Here are some free Milwaukee-area outdoor ice skating rinks to try this winter

The cold weather is finally upon us ― kind of. Even though some weeks, it is subzero and then the temperature can creep to over 40 degrees the next week, ice skating, when the weather cooperates, is still a fun winter activity.

For those who enjoy ice skating and doing some outdoor exercise in the winter, there are many ice skating rinks or pop-up ice rinks in the area.

Make sure to check the availability of outdoor rinks in the winter. Their hours and whether they are open are dependent on the temperature. Many post this information on Facebook. It is also essential to follow all rules and safety protocols while at the rink.

From Franklin to Milwaukee to Waukesha — here are some free outdoor rinks to check out this winter. This list may not include all the outdoor rinks, but these are a few to get you started. Information is current as of Dec. 28.

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Sussex Civic Center Ice Rink, Sussex

This Civic Center Ice Rink in Sussex is open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

There are restrooms available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There are no ice skate rentals so you need to bring your own. There is also a designated area to remove and put on skates before entering the rink.

Location: N64 W23760 Main St. in front of the Sussex Civic Center

For more information and updates: villagesussex.org/services/ice-rink.

Lisbon Ice Rink

The outdoor ice rink, at Lisbon Community Park, is lighted until 9 p.m. There are no ice skate rentals so it is necessary to bring your own skates.

Location: Lisbon Community Park, N78 W26970 Bartlett Parkway, Lisbon

For more information or for updates: https://www.facebook.com/lisbonwi

Slice of Ice in Red Arrow Park, Milwaukee

At Slice of Ice in Red Arrow Park, you can skate outside while seeing the Milwaukee city views in the background. There is also an on-site Starbucks with a fireplace for a warming place.

Skate rentals are available from toddler size 8 to women's size 11 and men's size 14. For rentals for age 18 and older, the cost is $10 and for 17 and younger, the cost is $8 each time.

For ice skate sharpening, the cost is $6. There is also a skater helper that is used to provide balance for new ice skaters. These can be rented for only $1. A $5 refundable deposit or a photo I.D. is also required. Ice sleds for skaters with mobility impairments are free on a first-come, first-served basis.

The rink is open from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday with ice skate rentals beginning at 2 p.m. The ice rink is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday with ice skate rentals beginning at 2 p.m. and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday with ice skate rentals beginning at 11 a.m. On Sunday, the rink is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. with ice skate rentals beginning at 11 a.m.

For the holiday hours, the rink is open from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Dec. 26 to Dec. 31 with ice skate rentals beginning at 10 a.m.; from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Jan. 1 with ice skate rentals beginning at 10 a.m. and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Jan. 2 with ice skate rentals beginning at 11 a.m.

Location: 920 N. Water St.

For more information and updates: Visit bit.ly/sliceofice.

The Dan Jansen Family Fest Rink in Greenfield

The Dan Jansen Family Fest Rink in Greenfield has free skate rentals and free skate trainers on a first come, first served basis. There is a limited supply of skate sizes available, so it is recommended to bring your own if possible. There is a warming area with concessions available during the hours of operation.

The hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday and noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The facility will be closed on January 27-28 for the Konkel Cup.

Location: Konkel Park, 5151 W. Layton Ave., Greenfield

For more information and for updates: Call the cancellation line at 414-297-9008 or visit the rink website for more information bit.ly/konkelice.

Ice skating in Waukesha

In Waukesha, the city operates two outdoor ice rinks. Lowell Park ice rink is open, city officials confirmed, while the Buchner Ice Rink is not yet ready to be open. It should open dependent on the weather.

The rink is open all day, skating is free and there are no skate rentals available.

A warming shelter is open from noon to 3 p.m. Sundays at Buchner Park.

Location: Lowell Park is at 2201 Michigan Ave. in Waukesha and the Buchner Park Ice Skating rink is at 223 Oakland Ave. in Waukesha.

For more information and updates: Call 262-524-3737

WaterStone Bank Ice Rink (border of Milwaukee and Wauwatosa)

This ice rink is open from sunrise until 9 p.m.

Location: 6420 W. Clark St. at Center Street Park, Milwaukee

For more information and for updates: Visit www.centerstreetpark.org/ice-rink

The Lake Park ice rink - Milwaukee

The Lake Park ice rink is right near Lake Michigan where one can ice skate and see the lake.

Location: Near Lake Park playground and tennis courts, 2975 N. Lake Park Road

For more information and for updates: www.facebook.com/lLakeParkFriends.

The Humboldt Park Lagoon, Milwaukee

The Humboldt Park Lagoon is open for ice skating every day if conditions are safe and when the ice is ready. Lights are on from 4 to 10 p.m. Check its Facebook page to see when the ice is ready.

Location: 3000 S. Howell Ave., Milwaukee

For more information and updates: Find Humboldt Park Milwaukee on Facebook.

Riverwest People's Ice Rink, Milwaukee

The Riverwest People's Ice Rink has already been open this season. It is located in one of Milwaukee's historic neighborhoods.

Location: 3129 N Bremen St., Milwaukee

For more information and updates: Visit https://www.facebook.com/riverwestpeoplesicerink

The ice rink at Lions Legend Park, Franklin

The ice rink at Lions Legend Park in Franklin is a new outdoor ice rink. It is open all day until dusk.

Location: 8717 W. Drexel Ave., Franklin

For more information and updates: Find the Franklin Community Forum on Facebook

Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @kozlowicz_cathy

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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Here are some free Milwaukee-area outdoor ice skating rinks to try