Slide into winter: These Lee’s Summit skating and sledding spots offer family fun

Looking for Lee’s Summit outdoor activities this winter? Should Mother Nature decide to drop a bit of snow, Lee’s Summit is home to the popular “sled hill” at Chipman Road and Douglas Street.

Sled Hill, located on city property, has been the go-to spot for sledders since the previous century.

Another Lee’s Summit slope was among locations featured earlier this year in KC Parent’s “Best Sledding Hills in Kansas City.” The article highlighted a hill at Delta Woods Middle School, 4401 N.E. Lakewood Way, as one of the readers’ favorites in the metro area.

But nobody has to wait for snow to enjoy Summit Ice, an outdoor skating rink that draws many to eastern Jackson County.

The rink, which first opened in 2018, began its current season in November and will be open through Feb. 25. When the temperatures begin warming, the rink is converted into pickleball courts.

Summit Ice, operated by Lee’s Summit Parks & Recreation, has increased in popularity since its launch. Close to 16,000 skaters enjoy the ice each year, according to Joe Snook, Parks & Rec administrator.

“Summit Ice isn’t just a place that families visit once a year,” Snook said. “It’s a fun place for families to hang out for a reasonable price. Many patrons and families visit more than once a year, taking advantage of our season passes.”

The 80-by-100-foot ice rink, at Lea McKeighan Park North, provides a frozen surface even when temperatures are well above freezing.

To help visitors stay warm, Summit Ice offers fire pits and stand-alone heaters, as well as s’mores and hot chocolate. During the holiday season, the rink features Christmas lights and a tree, as well as a new attraction: a selfie station. Restrooms and a concession stand are also available.

The rink is available for public skating, hockey and skating lessons, birthday parties, and pond hockey. Public skating is $8 for Lee’s Summit residents and $11 for non-residents. Summer Ice also offers skate rentals for $3, skate trainer equipment for $4 and helmets for $4.

Snook notes that pond hockey is very popular and can sometimes draw nearly 50 participants per session.

For more information about Summit Ice, go here.