Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

ice skating

It’s MetroParks Ice Rink Opening Day!

By

As far as traditions go, not much can top ice skating with your friends and family on a cool winter day. Gather your loved ones to the MetroParks Ice Rink where you can listen to holiday music while gliding on the ice, then enjoy food and drinks from the RiverScape Café. At 150 feet by 70 feet, it is one of the region’s largest outdoor skating rinks and the coolest spot in town.

The ice rink officially opens Friday, Nov. 28 at 11 a.m. and will remain open daily through Feb. 27, 2026 (weather permitting), with the exception of Christmas Day (closed). To view hours of operation through the entire season, please visit the ice rink page on metroparks.org. Skate admission is $7 and skate rentals are $3, ages three and under skate free with a paying adult. Visitors receive a 75% discount — $1.75 admission and $0.75 skate rental — on admission and skate rental by presenting either a SNAP/EBT or Access to Nature card at the Rental Office. This discount is made possible by the Five Rivers MetroParks Access to Nature financial assistance program, supported by the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation.

Season passes are also now available. If ordering a season pass online before Opening Day on Nov. 28, guests can take advantage of presale pricing and purchase an individual pass for $32 or a family pass (for families up to five) for $96. Both passes include admission and skate rental for an unlimited number of visits all season long. During opening weekend (Nov. 28 through Nov. 30), there will also be a sale where they can be purchased at $34 for individuals and $102 for families. On Dec. 1, season passes will return to the full price of $40 for individuals and $120 for families.

The MetroParks Ice Rink Season is presented by Dayton Children’s, along with additional sponsors The Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio, MSD, Inc., Enterprise Roofing, DICK’S House of Sport, Flying Ace Express Car Wash, Musick’s Body Shop, ABC22/FOX45/Dayton 24/7 Now and Winans Coffee & Chocolate.

Feeling a bit wobbly on the ice?

Whether you are new to ice skating or are just looking for a refresher, there is no better place than the MetroParks Ice Rink to Learn to Skate. For adults and kids who may be a little wobbly on the ice or would like some extra support, we have you covered with our skate helpers. These provide a sturdy and safe option for you to gain confidence at no additional charge. Be aware that there are a limited number of skate helpers and they are available on a first come, first serve basis.

If you are new to skating or looking for a more structured approach, we have you covered. Participants will receive enthusiastic, hands-on training from a certified skating instructor for a total of three courses, covering an assortment of skills to gain more confidence on the ice. Classes are offered by age group (children, youth and teen/adult). To learn more or to register, please view our website.

  • Learn to Skate: Sundays – Nov. 30, Dec. 7 and Dec. 14 (Registration Required)
  • Learn to Skate: Sundays – Jan. 4, 11 and 18 (Registration Required)
  • Learn to Skate: Sundays – Feb. 1, 8 and 15 (Registration Required)

Ice Skating 101

If you are planning your first visit to the MetroParks Ice Rink, you may be a little overwhelmed and not sure what to expect. Don’t worry! With a little bit of practice and patience, ice skating can be a magical experience. Here are some tips and tricks to help you gain confidence on the ice.

  • Dress Appropriately: Wear warm, layered, nonrestrictive clothing. Don’t forget to bring a hat and gloves, and wear tall socks to keep your feet warm and comfortable inside the skates. Consider bringing a backpack to keep all your belongings together in a dry place.
  • Getting to RiverScape MetroPark: The MetroParks Ice Rink is located just off the interstate on the edge of the Great Miami River. There is metered parking available (for FREE after 6 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends) along Monument Ave., Patterson Blvd., Harries St. and St. Clair St.; there is also a parking garage and open lot just north of Monument Ave. on Water St., all within a five-minute walk of the park.
  • Check in at the Rental Office: The Rental Office is located right next to the RiverScape Café. Stop in and pay for admission and your skate rental. If you choose, there are also lockers available to rent for $1 each. Then, have a seat on the nearby benches where you can lace up comfortably in the MSD Warming Zone.
  • Warm-Up Exercises: If you are new to ice skating, we recommend a few gentle stretches of your arms, legs and neck to help loosen your muscles before heading out.
  • Start with Penguin Steps: Maintaining balance is key to successful ice skating. Before you try using a push step, begin with a penguin march. Stand near the outside of the rink, keeping your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees slightly, keep your back straight and your head looking straight ahead (don’t look down). Then start taking some tiny penguin marching steps. Just like that, you are taking your first steps on the ice.
  • Start Gliding: Once you gain confidence, try taking small gliding steps or pushing off in between steps to gain momentum. If you feel yourself losing balance, try to relax and bend your knees slightly to absorb the impact. Falling forward? Make your hands into fists and extend your forearms at a 90° angle to cushion the fall without putting pressure on your wrists. Falling backward? Tuck your chin, round your back and try to land on your butt.
  • Take Breaks: Remember to reward yourself for all your hard work with a visit to the RiverScape Café for some hot cocoa and snacks. You can also warm up in the heated comfort tent.
  • Practice and Patience: Try not to get discouraged if you stumble or find it challenging at first. With consistent effort and perseverance, your balance, control and overall skating abilities will improve. Remember to have fun!

