Frequently asked questions

WHAT IS MODESTO ON ICE PRESENTED BY MODESTO SUBARU?
Modesto On Ice, proudly presented by Modesto Subaru, is a seasonal pop-up ice-skating rink nestled in downtown Modesto at the corner of 11th and K Streets. Open from mid-November to mid-January each year, this charming, tent-covered rink is locally owned and operated by the Halsey family. Since the rink's opening, Modesto Subaru has been an exceptional partner, serving as the title sponsor and contributing to the festive atmosphere that brings joy to the community during the winter months.

WHAT DAYS AND HOURS ARE YOU OPEN?
We are open every day from Saturday, November 23, through Monday, January 20, including holidays. Our hours vary due to holidays, winter school breaks, and private events. The best way to check if we’re open is to look at our ticket availability.

WHERE CAN I PURCHASE TICKETS?
You can purchase tickets online at Tickets.ModestoOnIce.com or at our Ticket Booth on the day of your skating session. Just a heads up—online ticket sales close 30 minutes before the next skating session. If it’s less than 30 minutes until the session starts, tickets will only be available at the Ticket Booth, depending on availability. To make sure you secure your preferred session time, we highly recommend buying your tickets in advance!

HOW MUCH ARE SKATE SESSION TICKETS?
Skate sessions are 80 minutes long and are priced at $14 for skaters ages 3-12 and $18 for ages 13 and up. Skate rentals are included in the pricing. We recommend you purchase your tickets in advance to guarantee your spot, especially on weekend nights.

DO YOU HAVE ANY DISCOUNT PRICING?
When purchasing 15 or more tickets at the same time you automatically receive a 10% discount. We offer a Family Four Pack (2 adult and 2 children tickets) for $54, which is a savings of $10. We have a $2 discount for active military and veterans.  Our 10-Pack and Season passes allow frequent skaters a lower rate to skate.  We also have dates throughout the season when kids (3-12) can skate at 1/2 price. 

WHAT SIZES AND TYPES OF SKATES TO YOU HAVE AVAILABLE?
We have both figure and hockey skates. We carry skates as small as youth size 8 and as large as Men’s size 16, although we have a limited supply of both. 

IF YOU START NEW SESSIONS EVERY HOUR AND A HALF, WHY DO I ONLY GET AN HOUR AND TWENTY MINUTES OF SKATING TIME? 
We allow 10 minutes between each session to resurface the ice with our awesome Zamboni. Resurfacing the ice can make the ice more consistent and predictable, which helps make the skating experience safer and more enjoyable for everyone involved

DO I HAVE TO PAY IF I’M NOT SKATING?
Spectators accompanying paid skaters are welcome at no charge. We invite you to enjoy a hot drink and concessions from our on-site Snack Shack. 

HOW DO I USE A 10-PACK OR SEASON PASS TO RESERVE A SKATE SESSION?
If you come to the ice rink a lot, a Season Pass or 10-Pack (pass) is a great way to save money. When you make your initial purchase of a pass, you're required to establish an account in our ticketing system. To reserve a skating session, log into your account, click on Tickets, then select your desired date and session. At check-out, you’ll have the option to use your skate pass to make your purchase. The 10-pack skate pass can only be used one time per skating session. The Season pass can only be used one time per day.

DO I HAVE TO SIGN A SEASONAL WAIVER?
Yes, all skaters need to have a waiver on file. The good news? You only need to digitally sign our rink waiver once, and it will be valid for the entire season! After completing the waiver online, you’ll receive an email with a Waiver barcode. Just show that barcode at Check-in, and we can quickly locate your digital waiver. Each adult (18 and older) needs their own waiver, and minors must be listed on an adult's waiver. Adults can add multiple minors to their waiver as well. To make the most of your ice time, be sure to submit your waiver before arriving at the rink!

ARE WHEELCHAIRS ALLOWED ON THE ICE?  
Yes, patrons in wheelchairs are absolutely welcome to enjoy ice skating during our public sessions! We do recommend avoiding weekend nights, as those can get quite busy on the ice. For those under 18 or individuals who may need assistance moving on their own, we kindly ask that they be accompanied by a responsible adult. When you check in at the Ticket Booth, please let us know that you have a wheelchair patron with you, so we can assist with entering and exiting the ice and address any other needs you may have. We’re here to help make your experience enjoyable!

ARE YOU OPEN WHEN IT’S RAINING?
Absolutely! Our ice rink, party area, breezeway, and the area around our Snack Shack are all completely tent-covered. While you might get a little wet when checking in, getting your skates, or heading to the restrooms, you’ll be nicely sheltered from the rain during your time on the ice. So don’t let a little rain stop the fun!

WHAT DO I NEED TO WEAR?
Socks! Socks are required to be worn when you use our rental skates. If you forget your socks, we sell them for $3.50 in our Ticket Booth. We also suggest dressing in layers because sometimes you may get toasty-warm as you skate around the ice rink.

WHERE SHOULD I PARK?
The City of Modesto operates parking garages and a couple pay-by-space lots within walking distance. The ice rink is adjacent to a City pay-by-space lot. Price is $1.25/hour. The pay station for this lot is located along the sidewalk by our Ticket Booth. Learn information on the City’s parking by visiting their website. There is also some timed parking on the street.

