more experienced skaters.

For beginners who need a little extra balance, City National Arena offers skate walkers on a first-come, first-served basis at no additional charge. These plastic supports can make a big difference for younger children still learning to balance and move confidently on skates.

They helped turn our visit into something our son could enjoy instead of spending the whole session worried about falling.

When Is Open Skate at City National Arena?

One important thing to know before heading over: City National Arena does not have a fixed daily Open Skate time. Public skating sessions change around Golden Knights activity, hockey programs, figure skating, private ice time, and other rink programming.

Before leaving home, check the current City National Arena Open Skate schedule and choose an available session. Advance registration is required, and sessions can become unavailable once they reach capacity.

That makes Open Skate an activity worth planning ahead for, especially if you are building it into a larger day around Downtown Summerlin.

What It Was Like Skating With a Young Child

When we visited, one of the biggest lessons was knowing when to call it a day. My son was having fun and growing more confident, but eventually his legs started to get tired.

Rather than pushing until skating became frustrating, we ended the session while he was still excited about what he had accomplished. That made a noticeable difference because he left wanting to come back again.

For families who enjoy active indoor outings, Suncoast Lanes is another nearby option when you want to keep everyone moving without dealing with the Las Vegas weather.

City National Arena Open Skate Prices

Open Skate pricing is also straightforward. Current admission is:

• General Admission: $10 per skater, regardless of age.
• Military Admission: $7 with valid military ID.
• Skate Rental: $3 per person.
• Skate Walkers: Free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Annual Open Skate Pass: $375 for the registered skater and valid for 365 days.

Open Skate purchases are final and non-refundable, so confirm the date and time before completing registration.

Complete the Waiver Before Skating

Every participant needs an electronic waiver before getting onto the ice. For minors, a parent must sign the waiver.

Skaters check in at the arena before their session, so completing the required paperwork in advance can make arrival easier, particularly when visiting with children.

What to Wear for Ice Skating in Las Vegas

It may be Las Vegas outside, but once you enter the rink, dress for the ice, not the desert.

City National Arena recommends wearing a heavy coat or jacket, gloves, long pants, and socks that come above the ankle. Helmets are also recommended for skaters, and you can rent them at the skate rental counter with an ID.

Gloves were especially useful with a child. Beyond keeping little hands warm, they also provide another layer between their hands and the ice when they inevitably take a fall.

If your family likes indoor activities with a little competition, we also visited Red Rock Lanes, another option for an active outing on the west side of the valley.

Skating Where the Vegas Golden Knights Train

A big part of the appeal of City National Arena is that this is not simply another public ice rink. It is the Vegas Golden Knights’ official practice facility.

The facility has two ice sheets and hosts hockey and figure skating programs in addition to Golden Knights activity. The VGK branding throughout the building makes that connection obvious, particularly for children who already follow the team.

There is something different about putting on skates in the same facility associated with the team. Even if you are only there for a public skating session, the banners, hockey atmosphere, and professional setup give the outing a distinctly Vegas personality.

Golden Knights practices and player access depend on the team’s schedule, however, so spotting a player should be considered a bonus rather than something to expect during every Open Skate session.

For a much quieter family outing nearby, Summerlin Library offers another option when you are looking for something to do with kids in this part of town.

The Arsenal: Vegas Golden Knights Gear Inside the Arena

Before leaving, hockey fans can stop at The Arsenal, the Vegas Golden Knights team store located inside City National Arena.

The store carries jerseys, apparel, hats, hockey accessories, collectibles, and other VGK merchandise. If skating suddenly inspires a young hockey fan in your family, it is an easy place to browse before heading home.

The Arsenal’s hours can vary around games and special events, so if visiting the team store is an important part of your trip, check current retail hours before you go.

Food at City National Arena

Skating can work up an appetite, and you do not necessarily have to leave the building afterward. MacKenzie River Pizza Pub & Grill is a full-service restaurant and bar located between City National Arena’s two ice rinks, with views of both ice surfaces.

That makes it convenient for families who want to turn Open Skate into a longer outing. Instead of immediately loading everyone back into the car, you can warm up, sit down, and grab something to eat.

If you would rather explore the surrounding neighborhood, our Downtown Summerlin restaurants guide covers plenty of nearby options. We have also visited Fine Company at Downtown Summerlin if you want to pair skating with a meal outside the arena.

Is City National Arena Open Skate Worth It?

For our family, yes—particularly with a child who was still getting comfortable on skates.

The combination of affordable admission, skate rentals, beginner-friendly walkers, year-round indoor skating, and the Golden Knights atmosphere gives City National Arena more personality than a standard public rink.

It works for families, couples, beginner skaters, hockey fans, or anyone searching for year-round ice skating in Las Vegas. Remember that Open Skate sessions change with the arena’s schedule, so check availability and register before you leave home.

For more places we’ve visited around the valley, browse our Las Vegas family activities for more ideas.