 

Every Friday is Theme Night

Theme Nights are back at the MetroParks Ice Rink this year every Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. Guests will enjoy custom playlists linked to each week’s theme that will play throughout the evening as well as custom décor. Visitors are also welcome to relax in one of several warming areas, including a heated comfort tent containing games and seating.

Plus, every Sunday in January and February is Family Skate Day. For more information on upcoming events, please visit the ice rink page on metroparks.org and the RiverScape Facebook page.

MetroParks Ice Rink Opens For The Season Friday

By

The region’s largest outdoor ice skating rink opens Friday, Nov. 24, for season-long, family-friendly fun on the banks of the scenic Great Miami River in downtown Dayton. Admission to the MetroParks Ice Rink under the pavilion at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave., is $5 daily, and visitors can rent ice skates for $2.

Work off that extra piece of pumpkin pie and treat out-of-town guests to a seasonal skate during the grand opening weekend following the Thanksgiving holiday. Opening weekend hours for the MetroPark Ice Rink are:

  • Friday, Nov. 24, 11 am to 10 pm
  • Saturday, Nov. 25, 11 am to 10 pm
  • Sunday, Nov. 26, 1 to 5 pm

 

The MetroParks Ice Rink is sponsored by WMMX and will be open through the end of February, including special holiday hours during Christmas, New Year’s and more. Visit metroparks.org/icerink for a complete schedule.

Season passes are available: $90 family passes cover season-long admission and skate rentals for up to five people, and $30 individual passes cover the same costs for one person. New this year, season pass holders will also enjoy 25 percent off all products at the RiverScape Café. Buy season passes before Friday, Nov. 24 and receive 20 percent off your purchase. Those who visit the rink on opening day and purchase a season pass will receive an extended 15 percent discount. Gift certificates are also available for purchase on location.

Friday nights throughout January and the beginning of February are reserved for themed music and family-friendly fun. All events are held from 7 to 10 pm. Themes include:

  • Jan. 12: Top 40
  • Jan. 19: Michael Jackson
  • Jan. 26: Frozen on Ice
  • Feb. 2: School Pride

 

While at RiverScape MetroPark, visitors can warm up by the fire and grab snacks, hot chocolate and more at the adjacent snack bar which will be open during rink hours.

 

Skating lessons for children, teens and adults are held at the rink throughout the season and cover basic skills that will have participants moving comfortable on the ice. Visit metroparks.org/skating to register or to view a list of lessons and other events that will be held at the MetroParks Ice Rink.

In addition, registration is now open for the 2018 curling and broomball leagues. Visitors also can try these sports at Try Broomball or Casual Curl, held on various dates in November and December.

 

“When it’s chilly people typically head indoors, but the rink gives families an excellent reason to get outside during the winter months,” said James Carter, RiverScape MetroPark operations coordinator. “Ice skating during the holidays is a great activity for the family and I imagine with the 2018 Winter Olympics approaching, people will be inspired to try new skating activities.”

 

MetroParks Ice Rink Opening Weekend

By

skatingWhether you’re a skating rookie or have been lacing up your skates for decades, and whether you’re looking for a leisurely afternoon with the family or a competitive night on the ice, there is a full slate of activities to choose from at the MetroParks Ice Rink. The ice rink is located within RiverScape MetroPark and features sweeping views of both the Great Miami River and the downtown Dayton skyline. It measures 70 feet by 150 feet and is sheltered under a pavilion. The rink has something for everyone: beginners’ lessons, open skating, broomball and curling, not to mention hot chocolate and music.

MetroParks Ice Rink Opens Friday

By

3131418044_8e3192c673_zThe region’s largest outdoor ice skating rink opens Friday, Nov. 28, for season-long, family-friendly fun on the banks of the scenic Great Miami River in downtown Dayton. Admission to the MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark (237 E. Monument Ave.) is $5 daily, and visitors can rent ice skates for just $2.

 

Work off Thanksgiving indulgences on the ice and treat out-of-town guests during the
grand-opening weekend, part of the Dayton Holiday Festival:

  • Friday, Nov. 28, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 29, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 30, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

 

MetroParks Ice Rink will be open through Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, including special holiday hours while the kids are out of school. The rink will be open during both the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, as well as during other holidays and special events throughout the season. Visitmetroparks.org/icerink for the complete schedule.

 

Season passes are available for purchase: $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. Call 937-274-0126 for more information.

 

Beginning in January, every Friday evening will be devoted to a genre of music or music legend. All events are held from 7 to 10 p.m. Themes include:

  • Jan. 9: Michael Jackson Skate
  • Jan. 16: Sounds from the Cinema Skate
  • Jan. 23: Divas of Pop Skate
  • Jan. 30: Old Soul Skate

 

While at RiverScape MetroPark, visitors can warm up by the fire and grab snacks, hot chocolate and more at the adjacent Silver Fern Café, which will be open during rink hours.
6322535221_a430f68271_zSkating 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 2015 curling and broomball  leagues.

Private ice rink rentals are available from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday and Thursday evenings and are a great activity for families, neighborhoods, clubs and other groups. 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/hr. Call 937-274-0126 for more information and to schedule.

 

“With its appeal to both young and old, the experience of skating at the MetroParks Ice Rink is fast becoming 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.”