CAN I BRING MY OWN FOOD?
We ask that you please don’t bring outside food or drink into the rink; however, we invite you to enjoy a warm drink and delicious snacks from our on-site Snack Shack! There’s something for everyone to enjoy while you skate.

WHAT DO YOU SERVE FROM YOUR ON-SITE SNACK SHACK?
At our Snack Shack, we have a delightful variety of beverages to warm you up, including loaded hot chocolate, hot cider, coffee, tea, apple juice, soda, Snapple, and bottled water. For food and snacks, we offer tasty options like hot dogs, nachos, Cup O’Noodles, cookies, popcorn, chips, candy bars, and even S’more kits for some delicious do-it-yourself S’mores over our fire pits. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!

IF I’VE BOOKED A PARTY, CAN I BRING A CAKE?
Parties booked through our website can bring dessert for their party guests. This includes a cake, cupcakes, donuts and/or cookies, but no other outside food. Visit our parties page for more information.

DO YOU SHARPEN SKATES? 
We charge $5.00 to sharpen personal skates and try to always have someone on hand who can sharpen skates. A little bit of trivia: our skate sharpener was originally owned and used by the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team. 

WHERE DO I KEEP MY BELONGINGS WHILE I’M SKATING?
We have un-locked lockers free of charge to guests. Feel free to bring a padlock if you wish to lock up items. We are not responsible for any lost or stolen items. 

DO YOU HAVE GIFT CERTIFICATES?
Yes! Gift certificates make great holiday gifts and can be purchased at our ticket booth during business hours.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept cash, credit card, Apple Pay and Google Pay. No checks, please. A 3% convenience fee is added to all non-cash payments. 

WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW HOW TO SKATE?
No problem. We offer group beginning skating lessons, but those fill-up fast  so sign-up early. Private lessons are also offered through Adrienne Anderson at 209-743-4038 or adrienneskate@hotmail.com or visit her website at www.skatewithadrienne.com. 

We also have various sizes of skate walkers for rent at $5 per session and they are a great way for skaters to build confidence as they learn to navigate the ice. Our limited supply of skate walkers is available on a first come, first served basis through our Ticket Booth at the beginning of each session.  

MAY I GO ON THE ICE IN MY REGULAR SHOES?
You must be wearing skates and have paid admission to enter the ice surface. 

CAN I WALK TO MY CAR IN MY SKATES?
No! You are only allowed to be on the ice or on the rubber mats we’ve placed throughout the rink area. If you go off either, it will damage the skate blade and you could be held responsible for those damages.  Also, our skates cannot be taken off the premises. If you're not done skating and you need to leave the premises, please remove your skates and ask the Skate Shed attendent to hold them for you until you return. 

DO YOU HAVE RESTROOMS?
We have 4 portable restrooms and 1 ADA porta-potty on site. These are located on the Northeast end of the ice rink. 

CAN I RESERVE THE ICE FOR A PRIVATE EVENT?
Yes, we have some availability throughout the season during our regular hours, and we also offer Before-Hours Private Ice at a discounted rate. Your Private Ice event would include exclusive access to the rink for approximately 90 minutes for up to 160 skaters, with skate rental included, as well as free use of our skate walkers. Each guest will receive a Cocoa Coupon that can be redeemed at our Snack Shack during your event for their choice of a loaded hot chocolate, soda or coffee. Pizza can be added to your event for an additional cost of $20 per pizza. For inquiries, please email ModestoOnIce@gmail.com. 

WE ONLY SKATED FOR 5 MINUTES. CAN WE GET A REFUND?
Thanks for giving it a whirl. Due to limited skate session capacity, all sales are final. 

I PURCHASED MY TICKETS IN ADVANCE, BUT NOW AM UNABLE TO GO TO THAT SKATE SESSION. WHAT SHOULD I DO? 
Give us a call at 209-505-1181 at least 3 hours before the start of your skating session. Depending on availability, we may be able to switch your ticket to another date and/or time.

ARE THERE ANY AGE OR HEIGHT LIMITS FOR ADMITTANCE?
Skaters ages 3 and up are welcome on the ice, and there are no limitations for height. 

CAN I CARRY MY YOUNG CHILD WHILE ON THE ICE?
No. Besides being unsafe, our lease and insurance do not allow anyone to be carried by another person. All skaters on the ice must have feet on the ground! 

ARE YOU HIRING?
We have hired our staff for the 2024/2025 season. If you’re interested in working with us next season, reach out to us in August 2025 at ModestoOnIce@gmail.com.

ARE THERE RESTAURANTS CLOSE TO THE ICE RINK?
There are lots of choices to eat within just a few blocks of the ice rink. View this restaurant list and additional information. 

ARE THERE OTHER THINGS I CAN DO NEARBY?  
Modesto has lots of great activities and food options nearby, including a recently opened Modesto Children’s Museum. Check out these sites for more information: Visit Modesto, Downtown Modesto Partnership (DoMo), and ModestoView.

If you have a question that is not on this list, please email us your question at ModestoOnIce@gmail.com.