Skate your way into the holidays

MetroParks Ice Rink opens for the season Nov. 26
For an afternoon of family fun all you need to do is head to RiverScape and lace up your skates. CONTRIBUTED

For an afternoon of family fun all you need to do is head to RiverScape and lace up your skates. CONTRIBUTED

A light flurry falls and festive music plays as you glide across the ice on a moonlit evening – nothing says holidays quite like ice skating with family and friends.

After a pandemic hiatus, the MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape MetroPark will soon welcome skaters back for the winter. The region’s largest outdoor ice rink officially opens on Friday, Nov. 26 – just in time to work off some Thanksgiving calories – and will be open through Feb. 27, 2022.

“It’s a really, really good feeling to be opening back up,” RiverScape manager Meredith Adamisin said. “It was dearly missed during the 2020-21 season.”

About 18,000 guests lace up their skates at the MetroParks Ice Rink annually.

“It’s really a tradition for so many families,” Adamisin said. “It’s a great way to get out of the house and stay active and it’s such a beautiful place to ice skate – a special amenity for the area.”

Smiles and skating will go hand-in-hand as the ice rink has a full slate of seasonal events on tap to help celebrate the holidays.

Fun for the entire family at the MetroParks Ice Rink. CONTRIBUTED

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Fun on the ice

From skating lessons for all ages to fun themed open skating nights and curling to broomball, there is something for everyone at the ice rink.

“For those who don’t know how to skate, we have skate helpers, new skates for kids that offer a better fit and skating lessons,” Adamisin said. “We want people to build their confidence and have a great time.”

Admission is $6 daily, plus $2 for skate rental. Children 3 and younger are free with a paying adult. Reduced admission and skate rentals are now available for those who utilize SNAP/EBT benefits. Customers simply need to present their SNAP/EBT card to receive a 50% discount thanks to the Five Rivers MetroParks Foundation’s Access to Nature financial assistance program.

“The past two years have been challenging, so we’re thrilled to be able to remove some of the barriers for families, making the rink a more inclusive and easily accessible destination for outdoor fun,” Adamisin said.

Season passes are also available for $30 (individual) and $90 (family) and are good for unlimited visits all season.

Skate helpers can help even the littlest skaters enjoy a fun and safe time at the MetroParks Ice Rink.. CONTRIBUTED

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Fun off the ice

Holiday shopping will be a breeze as the ice rink will host 2nd Street Market vendors at the Holiday Mini Market on Dec. 4, 11 and 18 from 4-8 p.m. Find unique gift items and enjoy delicious treats from market vendors at the RiverScape Café during those weekends. The café offers snacks and warm beverages all season long.

Need to warm up or just relax with your friends? The Kettering Health Comfort Tent is the ideal place to take a break. In accordance with MetroParks’ guidelines, masks are required in the tent but not outdoors.

“We want people to have a safe and comfortable experience,” Adamisin said. “Being outside is one of the healthiest things we can do.”

For additional information about MetroParks Ice Rink programs, events or pricing, visit www.metroparks.org/icerink.

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