Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Near Philly 

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest — Philadelphia

Price: The Winterfest site is free to enter and open to the public, but there are charges for specific activities like ice skating.

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 November 29. 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. 

Why we love this skating rink: Whatever winter activities your kids crave, you can find it at Winterfest.

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

Price: Ranges for adults and children, plus an additional charge for skate rental. Some discounts for SEPTA pass holders and area college students.

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.

Why we love this skating rink: You can't get any closer to the heart of Philadelphia than City Hall. Plus the penguin aids are a great way to ease kids into this winter activity.

Flight on Ice — Newtown Square

Price: Options to purchase one-day tickets or season passes for full winter fun.

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.

Why we love this skating rink: The rink hosts themed events throughout the season, so it's best to check the calendar on their website to see what's coming up.

Spring Mountain — Spring Mount, PA

Price: Tickets are a flat rate for all participants, plus an additional charge for skate rental, but if you're planning to ski or snowboard you can bundle your lift ticket for a discount.

Spring Mountain is a popular skiing and snowboarding park with an indoor ice rink. 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. On Fridays, DJ Tommy will play requests for DJ Skate Night, and on Sundays look for special Family Night deals. Advanced tickets are recommended; walk-in availability can not be guaranteed.

Why we love this skating rink: This indoor rink is a great pair with Spring Mountain's outdoor offerings.

Flight on Ice — Egg Harbor City, NJ

Price: Options to purchase one-day tickets or season passes for full winter fun.

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.

Why we love this skating rink: Its location at a winery, plus its calendar of fun events, makes this a chic and cozy option for ice skating in the Philadelphia area.

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

Price: Children under 4 are free, but there is a skate rental free for anyone not bringing their own skates.

The outdoor 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, and their Facebook page for updates about occasional closures due to weather. Birthday parties and private events can be booked in advance.

Why we love this skating rink: An unbeatable location in Cooper River Park!

Outdoor Ice Skating at State and County Parks Near Philly

Pennsylvania's parks are great family destinations all year round, and winter is an especially great time to check out what state parks near Philadelphia have to offer! 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

Price: Standard park entry fees apply, and you must bring your own skates.

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.

Why we love this skating rink: This is about as natural and open-air as you can get, skating on beautiful lakes.

Green Lane Park — Green Lane

Price: Standard park entry fees apply, and you must bring your own skates.

Located in Montgomery County, this park offers a small family outdoor ice skating area, conditions permitting. Visitors are encouraged to call the park office to check on ice conditions: 215-234-4528.

Why we love this skating rink: Enjoy this expansive municipal park from the frozen lake to make many family memories!

Marsh Creek State Park — Downingtown

Price: Standard park entry fees apply, and you must bring your own skates.

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.

Why we love this skating rink: Located in the rolling hills of Chester County, Marsh Creek is the perfect destination for families who want to get off the beaten path and onto the ice.

Nockamixon State Park — Quakertown

Price: Standard park entry fees apply, and you must bring your own skates.

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.

Why we love this skating rink: Rent a fully-heated winter cabin to make a weekend of winter fun.

Tyler State Park — Newtown

Price: Standard park entry fees apply, and you must bring your own skates.

Ice skating is allowed near the boathouse warming area when the Neshaminy Creek freezes, but it's important to note that ice thickness is not monitored by park officials.

Why we love this skating rink: Take your skates on the winding creek to get a glimpse of winter critters on the shores. 

This post has been updated by Hillary Moses Mohaupt in 2024.