Going Out Guide, Dec. 1: Washington area's outdoor skating rinks

The bad news is that the skating rink in the National Gallery of Art's Sculpture Garden is closed until further notice. The good news is that there are plenty of other outdoor rinks in the area. Although they might not provide the scenic backdrop afforded by the Mall, they do offer a chance to feel the winter chill nipping at your nose with the sound of fresh ice creaking underfoot.

Maryland

GLEN BURNIE TOWN CENTER SKATING RINK

Two-hour skating sessions begin every hour; learn-to-skate sessions and private lessons are also available through February. $6.50, $5.50 for age 12 and younger and 55 and older; skate rental $3. 103C N. Crain Hwy., Glen Burnie. 410-590-5990. http://www.glenburnieiceskating.com. Hours: Monday-Thursday 1 to 9 p.m.; Friday noon to 10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

HERBERT WELLS ICE RINK

This partially enclosed rink has a roof but is open at one end, allowing the cold air to get you in the skating mood on winter days and nights, through March. $7 on Saturdays, $6 on Fridays and $4 the rest of the week; prices include skate rental. 5211 Paint Branch Pkwy., College Park (Metro: College Park). 301-277-3717. http://www.pgparks.com. Hours: Monday-Thursday noon to 3:30 p.m.; Friday noon to 5:15 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m.; Saturday 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m.; and Sunday 1 to 3 p.m.

QUIET WATERS PARK ICE SKATING RINK

Public skating sessions, including special sessions for seniors on Wednesdays and cheap-skate sessions on Thursdays ($4), are the hallmarks of this outdoor rink, through mid-March. $6, $5 for age 60 and older and 12 and younger; free for age 3 and younger; skate rental $3. 600 Quiet Waters Park Rd., Annapolis. 410-222-1711. http://www.aacounty.org/recparks. Hours: Monday and Wednesday-Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Sunday and holidays 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Closed Tuesday.

Virginia

HARRIS PAVILION ICE RINK