Plaza WinterFest
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Bumper Car Hours of Operation
Wednesdays – Saturdays: 12:00pm – 3:00pm & 4:00pm – 7:00pm
*Operations are weather permitting. Follow our social media or visit our webpage for updates and closures.
Rates & Ticketing
Purchasing Tickets
- Tickets must be purchased on-site only at our WinterFest trailer.
- Rides are first come, first serve. We do not take reservations or ticket sales in advance.
- $5 with valid Harvard ID. HUID must be presented at time of purchase to receive Harvard affiliate rate. ID name and photo must match the purchaser. HUID holders are allowed up to purchase up to 5 tickets with guests to receive Harvard rate.
- $10 for general public. Allowed to purchase up to 5 tickets.
- Accepted payments: Credit and Debit card (cash and check not accepted)
- Due to demand, we DO NOT currently offer group reservations or private parties for Bumper Cars and Fire Pits.
Refunds
- Due to the seasonal nature of this amenity, please understand that we are unable to provide refunds.
*Ticket sales will be paused daily during lunch break from 2:30pm - 4pm.
**Ticket sales end nightly at 6:30pm.
FAQs
What are Ice Bumper Cars?
- A winter take on the traditional amusement park bumper car, combining the thrill of bumping into other cars with the excitement of gliding across the ice.
Is There Parking?
- There is no onsite parking due to the nature of the plaza space. Metered parking is available on surrounding streets and throughout Harvard Square.
How Many People Can Ride in One Car?
- One person per car, per ticket.
- Riders must be ages 7+, at least 48" tall, and a max weight of 300 lbs.
- Riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for ticket purchase and to complete a ride waiver.
What if There is Inclement Weather?
- In the event of inclement weather, all operations will be closed for the day. Please visit us on our social media or webpage for up-to-date information for closures. Alternatively, please call our office at (617) 495-6916 or email us at commonspaces.harvard.edu for all inquiries.
Do You Offer Group Reservations or Private Parties?
- Due to demand, we DO NOT currently offer group reservations or private parties for Bumper Cars and Fire Pits.
Do You Offer Bag Storage?
- Our locked storage container is available for storing small bags and personal items for ticket holders for the duration of their ride.
- Bags must be removed at the end of each ride.
- Use the storage container at your own risk. Harvard and its employees are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
Rider's Code of Responsibility & Waiver
Ice bumper cars are meant to be a fun and enjoyable experience for all. Please abide by the following rules to help ensure a wonderful experience for all. Staff reserves the right to remove any rider from the ice for rule violations or endangering themselves or others.
- Read and abide by all signage.
- Follow announcements and obey instructions of staff.
- Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Flat, closed-toe shoes must be worn to enter the ice and operate the car.
- Each rider must sign a waiver at ticket purchase. Riders between the age of 7 - 18 must have a parent or guardian present to sign and buy a ticket.
- Riders must be ages 7+, at least 48" tall, and a max weight of 300 lbs.
- All riders need to remain seated in their car until the end of each ride.
Not Permitted:
- Use of cell phones, cameras, headphones and small personal items during the ride.
- Riders who are pregnant.
- Riders under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Riders who have a medical condition that could be aggravated as a result of the ride.
- More than one person per car.
- Abusive, aggressive, abrasive or disorderly conduct. Plaza WinterFest staff members reserve the right to ban aggressive riders from the rink and asked to leave WinterFest.
- Large groups or parties.
- Food or drinks on ice.
Ice Bumper Car Liability Waiver and Release Form:
Ice Bumper Car Ride Electronic Liability Waiver and Release Form
THIS IS A RELEASE OF LEGAL RIGHTS — READ AND UNDERSTAND BEFORE SIGNING
I understand and acknowledge that I am fully aware of and assume the risks (including but not limited to the risk of serious bodily injury, property loss or damage) of my (1) participation in recreational activities at a synthetic ice rink (the “Rink”) located the Harvard Science Center Plaza and operated and maintained by President and Fellows of Harvard College, acting by and through Harvard University Common Spaces (“Harvard”) and (2) my use of electric ice bumper cars (the “Cars”) supplied by Harvard at the Rink. I recognize my responsibility to participate only if I have the appropriate physical conditioning to perform the activities and sustain bumping of the Cars. I understand that Harvard shall have no responsibility to pay for medical treatment and related costs if I am injured.
I further understand and agree that Harvard supplies the Cars “as is”, and that Harvard disclaims all warranties, express or implied, including warranties of merchantability for a particular purpose.
Knowing the risks described above, I agree, personally and on behalf of my family, heirs and personal representative(s), to assume all the risks and responsibilities surrounding my use of the Rink and the Cars.
To the fullest extent allowed by law, I hold harmless and agree to indemnify Harvard, its officers, directors, faculty, staff, volunteers, employees and agents, from and against any present or future claim, cause of action, loss or liability for injury to person or property, which I may suffer or for which I may be liable to any other person, related to my use of the Rink and or use of the Cars, resulting from any cause whatsoever, and regardless of fault.
I am at least eighteen years of age and have carefully read and freely signed this Liability Waiver and Release Form. I understand and agree that no oral or written representations can or will alter the contents of this document. I agree that this agreement shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (excluding its conflict of laws principles).
Fire Pit Hours of Operations & Info
Wednesdays – Saturdays: 3:00pm – 7:00pm
*Operations are weather permitting. Follow our social media or visit our webpage for updates and closures.
Please Be Aware:
- Fire pits are for everyone’s enjoyment (weather permitting).
- Small children must be accompanied by an adult at all times
- Fire pits are managed by WinterFest staff and Cambridge Fire Department; Do not add wood or light the fires yourself
- Please use caution around the fire pits; surface is hot
- Staff reserves the right to deny fire pit privleges to anyone for rule violations or endangering themselves or others
Not Permitted:
- Putting any objects or materials in the fire pit other than approved cooking
- Sitting on the fire pit
- Birthday or private parties
- Burning or setting anything on fire.
S'mores Cooking:
- Fire pits may be used for cooking s’mores only:
• Graham Crackers
• Marshmallows
• Chocolate
• Roasting Sticks
- Carry in, carry out policy enforced; do not leave behind any food items or trash.
- You must provide your own supplies.
- DO NOT cook over ‘rainbow fire’ when in effect by staff.