Free Skating at the Ice at Canalside During February Break, Courtesy of Project Play WNY & Highmark
Free skating and skate rentals available each morning from Feb. 16 through Feb. 20
BUFFALO, N.Y. – Families looking for fun activities to keep the kids busy during February break can enjoy free admission and skate rentals at the Ice at Canalside. The free skating sessions are funded by a Project Play WNY Winter Free Play Series grant, with an extended February Fun Skate session on Monday, Feb. 16 supported by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.
“We’re excited to once again be able to open the Ice at Canalside to the community for free wintertime fun, thanks to the generous support of our partners, Project Play WNY and Highmark,” said Michele Cicatello, marketing manager, Buffalo Waterfront. “This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy one of Buffalo’s signature spots before the season wraps up.” Project Play WNY’s Free Play Series works to provide youth in all eight counties of Western New York with opportunities to enjoy self-directed free play during school breaks, at no cost to families.
Highmark, a longtime partner of Canalside, has sponsored healthy activities at the Ice since its first season in 2014 and will sponsor a free February Fun Skate from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 16 with free skating, rentals & curling.
During the entire week of February break, all Ice at Canalside guests are invited to warm-up after skating at the Visit Buffalo Visitor Center or the Explore & More Children’s Museum and enjoy discounts at each location. Guests who present their Ice at Canalside admission receipts to Visit Buffalo can receive 25% off Visitor Center merchandise, plus free mystery items. Explore & More will offer $2 off same-day museum admission when guests present an Ice at Canalside receipt, plus 20% off at the museum gift shop.
2026 Ice at Canalside February Break Hours:
Monday, Feb. 16: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m
Free skating, rentals and curling from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 17: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Free skating and rentals from 10 a.m. to noon
Wednesday, Feb. 18: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 19: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Free skating and rentals from 10 a.m. to noon
Friday, Feb. 20: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Free skating and rentals from 10 a.m. to noon. “Swiftie Night” at the Ice from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visit buffalowaterfront.com for the most up-to-date information on ice conditions.