Frequently Asked Questions

Does the admission fee ($15 weekend/holiday or $11 weekday) include skate rental?
Yes, the admission fee includes a skate rental and entrance onto the rink.

Is the price the same for children as it is for adults?
Yes, the admission fee is the same for children as it is for adults.

Are there any discounts or coupons available?

No coupons are available at this time, but we encourage you to take advantage of our Frequent Skater Card, in which for $99 you can visit the rink 10 times. It’s valid anytime – both weekend/holidays and weekdays. It cannot be used at one time or in one day. Group discounts are also available. For groups of 10 or more we do offer a group rate of $10/per person.  Please make a reservation for groups of 20 or more. To make a reservation, contact the Assistant Manager, Darisa Watson, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

How long can I skate on the ice? How is it monitored?
Skaters are not timed on the ice unless the ice becomes very crowded. Each skater will receive a wrist band which is checked at the entrance to the rink by a staff member.

Are the skates hockey skates or figure skates? Are there options for toddlers and small children?
The rink has both hockey skates and figure skates for use on the ice. Toddlers have the option to use strap-on skates. Toddler skates strap around the child’s shoes and have two blades for added stability.

Can I bring my own skates? Is there a discount if I do?
You can wear your own ice skates on the ice, per the discretion of staff members. However, we cannot offer a discount on your admission rate.

Are non-skaters allowed onto the premises to watch or join a party?
Yes, bystanders are welcome onto the premises, however, only skaters with valid wrist bands will be allowed onto the ice. The only exception is if the facility has reached maximum capacity, then skaters and bystanders will be admitted only as others leave.

Do children need to be accompanied by adults? Is there a minimum age to be allowed on the ice?
As skaters of any age can have varying abilities, it is up to the parent/caregiver to determine if the child can safely be on the ice by themselves. If there is a concern, a staff member may recommend a child be accompanied by an adult.

If the facility closes at 9pm, does that mean that I can skate until 9pm, or does it mean that I need to be off the premises by 9pm?
The facility closes at the posted closing time, meaning you need to be off the ice by the closing time and returning your skates promptly thereafter.

How many skaters can the ice safely accommodate?
The number of skaters depends on a variety of conditions including but not limited to ice conditions, weather conditions, and the skill of skaters. During crowded times, the management will base its decisions on these factors for the ultimate safety of all skaters.

Is the rink handicap accessible?
Yes, the facility is handicap accessible.

Is there food and/or drinks available on site?
Vending machines containing both beverages and snacks are available on site.

Can food be brought onto the premises? Is alcohol allowed?
Snacks and convenience foods are allowed on the premises. No gas grills or barbeques or other heating elements are allowed. No large or wheeled coolers are allowed. Alcohol is not allowed.

Is there a group rate? And if so, what is the minimum/maximum size of the group?
Yes, we do offer a group rate. For groups of 10 guests or more, the group rate is $10/per person.  This includes skate rental. Reservations are needed for groups of 20 or more. To make a reservation, contact the Assistant Manager - Darisa Watson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

If you have a large group, a private party is the way to go. Fifty guests can enjoy the rink for $500 per hour. Each additional guest is $10. Private parties are available Saturday mornings from 10 am – 11 am, Sunday mornings 9 am - 11 am and Monday and Tuesday evenings 8 pm - 10 pm.

Student and scouting groups are encouraged to take a field trip to the rink! Field trips can be scheduled daily, Monday through Friday, at a special field trip price of $10 per student (including skate rental). Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice can typically handle two classrooms of the same age of children. Although we cannot guarantee to have sizes for everyone available all the time, we will monitor our skate inventory to help us get ready to help lace up those little feet.

Are there any special group dates, such as for Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts?
No special group dates have been announced but you are encouraged to bring your group to the rink. Fieldtrips and group reservations (see above) can be scheduled by calling 925.935.SNOW (7669).

