Halloween is over. The pumpkin patches are closed. What now? What to do in Kansas City? Well, just in time, outdoor ice skating is back!

Everyone’s traditional favorite - the Crown Center Ice Terrace - opens on Friday, November 7, 2008. It will be open Sunday thru Thursday, 10am to 9pm and Friday and Saturday, 10am to 11pm - for the months of November, December and January. Hours for February and March are 10am to 9pm. Admission is $6 (free for those under five or over 60). Skate rental is $3. Tuesday nights are two-for-one admission after 5pm.

I am really excited for the November 7th opening of The Ice at Park Place in Leawood. This new mixed-use development just north of Town Center Plaza on Nall will host Johnson County’s only outdoor ice skating rink. Thru January 4, the hours are: Monday thru Thursday, 11am to 10pm; Friday and Saturday, 11am to 11pm; Sunday, 12pm to 8pm. Admission is $6 (kids under five are free Monday thru Thursday 11am to 3pm). Skate rental is $3. (There is a sneak preview event on Thursday, November 6th from 4pm to 9pm - a percentage of the proceeds from the ice rink, Ingredient, California Pizza Kitchen and The Learning Tree will benefit the Blue Valley Education Foundation.)

And if it’s just too cold for you to skate outside, you can always find a fun public skate at one of the Kansas City metro’s indoor ice rinks. Pepsi Ice Midwest at 135th and Quivira in Overland Park has public skates most Friday and Saturday nights as well as Sunday afternoons. Admission is $7.50 (7 and under admitted for $5.50). Skate rental is $3.50. If you have an Entertainment coupon book, check for special coupons!

Ice Sports on Johnson Drive in Shawnee offers public skating Monday thru Saturday from 12pm to 2pm and on Sunday from 4pm to 6pm. Admission is $6 and skate rental is $2.

Line Creek Ice Arena in Kansas City north has Friday evening public skating from 8pm to 10pm and Saturday afternoon public skating from 2pm to 4pm. There are also public skate times on every other day (except Sunday) at various times of day. Check the website for details. Admission is $5 and skate rental is $2.