Best Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Philly for Kids and Families

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 at a local ice skating rink in Philadelphia is sure to please kids young and old. There are several temporary festive outdoor ice skating rinks in Philadelphia and in the Philadelphia suburbs, 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 list of Polar Express and Christmas Train Rides and our Philadelphia Holiday Guide, filled with the best Christmas events and activities, as well as events for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and more.

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Near Philly 

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest –– Philadelphia

November 24, 2023 - February 29, 2024
Admission $5; skate rentals $10, pay-as-you-go activities

This scenic location along the Delaware River opens the day after Thanksgiving and runs through Leap Day, kicking off the season with a holiday tree lighting on December 1. 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. Online 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 10, 2023 - February 24, 2024
Adults $9; Children 10 and under $6; 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 and Wintergarden. Timed skating sessions are 90 minutes max and can be booked in advance online. As available, they can also be purchased in person.

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

Tinseltown –– Oaks

November 17, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Adults $30; Kids 17 and under $24; Kids 4 and under free
Ice slide: $10 for 3 rides 

This venue at FDR Park features an ice skating rink, a 160-foot ice slide, brand-new Ice Trail, and an expanded Mistletoe Marketplace for shopping. The venue also offers a massive walk-through light display, photos with Santa, and story time with Mrs. Claus. You can see Gritty on Friday nights and bring your dog on Wednesdays! Advance ticket purchases are recommended for one-hour skate sessions.

Flight on Ice –– Newtown Square

November 24, 2023 - February 25, 2024
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. Tickets must be purchased online in advance to help reduce crowding.

Flight on Ice –– Egg Harbor City, NJ

November 24, 2023 - February 25, 2024
90-min skate session $12; skate rentals $10; packages vary

This outdoor skating rink at Renault Winery’s Vintner Wonderland is located in the heart of Egg Harbor City, NJ, and features festive drinks and food, a robust live entertainment schedule, fire pits with seating, retail shopping village with local vendors, a signature festival of trees charity drive, indoor dining options, great music, lights, and more. Make reservations online.

Spring Mountain –– Spring Mount, PA

December 1, 2023 - March 10, 2024
$14 skate session; skate rentals $6

A recent addition to this popular skiing and snowboarding park, the ice rink at Spring Mountain opened in 2021. 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 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, 2023 - February 26, 2024
Adults $7.50; Children (5-12) $5.50; skate rental $6

WinterFest Ice Skating returns to Cooper River 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, and wearing life jackets for safety is encouraged. 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.

Nockamixon State Park—Quakertown

Skating is permitted on the lake when the ice is at least four inches thick at this Bucks County park. The thickness of the ice is not monitored.

Tyler State Park—Newtown

Ice skating is allowed near the boathouse warming area when the Neshaminy Creek freezes. Ice thickness is not monitored.

This post has been updated by Hillary Moses Mohaupt in 2023.