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Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Philly for Kids and Families

Skate and enjoy Winterfest at the Blue Cross RiverRink. Photo courtesy of the Delaware River Waterfront

11/6/22 - By Maureen Rayburn

Lace up those skates and enjoy the fresh air at these ice skating rinks near Philly. Of all the fun activities the holiday season brings, ice skating is at the top of the list. Bundling up in hats and scarves and warming up with cider or hot chocolate after a spin on the ice is sure to please kids young and old. Several outdoor ice rinks set up in the Philadelphia area, providing unique settings for this winter activity. Many Pennsylvania state parks also offer ice skating when the conditions are right.

For more ways to enjoy everything this season has to offer, check out our Philadelphia Holiday Guide, filled with the best Christmas events and activities, as well as events for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and more.

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Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Near Philly

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest –– Philadelphia

November 25, 2022 - March 5, 2023
Admission $5; skate rentals $12, pay-as-you-go activities

This scenic location along the Delaware River opens the day after Thanksgiving and runs through the beginning of March, kicking off the season with a h oliday tree lighting. The annual Winterfest celebration offers more than just ice skating, with various amusements including boardwalk games, private cabins, and fire pits to roast marshmallows. Take a spin on the Ferris wheel for unbelievable views of the city. Reservations for 90-minute skating sessions, as well as cabins and fire pits are suggested.

Lace your skates and hit the ice at the Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park. Photo courtesy of Center City District

Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park –– Philadelphia

November 4, 2022 - February 26, 2023
Adults $8; Children 10 and under $5; skate rental $10

Located at City Hall, skaters can enjoy an urban skating experience surrounded by Center City skyscrapers. Skate rentals and lockers are available, as well as penguin skating aids for children 10 and younger, which are cute, penguin-shaped devices with handles that help little ones stay upright as they learn to skate. While you're there, check out the park's Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market, Wintergarden, and the Deck the Halls Light Show. Timed skating sessions are 90 minutes max and can be booked in advance online. As available, they can also be purchased in person.

Tinseltown Ice skating rink
Tinseltown introduces an ice skating rink to their holiday spectacular. Photo courtesy of Tinseltown

Tinseltown –– Oaks

November 25 - December 31, 2022
Adults $26.99; Kids 13 and under $19.99; Kids 4 and under free
Ice slide: $5 for unlimited rides for one hour (Must be 42 inches tall)

New for 2022, this venue at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center will feature an ice skating rink, a 160-foot ice slide, and an expanded Vendor Village for shopping. The venue also counts a massive walk-through light display, photos with Santa, and story time with Mrs. Claus. You can see Gritty on select nights, bring your dog on Wednesdays, and listen to Christmas carolers on Fridays. Advance ticket purchases are recommended for one-hour skate sessions.

Flight on Ice –– Newtown Square

November 18, 2022 - February 2023
90-min skate session $12; skate rentals $10; packages vary

Another relatively new outdoor ice skating rink and winter village is open in Newtown Square. Flight on Ice brings festive lights, holiday shopping, a heated tent to enjoy food and drinks, and a 6,000-square-foot rink to Delco. On December 6, participate in Fly Eagles Fly night, benefiting the Eagles Autism Foundation. Purchase tickets for four family members in advance online. If you purchase tickets in person, there may be a wait before skating to space out visitors and avoid crowding.

Flight on Ice –– Neshaminy Mall

December 21, 2022 - February 26, 2023
90-min skate session $15; skate rentals $10; packages vary

A portion of the Neshaminy Mall parking lot is transformed into a winter wonderland for people of all ages to enjoy, with a full-size recreational outdoor ice skating rink. Like Flight on Ice in Delco, the Neshaminy location includes skate rentals, on-site parking, holiday-themed decorations and music, food and drink for sale, heated hospitality tents, lounge areas, entertainment, and a filled events calendar. Make reservations online.

Spring Mountain –– Spring Mount, PA

Through winter, closing date TBD
$14 skate session; skate rentals $6

A recent addition to this popular skiing and snowboarding park, the ice rink at Spring Mountain opened last year. If purchased with lift tickets, ice skating is only $10. Lessons are available with pre-registration, and online booking is recommended for public skating hours. Look for special Family Night deals on Saturdays and Sundays. On Fridays, DJ Tommy will play requests for DJ Skate Night. Advanced tickets are recommended; walk-in availability can not be guaranteed.

WinterFest Ice Skating Rink at Cooper River –– Cherry Hill, NJ

November 25, 2022 - February 2023
Adults $7.50; Children (5-12) $5.50; skate rental $6

WinterFest Ice Skating returns to Cooper River the day after Thanksgiving and runs into February. A heated concession stand will offer dining and arcade games. Check the website for holiday hours throughout the season. Birthday parties and private events can be booked in advance.

Outdoor Ice Skating at State and County Parks Near Philly

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources posts a weekly winter activities report with ice skating conditions at several state parks. The website also posts ice skating safety tips from December until the spring thaw. In general, skaters should test the ice prior to skating. The recommended thickness is four inches. Other advice includes spreading out on the ice, and avoiding areas with logs, debris, and cracks. Don't forget to check the weather forecast in advance. The state parks listed below are all open from sunrise to sunset and admission is free.

French Creek State Park—Elverson

This park in Berks County offers the natural ice of two lakes, which can be skated upon when conditions permit. Ice thickness is not monitored by the park so use caution.

Green Lane Park—Green Lane

Located in Montgomery County, this park offers a small family outdoor ice skating area, conditions permitting.

Marsh Creek—Downingtown

In addition to sledding and cross country skiing, Marsh Creek offers outdoor ice skating, which is permitted on the natural ice. It's important to check conditions as ice thickness isn't monitored.