1MSOE Kern Center
The hockey rink here anchors a three-level facility where families can watch college athletes compete or enjoy open skating in a well-maintained, accessible venue. Clean facilities and reasonable pricing make it an easy outing for a casual skate or to catch an exciting NCAA Division III match.
ice skatinghockeycollege sportsfamily-friendly venueclean facilitiesaccessible locationWebsite
2Howard G. Mullett Ice Center
The intimate rink at Arrowhead High School welcomes young skaters and families with a cozy, manageable size perfect for learning—plus friendly staff, rental skates, concessions (including mermaid slush puppies and Starbucks), and thoughtful accessibility features that make everyone feel at home.
Beginner-friendly ice skatingRentals availableAccessible for all abilitiesCasual family practiceHockey viewingSnacks & concessionsWebsite
3Pettit National Ice Center
The ice is smooth and spacious at this community hub, where families can rent skates (including specialty equipment for figure skating and hockey) and glide across well-maintained surfaces at budget-friendly prices. Arrive on quieter weekday mornings to avoid crowds, bring your own water bottle, and check the schedule ahead since public skate times vary around competitive speed-skating events.
affordable ice skatingequipment rentalsbeginner-friendlyless crowded weekday visitscommunity eventsWebsite
4Kettle Moraine Ice Center
This clean, welcoming rink offers introductory hockey clinics and skating lessons that give young children a real chance to try the sport in a supportive environment. Families appreciate the friendly coaching staff, well-maintained facilities, and comfortable atmosphere—though checking ahead for open skating hours is worth doing, as public skate times are limited.
Hockey lessons and clinics for kidsBeginner-friendly instructionClean facilities and amenitiesSupportive, family-oriented communityWebsite
5Naga-Waukee Ice Arena
The ice here is well-maintained, and the staff goes out of their way to help first-time skaters get comfortable—especially helpful if your child has never tried it before. Public skate sessions are easy to join with online pre-registration, keeping crowds manageable, and the friendly atmosphere (both from staff and other families) means kids often leave asking when they can come back.
First-time ice skatingPublic skate sessionsBeginner-friendly staffAffordable family outingsWatch live hockey gamesWebsite
6Ozaukee Skateland
The maple floor and welcoming staff create a safe, judgment-free environment where kids can skate independently while parents relax knowing they're in good hands. Birthday parties, arcade games, and a climbing structure keep the energy fun for mixed ages, with pizza and snacks on hand to fuel the fun.
roller skatingbirthday partiesfamily-friendly atmospherearcade gamessnacks & foodkids' activitiesWebsite
7Traxside Skating
The rink's small but enthusiastic staff pulls out all the stops for skating sessions and birthday parties, handling everything from music and games to personalized touches like custom song dedications and photo slideshows. Families appreciate the straightforward booking process, responsive communication leading up to visits, and a team that genuinely makes kids feel celebrated—whether you're dropping in for open skate or hosting a group event.
Birthday parties & group eventsResponsive staff & customer serviceFamily-friendly skatingParty packages availableNostalgic fun for all agesWebsite
8Ozaukee Ice Center
The dual-rink setup here means kids can watch competitive games from excellent sightlines while siblings take lessons or practice on the other sheet of ice. Clean facilities, attentive staff, and organized camps make this a straightforward choice for families wanting both spectating and skating in one visit.
Ice skating lessons & campsYouth & competitive hockeyDual rinksSpectator-friendlyWell-maintained facilitiesWebsite
9Eble Park Ice Arena
The well-maintained rink welcomes first-time skaters with encouraging instruction and attentive staff who help kids build confidence on the ice. Families will appreciate the convenient amenities—accessible seating, clean bathrooms, and concessions—making it easy to settle in for lessons or casual skating sessions.
Skating lessons for beginnersPatient, supportive instructorsFamily-friendly amenitiesWell-maintained facilityLocal favoriteWebsite
10Roll Train, Inc.
Skilled instructors Ellen and Terrence lead engaging rhythm and dance skating classes for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced skaters looking to refine their technique. Families will appreciate the supportive, playful teaching style and the bonus of outdoor classes by the public market during warmer months—plus the core strength and balance benefits that come naturally alongside the fun.
Roller skating lessonsAll skill levels welcomeExpert instructionIndoor and outdoor classesBalance and coordinationWebsite
11Wilson Ice Arena
This vintage ice arena keeps families coming back with affordable open skate sessions and a nostalgic charm that spans generations—expect a well-maintained rink with reasonable prices and longer skating windows than many competitors nearby. It's a straightforward, unpretentious spot where kids can take lessons, join league play, or simply practice their moves without the premium-rink price tag.
Budget-friendly skatingLong open skate sessionsLessons and league playFamily-friendly atmosphereRetro venue characterWebsite
12The Ponds of Brookfield Ice Arena
The stands offer excellent sightlines of the ice, making it easy for families to catch all the action during hockey games and tournaments. Staff members are welcoming and the venue features appealing artwork, though note that the concession stand may have limited hours during morning and early-afternoon events.
Hockey games and tournamentsGreat spectator viewsFriendly staffFamily-friendly atmosphereWebsite
13Kenosha Ice Arena
The rink maintains clean facilities with ample bleachers where families can comfortably watch youth hockey games and practices, plus open skate sessions when they're available. Concessions are typically on-site, and coaches earn praise for their approachable style with young skaters—bundle up, as it's still a chilly environment even with recent heating improvements.
Youth hockey games & practicesOpen skate timesFamily-friendly coachingConcessions availableSpacious spectator seatingWebsite
14Slice of Ice in Red Arrow Park
This small outdoor rink in the heart of the city offers affordable winter skating with a welcoming vibe for beginners and families. Bring your own skates to skate free and skip rental lines, or rent on-site (skate helpers are just $1, making them a smart investment for wobbly first-timers).
outdoor skatingbudget-friendlybeginner-friendlywinter activitygear rentals availableSeasonal — typically winter months
Website
15Uihlein Ice Arena
The ice surface here is notably crisp and hard—great for skating technique—but bundle up: this rink runs significantly colder than most facilities, so jackets, blankets, and hand warmers are essentials, especially if you're staying for a full game or practice. The facility itself is clean and well-maintained, with decent concessions when open, making it a solid choice for young hockey players and skaters willing to dress for the deep freeze.
Cold rink—bring layersQuality ice surfaceHockey-friendlyFamily-friendly concessionsBundle-up experienceWebsite
16Star Roller Rink
The smooth skating floor and welcoming staff make this a spacious venue where families can enjoy open skating or book private parties, though it's worth arriving early during busy weekend times and being patient with food service during peak hours.
smooth skating surfaceprivate birthday partiesopen skating nightsfriendly staffcafé with food optionsWebsite
17Butler Skateland
The smooth wooden floors and well-maintained rink at Butler Skateland create a fun Saturday afternoon escape, where attentive staff and management keep the skating experience family-friendly and respectful. Bring your own skates if you can, and expect a lively community atmosphere—though weekend family nights draw big crowds and the energy can get intense.
roller skatingweekend family outingswell-maintained facilityactive management & safetycommunity atmospherefood & birthday partiesWebsite
18Waukesha Skateland
This retro roller rink welcomes skaters of all levels, with beginner-friendly assisters and a small practice area perfect for kids just learning. Expect affordable skating, a lively mixed-age crowd, arcade games, and Friday food specials—though note they operate cash-only.
beginner-friendly skatingall-skill-level rinkarcade gamesaffordable family outingsbirthday partiesWebsite
Know a great spot we're missing?
Suggest it and we'll add it to this guide if it's a fit.