From first spins to advanced skills, these DMV camps and clinics are worth lacing up for. These top local programs help skaters build confidence, sharpen skills, and have fun on the ice.

Whether your child is taking their first steps on the ice or shredding it up with their skates, the DMV has plenty of opportunities to learn, play and improve. These local camps allow all levels of skaters to compete, build up their confidence, and sharpen their skills. So grab the stick, lace up the skates and get ready to hit the ice; the DMV's next generation of hockey players is already on the move.

VIRGINIA

The St. James Ice Hockey

This prestigious ice hockey clinic prides itself on being a premier destination for developing hockey players. No matter their age, The St. James program allows kids to play competitively without being part of a club and learn beginner-friendly skills for the sport. The St. James was named as a Washington Parent Picks winner in the Hockey & Skating category.

  • What people are saying: "Went to watch a friend's child play … seriously considering adding ice hockey as an activity for the tweens. Never disappointed when we visit," shared Kevin M. in a Yelp review.
  • Hot tip: It's advised to book slots or RSVP to the camp in advance.
  • Address: 6805 Industrial Road, Springfield, VA
  • Contact: (703) 239-6870

ColdRush

At the Ashburn Ice House, ColdRush has been helping athletes achieve their ice hockey dreams for three decades now. With a handful of their previous students going on to become NHL coaches, ColdRush can provide the experience to make you stand out as a player.

  • What people are saying: "Wendy, you are amazing! I love this! I love the energy you bring!! These kids are so lucky to have you!" shared CsLorenzen12 on Instagram.
  • Hot tip: When signing up, the instruction interest sheet needs to be filled out by a parent and includes questions about the playing level of the child.
  • Address: 21595 Smith Switch Road, Ashburn, VA
  • Contact: Lessons@ColdRushHockey.com

Washington Capitals Youth Hockey

Who better to learn ice hockey from in the DMV than the Washington Capitals? Their youth hockey program focuses on training the little ones to get comfortable on the ice. Their Rising Stars Academy, focuses on mixing fun and precision with the game of ice hockey.

  • What people are saying: "Took my 16-year-old son here and was delighted to see how much fun he was having shredding up the ice. Definitely keeping this as an after-school activity for him," said Janice B in a Yelp review.
  • Hot tip: The Washington Capitals classes expect your child to already know how to skate before they join on-ice hockey classes. Make sure you have them in generic skating classes before they fine-tune their skills with the Washington Capitals.
  • Address: Location varies based on program
  • Contact: (202) 266-2200

MedStar Capitals Iceplex

MedStar's hockey program works directly with the Washington Capitals. With a plethora of clinics and development programs, MedStar is an inclusive and supportive space to pick up the sport of ice hockey.

  • What people are saying: "I want to give a special thanks to Ben Kwon of the hockey department. He has been exceptional with my son both on and off the ice. His mentorship and instruction has made my son a better player and young person," shared Alan P in a Google review.
  • Hot tip: They have a dedicated league for training women, which might be a good option if you don't love the idea of co-ed training.
  • Address: 627 N. Glebe Road, Suite 800, Arlington, VA
  • Contact: (571) 224-0555

SkateQuest

Reston's premier twin-rink ice center has been a fixture in the community for more than 30 years, offering everything from Learn to Skate group lessons and stick-and-puck sessions to competitive hockey through the Reston Raiders youth program and Future Caps Learn to Play partnership. SkateQuest has also helped train elite talent, including U.S. figure skating champion Ilia Malinin, making it a serious option for families with skaters who want to push past the basics. They were also named a Washington Parent Picks finalist in both Hockey & Skating and Skating Rinks.

  • What people are saying: "Our child had a great experience at SkateQuest's Summer Ice Skating Camp. The rink is clean and well maintained, and the camp is well organized, with a daily schedule of ice lessons, games, crafts/activities and free skate opportunities. We also liked that this camp had an aftercare option until 5 p.m. and the availability of a daily hot lunch for purchase," said Theresa C on Yelp.
  • Hot tip: With two full ice sheets, a pro shop and on-site café, SkateQuest is built for families spending a long day at the rink — but its popularity with serious skaters means lesson and league spots can fill up fast, especially for younger age groups.
  • Address: 1800 Michael Faraday Court, Reston, VA
  • Contact: (703) 709-1010

MARYLAND

Rockville Ice Arena

Rockville Ice Arena's Learn to Play Hockey program gives beginners the skills, confidence and excitement they need to get started. With expert instruction and a fun, supportive environment, players learn the fundamentals of skating, stickhandling, passing and shooting. The program is for kids who have some ice skating experience.

  • What people are saying: "I play hockey there. The staff are super nice! I would recommend it. Sometimes they turn the hockey rink into a roller skating rink," said Aaron C on Yelp.
  • Hot tip: If you are planning on enrolling your child into one of the seasonal camps instead of regular classes, sign up fast because spots fill up quickly, and so does the waitlist.
  • Address: 50 Southlawn Court, Rockville, MD
  • Contact: (301) 315-5650

Gardens Ice House

With five ice rinks — one Olympic-size and two NHL-size rinks — Gardens Ice House has the best facilities and classes to help transform your ice hockey skills. Start your Saturday morning by lacing up your skates and refining your skills.

  • What people are saying: "Skated in a large hockey tournament, the rink took great care of the players and I could tell they had good training. Pro shops are well stocked with plenty of staff. Three ice rinks on site, lots of spectator seating," said Jack S on Tripadvisor.
  • Hot tip: Gardens Ice House has a separate program to teach children how to skate.
  • Address: 13800 Old Gunpowder Road, Laurel, MD
  • Contact: (301) 953-0100

Cabin John Ice Rink

Montgomery Parks' flagship ice facility is the largest county-run ice complex in the DC metro area, with three rinks, including NHL, Olympic and studio rinks — under one roof. Cabin John offers a full slate of programming for young skaters, including Learn to Skate group lessons, Future Caps Learn to Play partner sessions, youth hockey leagues, Stick 'n Puck and Pickup Hockey sessions, and figure skating instruction, all backed by a pro shop, café and party rooms on site. Cabin John Ice Rink was named a Washington Parent Picks finalist in the category of Hockey & Skating.

  • What people are saying: "Really brought back memories of skating as a kid. There are two rinks. One was being used for hockey, the other for public skating. Nice warming room with food for sale," Tim said on Tripadvisor.
  • Hot tip: With three rinks running simultaneously, Cabin John rarely has the scheduling conflicts smaller single-sheet rinks face between lessons, league practice and public skating — a real advantage for families juggling multiple kids or activities in one visit.
  • Address: 10610 Westlake Drive, Rockville, MD
  • Contact: (301) 765-8620

WASHINGTON, DC

Fort Dupont Ice Arena

The historic home of the Fort Dupont Ice Hockey Club has turned into a sanctuary for younger kids, ages 5 and older, in teaching them how to hone their skills on the ice. Focusing on beginner skaters with their Kids on Ice program, Fort Dupont Ice Arena is a great place to get started with the sport in the heart of DC.

  • What people are saying: "We love Fort Dupont Ice Arena! All of our girls are involved (whether skating or coaching). The staff is absolutely incredible. The coaches and volunteers are dedicated to their craft. It's simply a joy to be at the rink. You will feel at home when you walk through the doors," shared Tomeka G on Facebook.
  • Hot tip: Their Kids on Ice program offers a plethora of ice-based sports.
  • Address: 3779 Ely Place SE, Washington, DC
  • Contact: (202) 204-2290