Steinberg Skating Rink, the largest outdoor ice skating rink in the Midwest, attracts St. Louis residents from every age group in search of inexpensive winter entertainment. And, for once, the locals are enjoying the cold.

Located on the east side of Forest Park, the rink provides skaters with a bustling environment for recreational fun.

“The rink attracts about 35,000 people annually, but that is just an estimate,” said Annie Kasal, rink operator of the Steinberg Skating Rink. “It really just depends on what kind of weather we get each year.”

Kasal believes that the rink’s chief selling point is its atmosphere.

“The fact that the rink is outside in such a picturesque park really makes it magical,” she said. “It is especially magical when snow is coming down . . . It feels like a winter wonderland.”

Even when the weather doesn’t cooperate in the form of snow, the rink managers try to use music to get people in a good mood.

“We always have fun music playing on the ice,” Kasal said. “From Thanksgiving to Jan. 1, we play holiday music. The rest of the time we just play pop music that is age-appropriate.”

Kasal is quick to add that even those too afraid to brave the ice can have a good time relaxing and keeping warm.

“There is a bonfire outside and plenty of warming area inside,” she said. “If you are not skating, you do not need to pay admission. There is a concession area available to watch skaters from inside. Grandparents come and sometimes prefer a warm area to watch skaters from.”

This year is the rink’s 51st year and it has recently had a $1.4 million renovation of the outdoor facility.

“Most of the renovations include stuff you can’t see. There was a new refrigeration system put in that runs under the ice,” Kasal said.

Kasal thinks the rink has something to offer for people of all ages.

“The rink attracts the young and the old, and all in between,” she said. “It’s a fun place to be no matter what age you are. If you’re young, it makes you feel old. It you’re old, it makes you feel young.”

The rink is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until midnight.

“We never close once we are opened [beginning in mid-November], regardless of the weather and temperature,” said Kasal.

The ice skating rink is open every day, even holidays, until March 1.

Admission for adults is $6.50, a dollar cheaper for children 12 and under, and it covers a whole day of skating. Season passes are also available. Skate rentals are available for the price of $2.50.

For more information about the rink, including hours and a list of group booking rates visit www.steinbergiceskatingrink.com.