Published January 30, 2024
The MetroParks Ice Rink Is Open Daily Until March 1
While the holidays may be behind us, there is still plenty of fun to be had this winter here at Dayton’s Front Porch! The MetroParks Ice Rink is open seven days a week through March 1. You can stay warm in our cozy Comfort Tent, presented by Butler Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing or under the MSD Warming Zone as you get your skates. Guests can also purchase delicious hot cocoa and other warm treats from the Cafe, or for those twenty-one and over, we now also offer warm cocktails and other alcoholic beverages.
The Cafe is open Friday through Sunday during rink hours, and alcohol sales are Friday and Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. 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 hours of operation, please visit the Ice Rink page of MetroParks.org.
General admission to the rink is $7 and skate rentals are $3, and children three and under skate for free with a paying adult. The Access to Nature Financial Assistance program is available, thanks to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation. 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.
Special thanks to MetroParks Ice Rink sponsor, PNC Bank, media sponsor, WKEF22/FOX45, and additional sponsors, USI Insurance Services, Ed Smith Flowers and Winans Chocolates + Coffees for their support this season.
Theme Nights Continue
Before we say Bye Bye Bye to winter, we are going to Shake It Off and Boogie Oogie at the MetroParks Ice Rink with a series of fun themed skates on select Friday Nights from 7 to 10 p.m. Check out what we have remaining this season and mark your calendars so you don’t miss your favorite:
- Feb. 2: Cosmic Skate featuring live Star Wars characters, space themed music and a raffle for a free Lego Millennium Falcon set.
- Feb. 9: Swiftie Night, featuring Taylor Swift’s best hits from all eras, and free friendship bracelets (while supplies last).
- Feb. 16: I Heart Boy Bands Skate, featuring boy band hits from the past three decades and free Valentine cards (while supplies last).
- Mar. 1: Disco Skate, featuring all the essential disco hits, and free disco accessories (while supplies last).
Valentine’s Week at the MetroParks Ice Rink
We sure are feeling the love here at RiverScape! This Valentine’s Day, treat your favorite person to a memorable ice-skating experience and take advantage of some sweet specials all week long. Valentine’s specials are valid during ice rink hours.
- Feb. 13: Galentine’s Day Skate, featuring half-off admission and skate rental.
- Feb. 14 & 15: Valentine’s Skate, featuring buy one, get one free admission and skate rental and a box of Winans Chocolates.
- Feb. 16 – 18: Sweetheart Skate Special, featuring two admissions, two skate rentals, two hot cocoas and a box of Winans Chocolates (while supplies last) for only $20.
We are also excited to partner with the 2nd Street Market to offer our first Valentine’s Dine & Skate. Start off your Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14) with some loops around the ice, then head to the 2nd Street Market for a seated and intimate four-course meal, courtesy of Vegan It Iz Eats. Plus, enjoy entertainment from Jimmy Pepper Magic. The cost is $50 per person and includes skating admission, skate rental and a four-course dinner. Registration is required and can be completed on MetroParks.org.
Get to Know Parker the Penguin
If you have been down at the rink over the years, attended Passport to MetroParks, or even the Wagner Subaru Outdoor Experience at Eastwood MetroPark, chances are you have met our beloved mascot, Parker the Penguin. Even though he can be a little prankster, he loves taking pictures, giving hugs, and helping kids skate on the ice.
Come help us celebrate Parker during our final Family Skate Day, featuring a funtastic penguin party! Head down to the MetroParks Ice Rink on Sunday, Feb. 25 from 1 to 5 p.m. for some skating, a meet and greet with Parker, and other fun penguin activities the kids will love. Plus, your chance to win some exciting penguin themed prizes, including tickets to the Cincinnati Zoo during our first ever penguin duck toss during our ice cut at approximately 3 p.m. Ducks are limited and will be available to purchase in person at the rink. To keep up to date on all things ice rink, such as upcoming programs, rink status, and shortly, exciting summer announcements, be sure to follow the RiverScape Facebook page.
