The region’s largest outdoor ice skating rink opens Friday, Nov. 27, for season-long, family-friendly fun on the banks of the scenic Great Miami River in downtown Dayton. Presented by Buckeye Health Plan, admission to the MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark (237 E. Monument Ave.) is $5 daily, and visitors can rent ice skates for $2.
Work off Thanksgiving indulgences on the ice and treat out-of-town guests during the grand opening weekend, beginning on Friday with Dayton Holiday Festival presented by DP&L. Opening weekend hours for the MetroParks Ice Rink are:
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*Friday, Nov. 27, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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*Saturday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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*Sunday, Nov. 29, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The MetroParks Ice Rink will be open through Monday, Feb. 29, 2016, including special holiday hours. The rink will be open during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, as well as during other holidays throughout the season. Visit metroparks.org/icerink for the complete schedule.
Volunteers are needed at the ice rink to help staff with skate rentals and ice rink patrol. Attend an orientation at Five Rivers MetroParks’ headquarters, 409 E. Monument Ave. in downtown Dayton:
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*Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015: 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
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*Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2016: 10 a.m. to noon
Riverscape MetroPark Ice Rink opens Friday, Nov. 27
Rent the ice rink for private events from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday and Thursday evenings for a great outing for families, neighborhoods, clubs and other groups. Dates fill up fast, so the public is encouraged to reserve soon for the best selection of dates. The $300 rink rental includes 50 pairs of ice skates and 50 cups of hot chocolate. Invite Parker the Penguin, the MetroParks Ice Rink mascot, to your party for an additional $75/hour. Rent the rink using the online reservation system or call 937-275-7275.
Season passes are available: $75 family passes cover season-long admission and skate rentals for up to five people, and $40 individual passes cover the same costs for one person. Gift certificates are available in any dollar amount.
Beginning in January, every Friday evening will be devoted to a genre of music. All events are held from 7 to 10 p.m.Themes include:
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*Jan. 8: Pop Country Skate
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*Jan. 15: Top 40 Hits
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*Jan. 22: Wish Upon a Star Skate, featuring Disney classics (new this year)
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*Jan. 29: Old Soul Skate
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*Feb. 5: Karaoke Classics
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*Feb. 19: Sounds from the Cinema
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*Feb. 26: Disco Fever
The MetroParks Ice Rink will be open through Monday, Feb. 29, 2016
While at RiverScape MetroPark, visitors can warm up by the fire and grab snacks, hot chocolate and more at the adjacent RiverScape Café, which will be open during rink hours.
Skating lessons for adults and children are held at the rink throughout the season and cover basic skills that will have participants moving comfortably on the ice. Visit metroparks.org/skating for a list of lessons and other events that will be held at the MetroParks Ice Rink.
In addition, registration is now open for the 2016 curling and broomball leagues or visitors can try these sports at Try Broomball or Casual Curl, held on various dates in November and December.
“With its appeal to both young and old, the experience of skating at the MetroParks Ice Rink is a holiday tradition for Miami Valley families looking for something fun to do together,” said James Carter, RiverScape MetroPark rental concession supervisor. “With its location along the riverfront, the MetroParks Ice Rink also is a great way to experience the outdoors during cooler weather.”
