Free Holiday Skating and Drop-in Skate and Swim Sessions

Peterborough, ON - The City of Peterborough is offering free public skating as well as regular paid drop-in skating and swim sessions from December 23, 2024 to January 3, 2025.

Free public skate December 29, 2024

A free public skate takes place from 3 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at the Gardener Pad at the Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd. This event is sponsored by The Gardener.

“We believe in giving back to the community that has supported us for so many years that’s why we’re thrilled to sponsor a free public skate on December 29th as a way to bring families and friends together during the holiday season. It’s our way of giving back and creating special moments for the Peterborough community,” said Ryan Quigley, owner of The Gardener Landscaping.

"Skating is a fun and energizing way to stay active and have a little fun with friends and family in our community. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, this free public skating event has given everyone the chance to enjoy the benefits of exercise and shared experiences. Your support has truly enriched our community—thank you!" said Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk, Community Services Co-Chairs.

Holiday drop-in skating

Paid drop-in skating sessions are held at the Healthy Planet Arena from December 23 to January 3. Details on dates and times is as follows:  

Cost for the paid drop-in public skating dates and times is $5.25 per skater.  CSA-approved helmets are recommended, and skates are required.  Hockey sticks, nets, and shoes are prohibited.  All public skates are drop-in with no pre-registration required. 

For outdoor skating, the City maintains an outdoor skating rink at Quaker Foods City Square on Charlotte Street, east of Aylmer Street, for free community skating, weather permitting. When ice conditions allow, the Quaker Foods City Square rink operates Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday, Sunday and holidays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information on skating in the City visit peterborough.ca/skate.

Drop-in swimming

Holiday Drop-In Fun Swim takes place at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr. 

Drop-in swim sessions are open to all ages and include the therapy and leisure pools, the water slide and active water features. The cost is $5 per swimmer.

The schedule is as follows:  

Additional open swims, lane swims and nursery swims are available during the holidays at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre.  Visit www.peterborough.ca/recreation to view the drop-in schedules.