The “Area’s Smallest Public Ice Rink” is set to reopen today as the Milwaukee Public Market, located outdoors on the north side of the public market building in the market’s surface parking lot.
The Dinky Rink will be free of charge and will reopen for operation starting Friday, January 19, with 90-minute time slots available by reservation only.
A ceremonial “first skate” will be done by beloved Milwaukee Admirals mascot, Roscoe, on Friday, January 19 at 9:00 a.m., followed by a stroll inside the market building to take photos with fans.
Those who register to skate at the Dinky Rink will also receive complimentary Admirals merchandise while supplies last.
Measuring roughly 950 square feet, the Dinky Rink features a covered “farm shed” area for seating, ice curling, outdoor heaters, and access to food and drink options from public market vendors.
The Dinky Rink offers a quaint setting for families and friends to have their own ice-skating rink for parties or family outings.
The Dinky Rink will be open during general market operating hours to people ages 3-years-old and older. Reservations will be taken online. Attendees will be required to bring their own skates to the rink, which will operate as long as Mother Nature allows.
“Developing fun and unique amenities during the winter months only adds to the experience at the market and the greater Historic Third Ward neighborhood,” said Paul Schwartz, executive director of the Public Market and Business Improvement District #2.
“Whether it’s a group of friends enjoying an outside winter activity, a date night for a couple dining out, or a family encouraging the kids to enjoy the outdoors, The Dinky Rink’s audience has been wide ranging and enjoyed by many.”
For more details about the Milwaukee Public Market, please visit MilwaukeePublicMarket.org or call 414-336-1111.
In 2013, Calie Herbst, a former teacher with three little ones, saw a need for a “One Stop Shop” for family fun in Milwaukee. So she founded Milwaukee With Kids. Her goal was to find the best this city has to offer families and share it with other parents. In one place.
In 2019, she published “Exploring Milwaukee WIth Kids”, a comprehensive Milwaukee travel guide for families and kids.
She appears regularly on WISN News, Fox 6’s ‘Real Milwaukee’, B93.3, and Wisconsin Morning News. She has been featured in Medium, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, NPR, the Wisconsin Jewish Chronicle, and on CBS 58 News.
Calie is available for hosting, moderating and media appearances.