Could a table or tables be reserved for a group? If so, is there a cost? Would I be able to bring in food and/or decorations?
Tables cannot be reserved, unless they are included in a Birthday Party Package. Tables are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Snacks and convenience foods are allowed on the premises. No gas grills or barbeques or other heating elements are allowed. No large or wheeled coolers are allowed. Alcohol is not allowed. Table decorations or small bouquets of balloons are welcome but please be courteous to our staff and take them with you when you leave.

Do you offer a birthday party package?
We do offer birthday packages which include admission and skate rental, table and chairs within the tent area and a Party Host to assist the group. Parties can be scheduled during regular public hours Monday – Thursday for $120.00 (up to 10 guests) and Friday – Sunday for $160.00 (up to 10 guests).

Do you offer fundraising opportunities?
Yes, Fun Fundraisers are available for non-profit groups. For each $10/person group rate admission Walnut Creek on Ice will donate $2 back to the non-profit organization. A check will be sent to the organization following the event. Fun Fundraisers can be booked through the Assistant Manager, Darisa Watson, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Is there a medical professional onsite during business hours?
Medical staff is not on-site, however, should someone need medical attention, emergency professionals will be called immediately.

What is the age range for the Parent/Tot class? Does the same parent have to accompany the child each week? Can someone other than a parent accompany the child?
Parents/Caregivers and their children ages 2-4 are encouraged to attend the Parent/Tot class. It helps for consistency sake that the same parent/caregiver attends each class but it is not a requirement. Yes, someone other than a parent, such as a caregiver or another family member can attend the class.

How do we sign up for lessons?
Please call 925.935.SNOW (7669) to sign up for the class. You can also sign up at the rink prior to the class if there are still spots available.

Are lessons restricted to age? Are the lessons open for adults?
The instructors offer group lesson based on age: Parent/Tot, Learn to Skate and Adult lessons. Private lessons are also offered and the age range would be dependent on the instructor.

Does the cost of lessons include a rental pair of skates?
Private lessons, which could be either group or individual lessons, require the admission rate to be paid. Private instructors are paid separately by cash or check. For the Parent/Tot, Learn to Skate and Adult Lessons that are offered, the admission rate is included.

How is the ice monitored?
At least one staff member is on the ice at all times. Please adhere to their recommendations as they have your safety in mind.

How often is the ice cleared of skaters and re-surfaced?
The ice is cleared and re-surfaced by the ever popular Zamboni on an as needed basis. It can vary due to the number of skaters that have been on the ice as well as weather conditions.

Are onsite lockers available for valuables?
Yes, lockers are available for your use. Lockers can be accessed by contacting a staff member. Downtown Walnut Creek on Ice is not responsible for loss or damage to personal belongings.

Is the rink open during weather conditions – such as unusually hot or cold temperatures? Is the rink open during light rain? Are refunds or rainchecks given for weather?
Hot or cold the ice rink is open! However, the management staff has the discretion to close the rink at any time based upon weather conditions. No refunds are given for weather conditions.

Are babies in front-carriers or backpacks allowed on the ice?
No, it is unsafe for anyone, especially small children, to be carried or held while their adult caregiver is on the ice.

Are strollers allowed on the premises?
Strollers are not allowed on the ice, but they can be brought onto the premises.

Is it a requirement or recommendation that my child wear a helmet, like is the law when riding a bicycle?
It is up to the sole discretion of the parent/caregiver whether the child should wear a helmet.

Are helmets, wrist guards and/or knee pads allowed on the ice?
Yes, your safety is as important to us as it is to you. If you feel that safety items such as helmets, wrist guards and/or knee pads would keep you or your child safer on the ice, feel free to wear them.

What should I remember to bring to the rink?
We would suggest that you bring or wear socks long enough to fit within your skates comfortably. Socks and gloves are available for purchase at the rink for $3 each. Also dressing in layers is recommended. If you are bringing a small child who is also planning to skate, have them wear sturdy shoes (not boots) as toddler skates strap onto their shoes.

Will there be any spectator events at the rink? Such as a professional skaters or other presentation where bystanders would watch the performance?
No special events are currently scheduled.