Published December 21, 2023
The Holidays are here at the MetroParks Ice Rink
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, which means extra opportunities to skate at the region’s largest ice rink! From Dec. 22 through Jan. 5, we will be offering extended hours; so, grab your friends and family for fun days filled with skating and holiday magic. The RiverScape Café will be open during rink hours, with delicious offerings such as hot cocoa, coffee and hot snacks – plus, the Café now offers new winter themed cocktails for visitors 21 and up. Please note, the rink will be closed on Christmas Day, but will be open on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Skate admission is $7 and skate rentals are $3. Ages 3 and under skate for free with a paying adult. In case of inclement weather, the rink may temporarily close. To check the rink status ahead of your visit, you can reach us at (937) 278-2607. To view our extended holiday hours, please visit our website.
When you need to warm up or want to take a hot cocoa break during your visit, we have you covered! Relax under the MSD Warming Zone, or in our cozy Comfort Tent, presented by Butler Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing.
Special thanks to MetroParks Ice Rink sponsor, PNC Bank, media sponsor WKEF22/FOX45, and additional sponsors, USI Insurance Services, Ed Smith Flowers & Gifts and Winans Chocolates + Coffees for their support this season.
Access to Nature
Thanks to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation, nature is now more accessible than ever. The Access to Nature Financial Assistance program is available for those who participate in EBT/SNAP programs. Simply show your card when purchasing admission and receive 50% off both ice rink admission and skate rentals all winter long. This program is also available to assist with program registrations, shelter rentals and more across multiple MetroPark locations. To learn more and to apply for these programs, please visit the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation page.
Curling and Broomball Leagues Now Forming
If you and your friends have a competitive spirit, or if you are looking for an exciting way to stay active this winter, a broomball or curling league may be for you! We are excited to be working with Curl Troy and The Dayton Broomball Association once again to bring these Olympic sports right here to Dayton’s Front Porch. Leagues occur in the evenings Monday through Thursday beginning in January and are coordinated by each organization. To learn more and to register your team, please visit The Dayton Broomball Association or Curl Troy’s website. Spots are filling up quickly, so do not delay if you want to participate!
Meet Dayton’s MVP (Most Valuable Penguin)
Our beloved mascot, Parker the Penguin has waddled his way back to the MetroParks Ice Rink, and he cannot wait to show off his awesome dance moves and give his famous high-fives. You can catch Parker during the holiday period and throughout the entire rink season. If you want to time your visit to spot Parker, you can catch him on these remaining days this month:
- Dec. 26 from 1 to 4 PM
- Dec. 29 from 1 to 4 PM
New Year, New Theme Nights
We have tons of exciting new themed skating nights in store this winter, so be sure to mark your calendars. Grab your friends and come skate and sing along to great music, enjoy giveaways and even enter some raffles for some fantastic prizes, such as a gift card to The Neon during our Reggae Night, or a Millenium Falcon Lego set during our Cosmic Night! All themed nights are held on various Friday evenings from 7 to 10 p.m. Check out our line-up for this winter:
- Jan. 12: Reggae Night
- Jan. 26: Cosmic Night
- Feb. 9: Swiftie Night
- Feb. 16: I ❤ Boy Bands Night
- Mar. 1: Disco Night
Expanded Family Skate Days
We had such a blast at our last Family Skate Day in 2023, we decided one was not enough! Grab the kiddos and head down for a fun day of skating, activities, crafts, giveaways and more. Each Family Skate Day has a different theme, so make sure you don’t miss your favorite! Family Skate Days occur on various Sundays in January and February from 1 to 5 p.m. Supplies are limited. Here is what we have in store:
- Jan. 7: “Animal Adventure” featuring FRMP Animal Ambassadors, craft bags and more.
- Jan. 21: “Storybook Skate” featuring the Dayton Metro Library (storytelling, book giveaways and more).
- Feb. 25: “Penguin Party” featuring Parker the Penguin and a “penguin toss” for a chance to win tickets to the Cincinnati Zoo.
To stay updated on all programs happening at the MetroParks Ice Rink, follow the RiverScape MetroPark Facebook page or view our programs online.
