The Ultimate Guide to Ice Skating in and Around Philadelphia
Ice skating season is here, and we've got you covered on the best rinks in the area.
We’ve got you covered on where to go ice skating this winter. / Photograph by Brianna Spause
Ice skating is a quintessential winter activity that’ll get your body moving — and see you having fun while you’re at it. We compiled a list of the best places to go ice skating in Philly, the ‘burbs, and beyond. Although you may not be the next Olympic figure skater, you can still perfect your moves (hopefully with minimal falling). Below, a complete guide to all your winter ice skating adventures.
Ice Skating in Philadelphia
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
101 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Old City
Winterfest at the Blue Cross RiverRink provides the perfect landscape for skating as it overlooks the Delaware River, and is one of Philly’s premier skating destinations. The rink is open seven days a week (including all holidays) through March 2nd. New this year? Private and semi-private lessons with Fireworks Skating Academy. Skating admission is $5 and $12 for a skate rental.
Penn Ice Rink
3130 Walnut Street, University City
Enjoy 16,330 square feet of ice skating as you glide (or fall) on the ice of the University of Pennsylvania’s Class of 1923 Ice Rink. The rink is open for public skating from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 6 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 to 2 p.m. on Sunday. General admission is $10 and $12-$14 for skate rentals.
Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park
1 South 15th Street, City Hall
Want to skate with City Hall as your backdrop? Look no further than the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park, which runs through February 23rd. This rink also offers late-night skate hours, making it perfect for date night. If it gets too cold under the city lights, head into the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin for a seasonal beverage and some snacks by fire pits. Admission is $9 for adults and $7 for children 10 and under, plus $10 for a skate rental. Bonus: Show your SEPTA Pass/Key for $1 off skating admission.
Wissahickon Skating Club
550 West Willow Grove Avenue, Chestnut Hill
Since 1956, the Wissahickon Skating Club has been one of eight skating clubs in the United States to own their own skating rink. In 1998, this club hosted the US National Figure Skating Championship, making it a marquee destination for Philly skating. The rink offers public skating every Friday night from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. and every Saturday afternoon from 12:45 to 2:15 p.m. Admission costs $8-$10, plus $4 for skate rentals. Tickets can only be purchased at the door; no online sales.
Ice Skating in the ‘Burbs
Energy Transfer Veterans Memorial Rink
4901 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square
Visit this Newtown Square outdoor rink for ice skating through February 17th. There are public skating hours Thursday through Sunday (Friday through Sunday starting in January), plus heated tents, food and drinks, a kids’ zone, and more.
Ice Line
700 Lawrence Drive, West Chester
Ice Line in West Chester primarily serves as a rink for hockey clinics and ice skating lessons. The rink is home to a pro shop, offering a variety of hockey and skating equipment, as well as Goal Line Pub, with everything from apps to salads to burgers to pizza. General public skate admission is $10 with an additional $5 for skates. Check their monthly schedule for available skate times.
Neshaminy Creek
101 Swamp Road, Newtown
Skating on an actual body of water can be tough to come by in the Philly area. At Neshaminy Creek in Tyler State Park, when the weather is just right — and by just right, we mean really, really cold — ice skating is permitted on the creek near the boathouse warming area. This may be of interest to more seasoned skaters as ice thickness is not monitored, so definitely be safe if you venture out. Also, you’ll have to BYOS (bring your own skates).
Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society
220 Holland Avenue, Ardmore
Back in 2014, we named this rink as the best place to ice skate — and it’s still easy to see why. The Philadelphia Skating Club and Humane Society, which claims to be America’s first skating club, is a pristine rink that stays true to its ice-skating roots. You can become a member or check here for their public skate hours. Admission is $10 and $5 for the skate rental.
Premier Orthopaedics IceWorks
3100 Dutton Mill Road, Aston
This Aston-based rink, known for its detailed membership package and figure skating lessons, also offers public skating hours daily. (The rink is massive and even features an eatery!) Entry for adults is $12-$25, while children four and under can skate for free. Skate rentals are $3, but you might want to look into heading over on a Wednesday, because that’s when skates are free. Public skating hours vary by day and holiday, which you can consult here.
Skatium
1018 Darby Road, Havertown
This rink has built a loyal following of ice skating lovers since opening in 1974. They offer lessons, open skate times, and clinics. The rink posts their public skating hours weekly, so be sure to check the website before heading over. Skating price is $8 for adults and $6 for children six and under, and there’s a skate rental fee of $3.
