Offering a safe, family-friendly experience for skaters of all ages, theMetroParks Ice Rink will officially open on Friday, Nov. 29, at RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave. The MetroParks Ice Rink – located under the RiverScape Pavilion – is the region’s largest outdoor ice rink, offering beautiful views of the Great Miami River.
Opening weekend hours for the MetroParks Ice Rink are:
- Friday, Nov. 29, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 30, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 1, 1 to 5 p.m.
New for 2024, special skating events in December allow visitors to get into the festive spirit with themes and music inspired by holiday features. Themed skates are each Friday through Feb. 28, from 7 to 10 p.m. December’s themes are:
- Dec. 6: Good Grief (music inspired by Charlie Brown Christmas)
- Dec. 13: Skate & Scare (music inspired by Nightmare Before Christmas)
- Dec. 20: Santa is Coming! (music inspired by Elf!)
- Dec. 27: Wizarding World Skate (music inspired by Harry Potter)
In addition to themed skates, the MetroParks Ice Rink will have special holiday skating hours on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The rink will be closed on Christmas Day. Daily hours change throughout the season and can be found at metroparks.org/icerink.
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.
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.
Season passes to the MetroParks Ice Rink are 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 15% off products at the RiverScape Café.
- Those who purchase a season pass online before opening day (Nov. 1 – Nov. 28) will receive a 20% discount.
- Those who purchase a season pass during opening weekend (Nov. 29 – Dec. 1) will receive a 15% discount.
- Gift certificates also are available for purchase at the rink.
Additional offerings and amenities
Visitors can stay warm under the MSD Warming Zone. There is also a comfort tent available adjacent to the rink that provides skaters with a warm place to take a break from the winter weather.
Food and beverages will be available at the RiverScape Café. Alcoholic beverages – including a variety cozy cocktails, beer, and wine – also will be available at the RiverScape 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 welcome to visit the park with their beverages within the DORA boundary. Learn more about DORA and participating businesses – including RiverScape MetroPark – at www.downtowndayton.org/dora.
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. The Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation’s Access to Nature financial assistance program also is available to cover a portion of the cost of skating lessons for qualifying families in Montgomery County. Learn more and apply atmetroparks.org/access.
The ice rink will also host select 2nd Street Market vendors for special shopping days during the holiday season. Holiday Mini Markets will be held on Saturdays Dec. 7, 14 and 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. Visit the comfort tent to shop artisan wares before or after a skating session. Visit metroparks.org/programs for a complete schedule.
MetroParks Money
MetroParks Money is an e-gift card program offered by Five Rivers MetroParks that gives you the flexibility to explore MetroParks’ outdoor experiences, including the MetroParks Ice Rink.
MetroParks Money allows you to support Five Rivers MetroParks and your favorite small businesses at the 2nd Street Market that provide jobs, tax dollars, contributions to our schools and non-profits, as well as the character that makes Dayton unique. Purchase MetroParks Money at metroparks.org/money.
For ice rink hours of operation and more information, visit metroparks.org/icerink.
