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.”
