Where To Skate, Ski And Sled In And Around Johnston

Feeling inspired by the excitement of the Winter Games? You don’t have to travel far to get in on the seasonal spirit. Around Johnston, you’ll find places where families can lace up skates, enjoy indoor winter fun, or plan easy day trips to nearby skiing, tubing or sledding spots. Whether you’re looking to stay close to home or head out for a weekend adventure, these ideas can help you make the most of the season. Just be sure to double-check hours, weather conditions and reservation details before heading out.

⛸️ Ice Skating & Indoor Winter Fun

Johnston Town Center Ice Rink

Address: 6205 Merle Hay Rd, Johnston, IA 50131

Phone: 515-278-2344

Details: This seasonal outdoor ice rink at Johnston Town Center offers public skating throughout the winter, and skaters who bring their own skates can skate for free. Skate rentals are available on designated days for a small fee, making it a fun and convenient local option right in Johnston.

Brenton Skating Plaza

Address: 520 Robert D. Ray Dr, Des Moines, IA 50309

Phone: (515) 283-4233

Details: Brenton Skating Plaza is a seasonal outdoor ice rink in downtown Des Moines where visitors can skate under the skyline during the winter months. Open from late fall through early spring weather permitting, it offers skate rentals and an open-air skating experience right along the riverwalk.

🎿 Skiing, Snowboarding & Tubing — Day Trips

Seven Oaks Recreation

Address: 1086 222nd Dr, Boone, IA 50036

Phone: (515) 432-9457

Details: Seven Oaks Recreation operates a snow tubing hill and trails that are popular for winter play when conditions allow. It’s not downhill skiing, but given that it's just a 45-minute drive from Johnston, it’s one of the closest winter sports hills for tubing and makes a fun short day trip.

Chestnut Mountain Resort

Address: 8700 W Chestnut Mountain Rd, Galena, IL 61036

Phone: (800) 397-1320

Details: Chestnut Mountain Resort features downhill skiing, snowboarding, and a tubing hill with snowmaking across multiple runs. It’s a larger Midwest ski destination about a 4 hour drive from Johnston, making it a good option for a full winter weekend or day trip with varied terrain.

☃️ Outdoor Play & Sledding Spots

When snow hits and conditions are safe, parks and small hills around Johnston become popular spots for sledding and winter play. Always check local park pages for conditions and closures before heading out so you have the most up-to-date information.

Johnston spots to consider:

• Beaver Creek Park has gentle slopes and open fields that are good for sledding and snow play when snow accumulates. Its wide layout and close location make it a practical local choice for winter outdoor fun after a snowfall. (Source: Polk County Iowa)

Further outdoors:

• Jester Park — This regional park west of Johnston offers larger open spaces and varied terrain that can work well for sledding, winter hikes, and natural play when conditions allow, and it’s about a 20 minute drive from Johnston.

Bundle up, stay safe and have fun wherever winter takes you!

This content is brought to our community by T-Mobile.