Things to know:…read more 1)There's a a fee to enter and another to rent skates. Because I was accompanying kids and didn't plan to skate, there was no entry fee. 2) There's an online schedule showing the different event times, and when applicable target ages. We brought my partners kids on a Thursday during the 5p-7:30p slot because 8-10p was 21+ (that day). The 5p slot didnt list ages, but tuns out it was mostly little kids. Additional teens and older people started showing up later, but still seemed younger age focused (with group games like hula hoop). 3) There's a decent number of arcade games for the space. If you don't have quarters, you can use the change machine. While the assortment of games was good, my gripe is that we counted 84 tickets won playing. However their ticket counting machine only accounted for 66. While the experience was okay, I think it's a nice option with a good selection of music, decent sized rink, fair pricing (cant speak for concessions) and a nostalgic feel. Check it out for yourself.

All the fun in one place - skating, bouncy houses, arcade, and food! We went during a weekday 1-4pm…read morefor a "School's Out" time during winter break. Cheap Skate does have certain hours so be sure to call ahead or check online. I believe there are hours for family/kids and some evening for just adults. So fun for everyone. I was able to purchase tickets online but you do need to check-in when you get there despite the check-in on the online scannable ticket. I took my kiddos for some skating fun and oh how it brought back memories! Cheap Skate has a 90s feel to it but with all the hip music of nowadays. A great workout and all around fun. The cost to skate isn't bad but like anything now-a-days you for pay for everything. In addition to the fee to get in and skate, there is a rental skate fee, locker fee, and obviously arcade, bouncy houses, and food. Speaking of food we got some icees, soda, pizza, and ice cream. Pretty pricey for what it was but for an easy access to food without leaving - exactly what you'd expect. The screens telling you what you can order either weren't working or not turned on properly when I went to order (about an hour in) so I had to ask what food items were available. My kids weren't interested in the bouncy house or the arcade although as a typical arcade there are tickets where you can exchange for prizes. We had so much fun and we were so exhausted by the end. Overall, I would highly recommend if you're looking indoor fun.

Had a good time ice skating here. I rented skates and spent maybe an hour going around. The loop is…read morenot super long but seems to be well maintained and is in a cute area.

Great fun on a most unique loop of refrigerated ice. Free to skate. Rental skates cost, but not too…read moremuch. Parking lot and nearby street parking is also free.

This arena has the best speaker system in the state of MN. Arena is pretty good and has good…read moreheaters in the bleachers. Just wish the scoreboard has shots for hockey games.

WinterSkate is the Cutest. Date. Ever…read more Outdoor activities are one of those things that make Twin Cities winters slightly more bearable. Rice Park is another one of those things, with its pretty twinkling lights... and the majestic Landmark Center backdrop doesn't hurt either. Together, WinterSkate comes to life as an outdoor rink right in the middle of St. Paul. This year, it's open from Nov. 26 to Feb. 5. They have a warming house for changing your skates and staying cozy. The rink itself isn't huge, but I basically just need room to lurch around like a Frankenstein and then fall... so I'm good. Best part aside from the fact that you have an instant date-night? Skate rentals are only $2 and the rink itself is FREE. So what are you waiting for? Oh yeah, winter has to come first. Thanks, Wells Fargo, for making winter a little more fun!

The opening of the WinterSkate rink in Rice Park is a kickoff to the holiday season for many of us…read morein St Paul. It's a free city event where you have the opportunity to see local figure skaters cut loose on fresh ice. After that, you can wander across the street for live musical entertainment. You can get a first glimpse of the upcoming year's winter carnival button -- and watch the official lighting of the Holiday tree (and all the other trees) in Rice Park, accompanied by fireworks. A perfect holiday night. Rice park is the perfect strolling park when you're on a date at the Ordway, Riverwalk Center, Xcel Center, or anywhere else in downtown St Paul. The skating rink also makes it a great stand-alone family destination in the winter from November (when the rink opens) to the new year when Rice Park hosts the annual Ice Castle.

I had my sons 7th birthday party at Thunder Blades last weekend. We had gone skating there a few…read moretimes and thought it would be a fun experience. I didn't have high expectations; I wanted a place where the kids could skate and have fun, we would eat pizza, pop and cake and, overall, have fun. It started off ok (although we had to wait in the entry way until exactly 1pm when it was -2 outside). We went to the semi-private party room (that we had requested) and the kids started skating. After about a half hour there was a group of teenagers that had come into the party room. We let them know that this was a birthday party and they said the lady at the counter had told them to come in here, who we later were told is the owner. These teenagers were in a room full of 6 and 7 year olds. They were loud, swearing, skating much faster than the 6 and 7 year olds and one even pushed one of the 7 Year olds over. I had gone to the counter and asked her why the group was told to go in the party room and she told me that we're only allowed 2 tables for the birthday party and they needed the room. She said they were "graciously allowing us to use 4 tables". She has not previously told us this rule, there is even a sign that says the tables are for the party. Even if she had told me, I would expect to hear that when I booked the party and asked for the party room. Either way, I had gone back to the table and when the owner had brought over the additional food we had ordered she started saying that she did tell me when we entered that we could only have two tables. I ignored her - why would she be bringing that up again? It was a very hostile and confrontational interaction. Nothing at all what I was expecting at a birthday party. Like I said, I didn't have high expectations but I can honestly say that I haven't been as angry as I was at the party in more than 10 years. They kept coming up with new rules that weren't explained ahead of time and it was rushed and uncomfortable with the confrontations.

This is the PERFECT place to take your kids! Friendly service, nice, clean place. Games, music and,…read moreof course, blades and skates.