Dumfries Ice Bowl

King Street, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, DG2 9AN, Scotland
1-90 Years
Paid

Description

Dumfries Ice Bowl is a premier regional sports venue in Southwest Scotland, making it one of the best things to do with kids in Dumfries. This large indoor ice rink and bowling centre provides a climate-controlled environment where families can enjoy skating, curling, and competitive bowling all under one roof. It is a fantastic spot for children to learn a new skill on the ice or challenge the family to a strike in the modern bowling alley.

Prices for public skating start from £8.60 for adults and £6.80 for children, with skate hire available for a small additional fee. Bowling sessions are similarly priced per game, and the venue often offers inclusive packages for those looking to try multiple activities. The facility is council-run, ensuring that prices remain accessible for local families and visitors looking for budget-friendly entertainment.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that offers high-energy activity regardless of the Scottish weather, this is it. It provides an educational day out through its professional curling coaching and structured ice hockey programs for all ages. With modern amenities and a welcoming atmosphere, it remains a staple for active leisure in the region.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

  • Public Skating Sessions: The main ice pad is open for all abilities, providing a safe space for kids to glide and build confidence.
  • Ten-Pin Bowling Alley: A modern 6-lane bowling suite equipped with bumpers and ramps, making it perfect for younger children to join in.
  • Curling Rink: One of the few dedicated curling facilities in the area where families can watch or try this historic Scottish sport.
  • Solway Sharks Home Games: Catch a high-speed ice hockey match and experience the roar of the local crowd.
  • Ice Disco: Weekly themed nights where the lights go down and the music goes up for a high-energy skating party.
  • Learn to Skate Program: Structured lessons following national standards to take children from their first steps to advanced glides.
  • The Bowling Lounge: A relaxed area to wait between games with arcade machines to keep the kids entertained.
  • Junior Ice Hockey Training: Watch the local youth teams practice their puck-handling skills and teamwork.
  • Spectator Gallery: An elevated view of both rinks, ideal for parents to watch the action while staying warm.

Facilities

  • On-site Café: Serves a variety of hot snacks, cold drinks, and kid-friendly meals like burgers and toasted sandwiches.
  • Changing Rooms: Large, accessible rooms with benches and secure lockers for storing shoes and bags while on the ice.
  • Buggy Parking: Available in the main foyer and spectator areas, though space can be limited during major hockey matches.
  • Toilets: Fully accessible facilities including baby-changing stations located near the main entrance and the bowling alley.

What to see

Pro-Tips

  • Wear Layers: Even if you aren't skating, the building is kept cold to maintain the ice; bring a thick jumper or fleece.
  • Book Bowling in Advance: The 6-lane alley is popular and fills up quickly on rainy weekends and school holidays.
  • Check the Hockey Schedule: Public skating times change when the Solway Sharks are playing at home, so always verify the daily timetable.

What Visitors Love

  • Affordable Fun: Many parents appreciate the council-subsidized pricing, making it much cheaper than private city rinks.
  • Helpful Stewards: Staff on the ice are frequently praised for helping children who are struggling with their balance.
  • Clean Facilities: The bowling area and changing rooms are noted for being well-maintained and tidy.

What Visitors Don't Like

  • Cold Temperatures: Some visitors find the spectator areas specifically chilly, so thick socks are a must.
  • Limited Lanes: Because there are only 6 bowling lanes, wait times can be long during peak hours if you haven't booked.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

  • Adult skating: £8.60
  • Junior skating: £6.80
  • Adult skate hire: £3.20
  • Junior skate hire: £3.10
  • Adult skating lesson: £9:00
  • Junior skating lesson: £5.40
  • Adult, Learn to Play (ice hockey): £8.80
  • Junior, Learn to Play (ice hockey): £5.40
  • Ice pad hire: £215.30
  • Ice pad hire (reoccurring booking): £173.30
  • Adult Skateability: £4.50
  • Junior Skateability: £3.50
  • Pecky’s North Pole Club (junior, under 16s) – 1 child, 1 adult: £7
  • Pecky’s North Pole Club (junior, under 16s) – extra child: £3.80
  • Pecky hire: £3.50
  • Snowtots (under 5s) – 1 adult, 1 child: £7
  • Snowtots, extra child: £3.80
  • Skate sharpening: £6.20
  • School skating: £2.70
  • Family skate pass: £38.10

Pricing URL: https://www.dumfriesandgalloway.gov.uk/leisure-centres-sports-facilities/leisure-centres-sports-facilities-directory/dumfries-ice-bowl

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open daily 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Address: King Street, Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway, DG2 9AN, Scotland

Post Code: DG2 9AN

Council: Dumfries

County: Dumfries and Gallowa

  • By Car: Located just off the A75. There is a large, free on-site car park with designated accessible spaces.
  • By Train: Dumfries Railway Station is a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride away.
  • By Bus: Several local bus routes stop on King Street, directly outside the venue.

5.00

0 Reviews

Rating breakdown

5
80% Complete (danger)
0
4
80% Complete (danger)
0
3
80% Complete (danger)
0
2
80% Complete (danger)
0
1
80% Complete (danger)
0

More Day Outs in Dumfries and Galloway

Get the best blog stories into your inbox!