Vindico Arena
BEST FOR
Ages 0+
WHERE
Cardiff
What it’s like
A full-size ice rink in Cardiff with public skate sessions, Ice Discos and toddler bob skates for the wobbly ones.
The rink itself is Olympic-sized, so there's proper room to get going once you're past the wall-hugging stage. Sessions run 1.5 hours and cover everything from straightforward public skating to Ice Disco nights and Learn to Skate courses, plus figure skating training for anyone taking it more seriously. Skates come in adult sizes down to infant 7, and below that there are bob skates for toddler feet, so even the very small ones can have a go.
The catch worth knowing before you book: under-11s need an adult out on the ice with them unless they've hit Skate UK Level 5, and any child under 13 needs an adult somewhere in the building the whole time regardless. That second rule is a proper faff if you were hoping to drop off a ten-year-old and go shopping, so plan the visit around having an adult free for the full session. Online booking is the sensible route too, since sessions cap out and walk-ins without a booking risk being turned away, though you can book in house for a £2 fee if you get caught out.
There's a café on site doing pizza, nachos and chips, plus vending machines dotted about if that's more your speed. Wheelchairs are allowed on the ice itself and the building has lifts to both levels, which is more than a lot of rinks manage. Bags bigger than A4 aren't allowed in and lockers are limited, so travel light or you'll be juggling coats on the barrier.
Birthday parties get their own area with admission, skate hire and pizza and chips thrown in, running the same 1.5 hours as everything else. It's open every day from 6am to midnight, which is a wide window for a rink and means early birds and night owls are both catered for.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Open to all ages, though under-13s need an adult with them throughout
- Booking
- Online booking recommended to secure spot
- Food
- Onsite café with pizzas, nachos, chips and drinks
- Wheelchairs
- Fully accessible. Wheelchairs permitted on ice
- Dogs
- Assistance dogs welcome on match nights
- Getting there by bus or train
- Cogan station (Barry Island line) - 10 minute walk
- Parties
- Birthday parties with admission, skate hire, pizza and chips, party area
- Bags bigger than A4 aren't allowed in and lockers are limited, so pack light
- Bob skates cover toddler feet too small for the standard infant size 7 skates
- Skate sharpening can be booked online, taking anywhere from 1 to 48 hours
- Assistance dogs are welcome on match nights if you notify the box office in advance
- Advanced skaters wanting spins or jumps need a Patch session rather than a public one
Plan your visit
How long is a session?
1.5 hours, whether it's public skating, the disco session or a party.
Do we need to book?
Booking online is strongly recommended since sessions fill up and you might not get in without one. You can book in house on the day but there's a £2 fee per transaction.
Is skate hire included?
Not with general admission unless you pick the option with skate hire included. It's included with family tickets, Disco Sessions and Learn to Skate courses.
What age can skate?
No minimum age listed, and there are bob skates for toddlers too small for infant size 7 skates. Under-11s need an adult on the ice with them though.
Do I need to stay while my child skates?
If they're under 13, yes, an adult has to be in the arena the whole time for safeguarding reasons. Under-11s specifically need an adult on the ice with them too.
Can wheelchair users get on the ice?
Wheelchairs are permitted on the ice and the building has lifts to both levels. It's worth contacting them ahead of your visit to sort any extra requirements.
What's there to eat?
An onsite café does pizza, nachos and chips, and there are vending machines around the building. The bar opens on match nights and for private hire.
Can we do birthday parties there?
Parties get admission, skate hire, pizza and chips and their own party area, running for 1.5 hours. It's £180 for 10 guests or £300 for 20.
What should we wear?
Warm layers, thick socks and gloves. Helmets may be needed for lessons depending on age.
What are the opening hours?
Every day, 6am to midnight.
How do we get there without a car?
Cogan station on the Barry Island line is about a 10 minute walk, and there's a taxi drop-off at the front.
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