The Sprayground is closed due to unexpected maintenance. The Splash Pad remains open.  

Events

Sensory-Friendly Day at Downtown Cary Park's Skating Rink

Get ready to glide into the holiday magic at our Downtown Cary Park skating rink! Winter fun awaits amidst festive cheer!
Jan 2, 2024
4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Register Now
Get ready to glide into the holiday magic at our Downtown Cary Park skating rink! Winter fun awaits amidst festive cheer!

Experience the magic of the holidays at Downtown Cary Park's enchanting skating rink. We're thrilled to announce a special occasion at our Park's skating rink - an exclusive session on January 2 tailored for our incredible guests who cherish a sensory-friendly experience!

At Downtown Cary Park, we believe in creating moments that cater to everyone, ensuring everyone can revel in the joy of gliding on the rink without any sensory overload. On this special day, the rink will transform into a haven of tranquility and comfort, offering a serene environment for individuals and families who benefit from a sensory-friendly setting.

Imagine being surrounded by a gentle ambiance, where lights are softened, music is tuned to a soothing level, and the atmosphere is calm and welcoming. Capacity on the rink will be lowered to offer more space between guests and sensory bags are available upon request. It's an opportunity to skate, laugh, and make memories in an environment designed to accommodate diverse sensory needs. Skating and skate rentals are absolutely free!

Please note, this is NOT a drop off event. Parents and guardians must stay with their child the entire time. Also, our skating rink will still be open to the public. RSVPs on Eventbrite do not guarantee you a space on the rink, they just help the Park estimate attendance. Please come prepared to still have to wait in line if necessary.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

  • The Skating Rink is outdoors, so dress for the weather.
  • There are 5 individual bathroom areas and 24 total public toilets throughout the Park.
  • For water, there are four bottle filling stations located at various locations throughout the Park.
  • The Park has two food and beverage facilities. The Bark Bar will serve beer and wine as well as non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks. Market 317, located in Academy Pavilion, is an elevated grab and go style café that will offer delicious wraps, sandwiches, charcuterie boards and more.
  • Guests can bring their own food into the Park, but outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

TICKETS:

The Skating Rink is free to attend, and tickets are not required (though you may still need to wait in line). RSVPs help us plan for how many people to expect and you can receive important event updates. As a reminder, all children must be accompanied by an adult during the entire program.

LOCATION/DIRECTIONS:

  • The Skating Rink will be in the Park Street Arena within Downtown Cary Park, along E. Park St. Upon entering the Park, follow posted park directional signs that lead to the Park Street Court and Arena. The line starts in Park Street Court.
  • The closest Park entrance to the Park Street Arena is from E. Park St/S Walker St.

PARKING:

  • There is an accessible parking deck located behind the Cary Regional Library (113 Walnut St, Cary, NC 27511). Additionally, parking is available in the parking lot on Charlie Gaddy Lane (Old Library Site), at designated street parking throughout Downtown, and at the Town Hall Parking Deck (121 Wilkinson Ave, Cary, NC 27513).
  • A rideshare drop-off location for the Park is available on S. Walker St. near The Walker Apartment building.
  • Make the most of the free GoCary bus service to easily access the Park. All eight GoCary bus routes conveniently connect at the Cary Depot, which is less than half a mile from the Park. If you prefer not to walk, simply board either bus Route 5 – Kildaire Farm or Route 6 – Buck Jones at the Cary Depot and hop off at the S Academy St at Downtown Cary Park bus stop, right in front of the park entrance. To plan your trip or access the GoCary Ride Guide please visit GoCary.org.

WEATHER/CANCELLATIONS:

If we need to postpone or cancel due to inclement weather, low attendance, or instructor cancellation, we will communicate through Eventbrite email. Downtown Cary Park has the right to cancel programs onsite if severe weather impacts the program or poses a safety risk.

QUESTIONS?:

  • Contact Guest Services at 919-469-4000 or downtownparkevents@carync.gov
  • Guest Services is open Monday – Saturday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. and Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

INCLUSION SERVICES:

Downtown Cary Park strives to provide a positive experience for all guests. Our goal is to accommodate you and meet your individual needs. Please fill out the event accessibility form here and a staff member will be in contact with you.