Don’t let the winter weather keep your family indoors all season. Instead, stay active and have fun at the MetroParks Ice Rink, located at RiverScape MetroPark in downtown Dayton. The region’s largest outdoor ice rink, the MetroParks Ice Rink is a family favorite for skating lessons, holiday festivities, family outings and more.
“RiverScape MetroPark is Dayton’s front porch, and that really doesn’t change during the winter weather months,” says Meredith Adamisin, RiverScape manager. “The rink is a family tradition for many people, and it’s also a great place to hang out and get some outdoor exercise in a fun, safe environment.”
The MetroParks Ice Rink is open daily through March 1. Admission is $6 and rental skates — which are available for all ages — are $2. The rink, presented by Huffy, offers season passes for families (up to five individuals). Season passes are $90 and include unlimited admission and skate rentals, and discounts on concessions all season long.
There are myriad reasons for you and your family to lace up your skates this winter:
Challenge Yourself and Get Comfortable
Are you new to ice skating? Don’t let your limited experience keep you off the ice. The MetroParks Ice Rink is for skaters of all experience levels, but those who truly want to hone their skills can sign up for skating lessons. Offered to all ages, three-week skating lessons are available throughout the season and hosted by an experienced instructor on Sundays. Lessons are $50/person and can be purchased online at metroparks.org/ice-rink.
Warm up in the Kettering Health Network Comfort Tent adjacent to the rink. Grab a drink or snack at the RiverScape Café to help you warm up, including hot chocolate, grilled cheese, hot dogs, soup and more.
Celebrate Winter Holidays
Because the MetroParks Ice Rink offers special holiday hours, it is a go-to for many families who want to create special traditions. In 2020, holiday hours for the rink are:
New Year’s Eve: Dec. 31, 11 am-10 pm
New Year’s Day: Jan. 1, 1-8 pm
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Jan. 20, 11 am-5 pm
Presidents Day: Feb. 17, 11 am-5 pm
Grown-ups can celebrate Valentine’s Day with a couple’s skate at the MetroParks Ice Rink. The Sweetheart Deal runs from Feb. 14 to 16 and includes two admissions, skate rentals, hot chocolate and a box of Bellbrook Chocolates for $20.
Skate to Your Favorite Hits
Music matched with an evening skating under the RiverScape pavilion is the perfect family activity. Enjoy themed music skates on Friday evenings from 7 to 10 pm in January through the beginning of February:
Dayton Funk Night, Jan. 17: Represent your city and skate to the funk songs that made Dayton famous.
Frozen on Ice, Jan 24: This evening at the rink is dedicated to your favorite Disney tunes, including songs from everyone’s favorite winter Disney hit, Frozen.
Top 40 Hits Skate, Jan. 31: An on-site DJ will play your favorite hits as you skate the evening away.
Music of Queen, Feb. 7: Have fun on the ice while skating to some of Queen’s greatest hits.
Learn more about the MetroParks Ice Rink’s hours, programs and more at metroparks.org/ice-rink.
