Published November 8, 2023
MetroParks Ice Rink opens for the season Friday, Nov. 24
Offering a safe, family-friendly experience for skaters of all ages, the MetroParks Ice Rink will officially open on Friday, Nov. 24, at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave. Offering beautiful views of the Great Miami River in downtown Dayton, the MetroParks Ice Rink is the region’s largest outdoor ice rink, located under the RiverScape pavilion and wheelchair accessible.
Admission is $7 daily, and visitors can rent ice skates for $3. Children younger than 3 are free with a paying adult. There is no charge for those who are not skating.
Reduced admission and skate rentals are available for those who utilize SNAP/EBT benefits. Customers just need to present their SNAP/EBT card to receive a 50% discount, which is $3.50 admission and $1.50 skate rental. Reduced admission is available thanks to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation’s Access to Nature financial assistance program.
Opening weekend hours for the MetroParks Ice Rink are:
- Friday, Nov. 24, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 25, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday, Nov. 26, 1 to 5 p.m.
Open through Friday, March 1, the ice rink will have special holiday hours on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and Day, and more. The rink will be closed on Christmas Day. Daily hours change throughout the season and can be found at metroparks.org/icerink.
“It’s so important that people have a space to have fun and recreate outdoors during the winter when most people head indoors because of the weather,” said RiverScape Manager MyKaelah Mercer. “While you’re on the ice having fun and making memories with friends and family, you almost forget how you’re also moving your body and getting fresh air. Staying active outdoors is something we all really need for our mental and physical health during the cold weather season.”
The ice rink will also host select 2nd Street Market vendors for special shopping days during the holiday season. Holiday Mini Markets will be held on Saturdays Dec. 2, 9 and 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. Visit the Comfort Tent presented by Butler Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing to shop artisan wares while you skate. Special treats prepared by the Market’s vendors will also be available at the RiverScape Café while supplies last. Visit metroparks.org/programs for a complete schedule.
Season passes to the MetroParks Ice Rink are available:
- $120 family passes include season-long admission and skate rentals for up to five people, and $40 individual passes cover the same costs for one person.
- Season pass holders receive 25% off products at the RiverScape Café.
- Those who purchase a season pass before opening day (Nov. 1 – Nov. 23 will receive a 20% discount.
- Those who purchase a season pass during opening weekend (Nov. 24 – Nov. 26) will receive a 15% discount.
- Gift certificates also are available for purchase at the rink.
Visitors can stay warm under the MSD Warming Zone. The Comfort Tent presented by Butler Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing Comfort Tent is adjacent to the rink and provides skaters with a warm place to take a break from the winter weather.
Additionally, snacks and beverages will be available at the RiverScape Café. New this year, alcoholic beverages — including a variety of beer, seltzer, wine and spiked drinks — also will be available at the Café for customers 21 and older.
Because RiverScape MetroPark is included in the Downtown Dayton Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA) footprint, people walking in the downtown area are welcome to visit the park with their beverages within the DORA boundary. Learn more about DORA and participating businesses – including RiverScape MetroPark – at www.downtowndayton.org/dora.
Skating lessons for children, teens and adults are held at the rink throughout the season and cover basic skills that provide the confidence skaters need to feel comfortable on the ice. The Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation’s Access to Nature financial assistance program also is available to cover a portion of the cost of skating lessons for qualifying families in Montgomery County. Learn more and apply at metroparks.org/access.
The MetroParks Ice Rink is sponsored by PNC Bank , USI Insurance, Ed Smith Flowers & Gifts, WKEF/FOX45 and Winans Chocolates and Coffees. For ice rink hours of operation and more information, visit metroparks.org/icerink.