Springfield Ice Skating Rink
400 West Sproul Road, Springfield
This ice rink offers limited public skating hours from 8 to 9:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Sundays. Admission will cost you $8, with skate rentals an additional $2.
Yuletide at Liberty Hill
800 Ridge Pike, Lafayette Hill
Get here while you still can! Yuletide, now at Union League Liberty Hill, is only open until December 23rd. The destination boasts amusement rides, shopping vendors, photos with the Big Man himself, live music, a beer garden, book readings with Mrs. Clause, and, of course, an ice skating rink. Just a heads up: Your skating sesh and skate rentals are an additional fee.
Ice Skating in New Jersey
Flyers Training Center
601 Laurel Oak Road, Voorhees
If you’re a fan of the Philadelphia Flyers, this is the place for you to skate. This rink is surrounded by Flyers branding so you’ll feel like you’re on the ice at the Wells Fargo Center. Of course they offer hockey lessons, but they also host daily open skate. Public skating times are 1:30 to 3 p.m. Monday through Sunday, plus an additional night skate on Friday and Saturday. Admission is $13, plus an extra $5 if you need to rent skates.
Hollydell Ice Arena
601 Holly Dell Drive and 150 Holly Dell Drive, Sewell
Besides being home to the Hollydell Figure Skating Club, this ice arena offers a bunch of open skate times throughout the week at both of their locations. Admission is $10, plus $6 if you need skates.
Igloo Ice Rink
3033 Fostertown Road, Mount Laurel
Focused on the development of hockey players and figure skaters, the Igloo Ice Rink offers public skating from 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, and evening hours on Fridays and Saturdays. No need to bring your own skates, as skate rentals are complimentary at the rink; just pay the admission fee of $16 for adults and $10 for children and seniors.
Vintner Wonderland at Renault Winery
72 North Bremen Avenue, Egg Harbor City
Renault Winery looks like a scene from a Hallmark movie, thanks to its transformation into “Vintner Wonderland.” Open through January 20th, the holiday pop-up features an outdoor ice skating rink decked out in festive lights. It’s open 4 to 10 p.m. on Fridays, noon to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays, with sessions running every two hours. Stay for the Christmas village, a barrel train ride, bubble igloo dining, and more.
WinterFest Ice Skating at Cooper River
Cooper River Park at Cuthbert Boulevard and Park Drive, Cherry Hill
WinterFest Ice Skating at Cooper River transforms part of the New Jersey park into a winter wonderland. Open Thursday through Sunday until February 23rd, WinterFest features outdoor ice skating (obviously!), and seasonal treats and warming options inside their lodge. Rink admission costs $8.50, with discounts for children, seniors, and vets. Skate rental is $5.50.
Free Ice Skating Around Philadelphia
Laura Sims Skate House
210 South 63rd Street, West Philly
Not only is this skate house an icon in the Cobbs Creek community, but it also boasts free admission for skating (you’ll just pay $3 for the skate rental). The public skate hours are as follows: Monday and Wednesday, 7 to 9 p.m., and Fridays, 7:45 to 9:45 p.m. The facilities also offer skating lessons and an open hockey option.
Rizzo Ice Rink
1001 Front Street, South Philly
The self-proclaimed “Best Kept Secret in Philadelphia” has been serving the South Philly community for over 30 years. With a strong focus on getting youth into hockey, this rink brings the traditional Philly grit that your skating experience may have been missing. The best part: It’s free to skate with a $5 skate rental fee. Check here for their public skate hours.
Scanlon Ice Rink
1099 East Tioga Street, Kensington
Situated in the Kensington section of the city, this rink offers public skate hours from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. There are also Learn to Skate classes and Open Hockey sessions. More info can be found on the ice rink’s Facebook page.
Simons Ice Rink
7200 Woolston Avenue, West Oak Lane
This West Oak Lane rink has no admission fee, but there is a $4 skate rental fee. They are still in the process of determining public-skate hours, so keep an eye on the website for updates.
Tarken Ice Rink
6250 Frontenac Street, Oxford Circle
A Philadelphia Parks and Recreation facility, Tarken Ice Rink hosts public skate hours from 7 to 9 p.m. on Mondays and Fridays, plus 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free and there’s a $3 skate rental fee.
