It’s Back – Try Hockey For FREE!

Try Hockey For Free Day is back on Saturday, October 3, 2026! Kids ages 4 to 9 can get out on the ice and try hockey at no cost, with coaches on hand the whole time. No experience needed, and no equipment of your own required.

This is the easiest way I know of to find out whether your kid actually loves hockey before you spend a dollar on it. The rinks cap how many kids they can take and registration is required, so grab a spot now rather than the week of.

Where To Try Hockey For Free in Hampton Roads

Location: Iceland of Hampton Roads, 4915 Broad St, Virginia Beach, VA 23452

• When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 11am to 12pm. Register Here

Location: Chilled Ponds at Yorktown, 401 Village Avenue, Yorktown, VA 23693

• When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 10 to 11am. Register Here

Location: Chilled Ponds Ice & Turf Sports Complex, 1416 Stephanie Way, Chesapeake, VA 23320

• When: Saturday, October 3, 2026 from 8 to 9am. Register Here

What To Know Before You Go

A few things worth sorting out ahead of time so the morning goes smoothly:

• Ages 4 to 9. That is the window USA Hockey sets for these clinics.
• It really is free. There is no cost to register and no cost on the day.
• Ask about gear. Most rinks have equipment available for use during this event, but always check your confirmation email or call ahead about what your child needs to bring. A helmet and warm layers are always a safe bet.
• Get there early. Wrestling a first-timer into skates and pads takes longer than you would think, and you do not want to be the family still lacing up when the ice time starts.

Can’t make October 3? The next Try Hockey For Free Day on USA Hockey’s national calendar is Saturday, February 27, 2027. Local rink times for that one usually go up closer to the date, so check back with us after the new year.

If your child takes to it, we keep a running list of Ice Hockey Youth Programs in Hampton Roads so you can find a learn to play program or a house league near you.

Looking for something on grass instead? Here are the local Field Hockey Youth Programs in Hampton Roads.

Times and available spots can change, so please confirm with the rink before you head out.