SkateQuest is one of those places plenty of locals know exists, but many families do not visit until a kid asks to skate, a friend invites them to a party, or winter weather makes everyone crave an indoor activity. It’s a year-round ice facility in Reston with two rinks, public skating sessions, learn-to-skate classes, figure skating coaching, and a big hockey community.
It’s also tied to a name that has brought fresh attention to local skating: Ilia Malinin. He trained at SkateQuest, and as his profile has grown, the ripple effect locally is real. More curiosity. More kids wanting to try. More families Googling “learn to skate Reston.”
This guide is designed to be practical. You’ll find what SkateQuest offers, who it’s for, what to expect on a first visit, current public skate session times, current public skate pricing, and a couple of small tips that make the experience easier.
Where SkateQuest is (and why it works for Reston and Herndon)
SkateQuest is located at 1800 Michael Faraday Ct in Reston. If you want the quickest way to get there, use these Google Maps directions to SkateQuest.
It’s close to the Dulles Toll Road corridor and sits in an area that’s typically easier to drive in and out of than a busy retail center. That’s part of its appeal, especially for weeknight practices and weekend activities when a little less chaos helps.
For official contact details, SkateQuest keeps address and phone updated on their contact page.
Why Ilia Malinin and SkateQuest feel so local
Ilia Malinin’s story lands differently when it’s connected to a place you can actually go. SkateQuest has highlighted that world-class athletes train there, and locally that turns into something simple and motivating: a serious pathway can start in the same building where beginners are taking their first cautious laps.
If you want an authoritative overview of Malinin’s skating background, his Team USA profile is the cleanest reference.
A quick bit of perspective that’s worth saying out loud: the point is not “your kid will become an Olympian.” The point is that Reston has a facility where both everyday community skating and elite training can coexist. That’s pretty special.
What SkateQuest offers (the clear overview)
SkateQuest is a schedule-driven facility. That matters because the most common first-timer mistake is showing up at a random time expecting open skating.
Here’s how to think about what they offer.
Public skating (Open Skate)
Public skate is the easy entry point if you want a fun outing with zero commitment. SkateQuest posts public skate times and public skate pricing on their official Public Events page, and they note that schedules can change, so it’s smart to verify before you go.
As listed on SkateQuest’s official pages, current public skate pricing is:
Public skate admission: $10
Skate rental: $4
SkateQuest’s listed public skate times are:
Wednesday and Friday: 11:40 AM to 1:00 PM
Friday evening: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Saturday: 1:10 PM to 3:00 PM
Sunday: 3:10 PM to 5:10 PM
You can confirm both pricing and session times here: SkateQuest public skate info and their calendar page.
Learn to Skate USA (Group lessons)
If your goal is actual progress, SkateQuest’s Learn to Skate program is the logical next step. It’s built around level progression, which makes it easier for families (and adults) to understand what “beginner” really means and what comes next.
Start with SkateQuest’s official overview here: Learn to Skate at SkateQuest.
If you want the national program context (useful for readers comparing rinks), here’s the official Learn to Skate USA site.
Figure skating coaching and private lessons
Once a skater has basics down, private lessons can help with faster feedback and skill development. SkateQuest outlines how private lessons work and what to expect on their private lessons page. They also maintain a list of coaches and guest coaches here: SkateQuest coaches.
Hockey programs and the local youth hockey scene
SkateQuest supports a big hockey community. For local youth hockey, the Reston Raiders skate out of SkateQuest. Their official site is a solid starting point if you’re trying to understand programs and age groups: Reston Raiders Hockey Club.
SkateQuest also posts adult pickup hockey details and rules on the same hub as public skate, which is helpful if you’re exploring options: SkateQuest public events.
Events, parties, and other offerings
SkateQuest runs special events and offers parties and group options. The best “what’s happening right now” place to check is their calendar and the public events page.
What to expect on a first visit
A first visit goes better when you plan around how rinks actually operate.
Public skate happens in specific time blocks. Outside those blocks, the ice is often reserved for lessons, practice sessions, or hockey. That’s normal, and it’s why it’s worth checking the schedule right before you leave.
Here are a few expectations that help first-timers:
Weekends can be busy. Beginners and confident skaters share the ice.
Rentals take time. Fitting, tying, and re-tying is part of the process.
The first 10 minutes are usually the hardest. Once people settle in, it gets a lot more fun.
A couple of small, local-feeling tips that tend to be true here:
Gloves matter more than people expect, even for adults. Cold hands end sessions early.
For brand-new skaters, a shorter first visit is often better. Leave while everyone still feels good, then come back.
Public skate vs. lessons: how to choose
This is the most common question families ask once they’ve done one public skate session.
Choose public skate if:
You want a simple outing with no commitment.
You’re not sure if your child even likes skating yet.
You’re treating it like a fun indoor activity.
Choose Learn to Skate if:
Your child keeps asking to go back and wants to improve.
You want structure and week-to-week progress.
You like the clarity of levels and coach guidance.
Consider private lessons if:
A skater is motivated and wants faster feedback.
Scheduling group lessons is difficult.
You’re working toward figure skating goals or hockey skating development.
For most families, a great sequence is:
One public skate session to test interest.
Then Learn to Skate if they want to keep going.
This page is the clearest “start here” for lessons: Learn to Skate at SkateQuest.
Planning tips that make SkateQuest easier
These are the small things that remove friction, especially if you’re coming from elsewhere in Reston, Herndon, or nearby neighborhoods.
Tip 1: Confirm the schedule right before you go
SkateQuest is explicit that schedules can change based on facility events. Use their official pages:
Contact page if you need to double-check something quickly
Tip 2: Pick the right session for beginners
If you’re bringing first-timers, weekday daytime public skate often feels calmer than weekends. SkateQuest lists Wednesday and Friday midday sessions on their official schedule, and those can be a good “training wheels” option for nervous beginners.
Weekends are still great. Just go in expecting more people on the ice.
Why SkateQuest matters for Reston and Herndon beyond skating
A lot gets said about Reston’s trails, lakes, and parks, and all of that is true. But there’s another layer to local quality of life: year-round places where you can show up, move your body, and plug into community.
SkateQuest is one of those anchors. It works for kids, teens, adults, and families. It’s a steady option when the weather is messy, when daylight disappears early, or when you just want a plan that is active and close to home.
And when a skater like Ilia Malinin brings attention to the rink, it’s a good reminder that some of the most interesting local stories are happening in places you drive past without realizing what’s inside.
Before you go: a quick checklist
If you want the lowest-friction first visit:
Confirm session times and pricing on the official public events page.
Decide whether you’re doing public skate or lessons so you arrive at the right time.
Bring gloves and wear comfortable layers.
Arrive early if you need rentals.
If you’re considering lessons, read SkateQuest’s program overview first so you choose the right pathway: Learn to Skate at SkateQuest.
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