MetroParks Ice Rink Opens Nov. 29

As far as traditions go, not much can top ice skating with your friends and family on a cool winter day! Gather your loved ones and come to the MetroParks Ice Rink where you can listen to holiday music while gliding on the ice, then enjoy food and drinks from the RiverScape Café. At 150 feet by 70 feet, it is one of the region’s largest outdoor skating rinks, and the coolest spot in town.

The ice rink officially opens Friday, Nov. 29 at 11 a.m. and will remain open daily through Feb. 28, 2025 (weather permitting), with the exception of Christmas Day. To view hours of operation, please visit our Ice Rink page on MetroParks.org.  Skate admission is $7 and skate rentals are $3, ages three and under skate free with a paying adult. Thanks to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation, the Access to Nature Financial Assistance program is available for those who participate in EBT/SNAP programs. Show your card at the rental office and receive 50% off ice rink admission and skate rental all winter long.

Special thanks to our media sponsor, WKEF22/FOX45 along with additional sponsors USI Insurance Services, MSD, Inc., The Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio and Winans Coffee + Chocolate for their support of the MetroParks Ice Rink this season

Season Passes Now Available

Season passes to the MetroParks Ice Rink are now available for purchase online. Enjoy unlimited visits to the rink, plus, enjoy extra perks like food and hot cocoa discounts from the Cafe, free skate rentals, and express line privileges during peak hours. Group passes (for up to five people) and individual passes are available for purchase. Secure your passes online prior to opening day and receive 20% off or receive 15% off in-person during opening weekend. Physical passes will be available for pick-up at the rental office on your first visit.

Tips For Your Next Ice Rink Trip

If you are planning your first visit to the MetroParks Ice Rink, you may be a little overwhelmed and not sure what to expect. Don’t worry! With a little bit of practice and patience, ice skating can be a magical experience. Here are some tips and tricks to help you gain confidence on the ice.

• Dress Appropriately. Wear warm, layered nonrestrictive clothing. Don’t forget to bring a hat, gloves and wear high socks to keep your feet warm and comfortable inside the skates. Consider bringing a backpack to keep all of your belongings together in a dry place.
• Getting to RiverScape MetroPark. The MetroParks Ice Rink is located just off the interstate on the edge of the Great Miami River. There is metered parking available (for FREE after 6pm on weekdays and all day on weekends) along Monument Ave., Patterson Blvd., Harries St. and St. Clair St.; there is also an affordable parking garage and open lot just north of Monument Ave. on Water St. All within a five-minute walk of the park.
• Check in at the Rental Office. The Rental Office is located right next to the RiverScape Café. Stop in and pay for admission and your skate rental. If you choose, there are also lockers available to rent for $1 each. Then, have a seat on the nearby benches where you can lace up comfortably in the MSD Warming Zone.
• Warm-Up Exercises. If you are new to ice skating, we recommend a few gentle stretches of your arms, legs and neck to help loosen up your muscles before heading out.
• Start with Penguin Steps. Maintaining balance is key to successful ice skating. Before you try using a push step, begin with a penguin march! Stand near the outside of the rink, keeping your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees slightly, keep your back straight and your head looking straight ahead (don’t look down). Then start taking some tiny penguin marching steps. Just like that you are taking your first steps on the ice!
• Start Gliding. Once you gain confidence, try taking small gliding steps or pushing off in between steps to gain momentum. If you feel yourself losing balance, try to relax and bend your knees slightly to absorb the impact. Falling forward? Extend your arms in front to cushion the fall. Falling backward? Tuck your chin, round your back, and try to land on your butt.
• Take Breaks. Remember to reward yourself for all your hard work with a visit to the RiverScape Café for some hot cocoa and snacks! You can also warm up in the heated Comfort Tent.
• Practice and Patience. Try not to get discouraged if you stumble or find it challenging at first. With consistent effort and perseverance, your balance, control, and overall skating abilities will improve. Remember to have fun!

Access to Ice Skating Lessons

Whether you are new to ice skating, or are just looking for a refresher, there is no better place than the MetroParks Ice Rink to Learn to Skate. For adults and kids who may be a little wobbly on the ice or would like some extra support, we have you covered with our skate helpers. These provide a sturdy and safe option for you to gain confidence at no additional charge. Be aware that there are a limited number of skate helpers, and they are available on a first come, first serve basis.

If you are new to skating or looking for a more structured approach, we have you covered. Participants will receive enthusiastic, hands-on training from a certified skating instructor for a total of three courses, covering an assortment of skills to gain more confidence on the ice. Classes are offered by age group (children, youth, and teen/adult).

Five Rivers MetroParks is committed to providing quality parks, programs, and services to all residents of Montgomery County, regardless of their ability to pay. Five Rivers MetroParks developed the Access to Nature financial assistance program in conjunction with the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation to provide residents up to a 75% discount based on financial need. Families can qualify for up to $500 per calendar year to help remove financial barriers of participating in programs, like ice-skating lessons, campsite rentals and shelter rentals. To qualify, families must live in Montgomery County and meet household income guidelines. To see if you qualify for assistance, you can apply online.

Upcoming Events at the MetroParks Ice Rink

Skate Lessons

• Learn to Skate Session: Sundays – Dec. 1, 8 and 15 (Registration Required)
• Learn to Skate Session: Sundays – Jan. 5, 12 and 19 (Registration Required)
• Learn to Skate Session: Sundays – Feb. 2, 9 and 16 (Registration Required)

Holiday Mini Markets

• The Words Faire and Nixxi & Co: Dec. 7 – 5 to 8 p.m.
• Maria’s Unique Food and Silver Maple Ranch: Dec. 14 – 5 to 8 p.m.
• Silver Maple Ranch and Conjured Confections: Dec. 21 – 5 to 8 p.m.

Every Friday is Theme Night

• Good Grief! A Charlie Brown Christmas: Dec. 6 – 7 to 10 p.m.
• Skate & Scare! A Nightmare before Christmas: Dec. 13 – 7 to 10 p.m.
• Santa is Coming! An Elf Christmas: Dec. 20 – 7 to 10 p.m.
• Wizarding World! A Harry Potter Skate: Dec. 27 – 7 to 10 p.m.
• Swiftie Skate! A Taylor Swift Skate: Jan. 3 – 7 to 10 p.m.
• The Circle of Ice! A Disney Skate: Jan. 10 – 7 to 10 p.m.
• Epic Fantasy Soundtracks! A Lord of the Rings Skate: Jan. 17 – 7 to 10 p.m.
• Strange Nights! A Stranger Things Skate: Jan. 24 – 7 to 10 p.m.
• A Night at the Theater! A Broadway Musical Skate: Jan. 31 – 7 to 10 p.m.
• Cosmic Night! A Star Wars Skate: Feb. 7 – 7 to 10 p.m.
• Valentine’s! A Sweetheart Skate: Feb. 14 – 7 to 10 p.m.
• A Promenade on Ice! A Bridgerton Skate: Feb. 21 – 7 to 10 p.m.
• Soul Night! A Motown Skate: Feb. 28 – 7 to 10 p.m.

Plus, every Sunday in January & February is Family Skate Day! For more information on any of our upcoming events, please visit our website or facebook page.