Special Events & Programs at Brenton Skating Plaza
Learn To Skate Clinics
Free Learn to Skate clinics will be held throughout the skating season! The clinics will be led by professional skating coach Darlene Lewis. All abilities welcome. Ages four and up - even adults can join in the fun! Pre-registration required.
| Dates | Hours | Cost | Registration |
| Dec. 9 Jan. 6 and 27 Feb. 3 and 10 |
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. | Cost: Free |
Closed |
Senior Skate
Are you over 60 and enjoy ice skating? If yes, this session is for you! Senior Skate will take place each Wednesday at Brenton Skating Plaza. For just $5 (admission and skate rental), it is a great opportunity to exercise in the open air and socialize with fellow skaters!
| Dates | Hours | Cost | Registration |
| Dec. 6, 13, 20 Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28 |
2 - 3:45 p.m. | $5 Admission (skate rental included) | N/A |
Adaptive Skating
Adaptive Skating invites individuals with a range of physical or developmental abilities to ice skate during this open skate time. For just $5 (admission + skate rental) individuals can engage in the sport for recreation activity and enjoyment without a large crowd.
| Dates | Hours | Cost | Registration |
| Dec. 6, 20 Jan. 17, 31 Feb. 14, 28 |
1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $5 Admission (skate rental included) | N/A |
Homeschool Skate
Des Moines Parks and Recreation invites those students that are homeschooled to enjoy an afternoon at the ice rink. For just $5 (admission + skate rental) a student can enjoy fresh air and skate along with your friends. This open skate is designed for ages 4-18 and with the accompaniment of parent(s) and/or guardian(s).
| Dates | Hours | Cost | Registration |
| Dec. 13 Jan. 10, 24 Feb. 7, 28 |
1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | $5 Admission (skate rental included) | N/A |
Student Night
Calling all students! Every Thursday Des Moines Parks and Recreation invites students to skate! Students must show school ID to receive the $5 admission with skate rental.
| Dates | Hours | Cost | Registration |
| Thursdays Jan. & Feb. | 5-9 p.m. | $5 Admission + Skate Rental | N/A |
Donate and Skate Day
Donate non-perishable food items and/or adult-sized new socks for Central Iowa Shelter & Services on February 12th. Free admission and skate rental when you donate! All ages welcome.
| Date | Hours | Cost | Registration |
| Feb. 12 | 12 - 9 p.m. | Free Admission and Skate Rental with a donation | N/A |
Iowa Wild Take Over
On Jan. 19th the Iowa Wild are taking over Brenton Skating Plaza. Come meet Crash and his friends and enjoy and evening of skating. Be sure to stay tuned for more updates and details!
| Date | Hours | Cost | Registration |
| Feb. 16 | 5 - 8 p.m. | Regular Admission and Skate Rental | N/A |
Family Skate Date
Join Des Moines Parks and Recreation for our 2nd annual Family Skate Date! This is your chance to safely come out to Brenton Skating Plaza for ice skating and family-friendly games (Limbo, Four Corners, etc.) on the ice. All friends, family, guardians and loved ones are invited to attend. Registration includes admission, skate rental stocking cap and free refreshments. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration required.
| Date | Hours | Cost | Registration |
| Jan. 27 | 12 - 2 p.m. | $5 per person (includes admission, skate rental, and refreshments) | Closed |
Superhero and Princess Skate
Join Des Moines Parks and Recreation for a Superhero and Princess Skate! Special guests will be at Brenton Skating Plaza to meet and greet skaters. We encourage people of all ages to wear their favorite superhero or prince/princess outfits. Come join the fun at the ice rink and snap a photo! All ages are welcome.
| Date | Hours | Cost | Registration |
| Princess Skate Jan. 27 |
12- 2 p.m. | Regular Admission and Skate Rental | N/A |
| Superhero Skate - Coming Soon! |
Police and Fire Appreciation Skate
Des Moines Parks and Recreation wants to say thanks to all the First Responders. Skating is open to all. First Responders receive free admission + skate rental for themselves and up to three (3) family members. Work ID or other proof of service is required. All ages welcome.
| Date | Hours | Cost | Registration |
| Jan. 27 -28 | Sat: 12- 11 p.m. Sun: 11 - 5 p.m. |
Free Admission and Skate Rental for all First Responders (and 3 Family Members) | N/A |
Principal Charity Classic Take Over
On Feb. 10th the Principal Charity Classic is taking over Brenton Skating Plaza. Come learn about the 2024 tournament while enjoying an evening of skating and LED mini golf & free hot cocoa. Take your shot at a putt on ice and you could walk away a winner!
| Date | Hours | Cost | Registration |
| Feb. 10 | Sat: 5 - 7 p.m. | Regular Admission and Skate Rental | N/A |
Military Appreciation Skate
Join us the first weekend in February as we honor those who have served and are serving in the Armed Forces. Skating is open to all. Those currently and formerly enlisted receive free admission + skate rental for themselves and up to three (3) family members. Military ID or other proof of service is required. Those with family members serving that are unable to attend may also gain free admission with proof. All ages welcome.
| Dates | Hours | Cost | Registration |
| Feb. 3 - 4 | Sat: 12–11 p.m. Sun: 11–5 p.m. |
Free Admission and Skate Rental for all Military (and 3 Family Members) | N/A |
Teacher Appreciation Skate
Des Moines Parks and Recreation wants to say thanks to all the teachers - we appreciate you! Teachers on this day receive free admission and skate rental. Teachers must show their school ID. If you are not a teacher help support the local schools and donate supplies for the classroom (i.e. pencils, crayons, tissue, and markers). Ages 18 and up.
| Date | Hours | Cost | Registration |
| Feb. 10 - 11 |
Sat: 12–11 p.m. Sun: 11–5 p.m. |
Free Admission and Skate Rental for all Teachers | N/A |
Valentine’s Day Skate
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Brenton Skating Plaza! Buy One Get One (BOGO) admission and skate rental. Two skate for the price of one! This is the perfect family or date activity for the special holiday. Join us and each skater will receive a cookie and hot cocoa. All ages welcome.
| Date | Hours | Cost | Registration |
| Feb. 14 | 5 - 9 p.m. | BOGO Admission and Skate Rental | N/A |
Day After Valentine’s Day Skate
Did you forget it was Valentine’s Day? Don’t fret because Des Moines Parks and Recreation has you covered! Join us for Buy One Get One (BOGO) admission and skate rental on Feb. 15. Two skate for the price of one! Each skater will receive a cookie and hot cocoa. All ages welcome.
| Date | Hours | Cost | Registration |
| Feb. 15 | 5 - 9 p.m. | BOGO Admission and Skate Rental | N/A |
