MetroParks Ice Rink
Visitors can skate on a 70-by-150-foot outdoor ice rink sheltered beneath a spacious pavilion with sweeping views of the Great Miami River and downtown skyline. Between skating sessions, guests can warm up in an insulated comfort tent featuring festive lighting and family seating, or relax under the outdoor warming zone. The on-site café offers warm treats including whipped-cream hot cocoa, soft pretzels, and alcoholic drinks for adults on select dates.
What to Expect
The region's largest outdoor ice rink beneath a spacious pavilion
Event Details
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Dayton
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
Five Rivers MetroParks
Food & Drink
The RiverScape Café serves hot cocoa topped with whipped cream and warm soft pretzels; beer, wine and specialty cocktails are available on select dates and times for guests 21 and older.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families and casual skaters
Vibe
Festive and active
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
High
Weather Sensitivity
Moderate
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Daily admission: $7.00. Ice skate rental: $3.00. Children three and younger are free with a paying adult. Access to Nature discount: 75% off admission and skate rental with a SNAP/EBT or Access to Nature card presented at the Rental Office; discounted daily admission $1.75 and skate rental $0.75. Individual season pass: $50.00; family season pass (up to 5): $150.00. Season passes include skate rental and 10% off at the RiverScape Café, excluding alcohol.
- Hours: Nov. 27: 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Nov. 28–Dec. 18: Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun 1–5 p.m., Mon–Thu 4–7 p.m., Fri 4–10 p.m.; Dec. 19–Jan. 3: Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun 1–5 p.m., Mon–Thu 11 a.m.–8 p.m., Fri see holiday hours; Jan. 4–Feb. 14: Mon 2–5 p.m., Tue–Thu 4–7 p.m., Fri 4–10 p.m., Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m. (no open skate 1/9), Sun 1–5 p.m.; Feb. 15–26: Mon–Thu 4–9 p.m., Fri 4–10 p.m., Sat 11 a.m.–10 p.m., Sun 1–5 p.m. Holiday hours: Christmas Day closed; New Year’s Day 1–10 p.m.; MLK Jr. Day 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Presidents Day 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Theme Nights: Fridays 6–10 p.m.
- Parking: A Downtown Parking Map is linked.
Tips & Advice
- Call the rink status line at (937) 278-2607 before heading out, because the rink may not open during severe or uncooperative weather.
- Bring your SNAP/EBT or Access to Nature card to the Rental Office to get 75% off both admission and skate rental.
- Book a private Sunday evening rink rental soon after booking opens on October 1, as space is limited and dates fill early.
- Come on a Friday night if you want themed music and décor, since every Friday brings a new Theme Night on the ice.
- Note that there's no open skate on Saturday, January 9, so plan a different weekend day that week.
Special Events & Promotions
- Friday Theme Nights with a new curated playlist and themed décor each week, from Frosty Kickoff on opening night to K-Pop Kingdom and Songs of Summer.
- Family Skate Days on Sunday afternoons in January and February, with a Penguin Toss for prizes, a scavenger hunt, board games and coloring pages.
- Access to Nature discount: 75% off admission and skate rental with a SNAP/EBT or Access to Nature card.
- Season passes include skate rental and 10% off at the RiverScape Café (excluding alcohol).
- Private rink rentals on Sunday evenings, including exclusive use of the rink and Comfort Tent, 50 skate rentals and 50 hot cocoas.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I warm up between laps?
The Comfort Tent next to the café is insulated and kept at about 70 degrees, with festive lighting and family-style seating. You can also warm up under the MSD Warming Zone while you wait for skates or take a break.
What food and drinks are there?
The RiverScape Café is open during most open skate hours. It serves hot cocoa with whipped cream, warm pretzels and other drinks. On select dates, guests 21 and older can get beer, wine and specialty cocktails.
Can I take skating lessons?
Yes. Experienced instructors run Learn to Ice Skate lessons covering forward and backward skating, stops, turns, crossovers and bunny hops. Spots are limited, so register through MetroParks' ice skating activities page.
Is there a discount for families on SNAP?
Yes. Show a SNAP/EBT or Access to Nature card at the Rental Office to get 75% off both admission and skate rental.
Do young children need a ticket?
Children three and younger skate free with a paying adult.
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Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.