Published November 30, 2023
Winter Activities for Everyone at Five Rivers MetroParks’ Ice Rink
This winter, the MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark will host numerous events, including the first Holiday Mini Market this Saturday, Dec. 2.
Offering a safe, family-friendly experience for skaters of all ages, the MetroParks Ice Rink is the region’s largest outdoor ice rink. It offers beautiful views of the Great Miami River in downtown Dayton and is wheelchair accessible.
“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.”
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.
Season passes to the MetroParks Ice Rink are also 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.
- Gift certificates are available for purchase at the rink.
Additionally, 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.
Visitors can also make the MetroParks Ice Rink a family holiday tradition. Open through Friday, March 1, the rink will have special holiday hours on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Galentine’s Day and Valentine’s Day, and Presidents Day. However, the rink will be closed on Christmas Day. Daily hours change throughout the season and can be found at metroparks.org/icerink.
The ice rink will also hold themed skate nights on Fridays throughout the season, including reggae night, cosmic night, Swiftie night, boy band night and disco night. For more information and a schedule, visit metroparks.org/programs.
Holiday Mini Markets
The MetroParks Ice Rink will also host select 2nd Street Market vendors for special shopping days this holiday season. These Holiday Mini Markets will be held on Saturdays Dec. 2, 9 and 16 from 4 to 8 p.m., and are a perfect way to create lasting memories while getting some extra shopping done. Visit the Comfort Tent to shop artisan wares. 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.
Amenities
Ice rink visitors can stay warm under the MSD Warming Zone. The Comfort Tent presented by Butler Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing 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 — 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 also welcome to visit the park with their DORA beverages. Learn more about DORA and participating businesses, including RiverScape MetroPark, at www.downtowndayton.org/dora.
Discounts on Admission and Lessons
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.
The Access to Nature financial assistance program is also 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.
For more about the outdoors, head to metroparks.org and visit Five Rivers MetroParks’ blog at metroparks.org/ParkWaysOnline. To plan a visit, navigate trails, find amenities and more, download OuterSpatial to use MetroParks’ free app for Apple and Android devices by visiting metroparks.org/mobile. This Nature Is Open column contains content provided by your Five Rivers MetroParks. We invite your input and story suggestions by emailing multi.media@metroparks.org or calling 937-275-PARK (7275).
