Lace up. These Cincinnati and Dayton rinks have public skate times and skate rentals, indoors and out, and a few offer lessons if your kids have never been on the ice. Skate times change often, so check the rink’s schedule before you go.
Looking for more cold-weather plans? We keep a running list of holiday fun around town.
Outdoor Ice Skating in Cincinnati
Elm Street Plaza Ice Rink
150 West Fifth St., Cincinnati, OH
Elm Street Plaza skate times and prices
The UC Health Ice Rink, the downtown rink that used to sit on Fountain Square, opens at Elm Street Plaza on Nov. 7.
Summit Park
4335 Glendale Milford Rd., Blue Ash, OH
Summit Park skate times and prices
Blue Ash’s rink is open Nov. 14 to Jan. 10. Admission is $7 per person per session, skate rental included. Groups of 25 or more skate for $6 each Monday through Thursday. The rink is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day and runs shortened hours Christmas Eve.
WinterFest at Kings Island
6300 Kings Island Dr., Mason, OH
Snow Flake Lake skating details
Kings Island freezes the Royal Fountain into Snow Flake Lake, one of the largest outdoor rinks around, with the lit Eiffel Tower overhead. WinterFest runs select nights Nov. 27 to Dec. 31. Skating costs extra on top of park admission and requires a waiver.
Indoor Ice Skating in Cincinnati
Goggin Ice Center
Oxford, OH
Goggin Ice Center public skate schedule
Goggin is Miami University’s hockey rink, and it counts for both Cincinnati and Dayton families since Oxford is a reasonable drive from either. Every public skate session now requires online registration before you arrive. Admission is $8 for high schoolers and younger. Goggin also hosts birthday parties and skating lessons.
Northland Ice Center
10400 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241
Northland Ice Center public skate schedule
Northland has public skating year-round, plus lessons and hockey for kids who want more than laps.
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Queen City Sportsplex
10765 Reading Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45241
Queen City Sportsplex public skate schedule
The rink formerly known as Sports Plus has public skating all year. A two-hour session is $15, and skate rental is $5.
Northern Kentucky Ice Center
2638 Anderson Road, Crescent Springs, KY
Northern Kentucky Ice Center public skate schedule
Public skating runs all week, with ice monitors on every session. Admission is $10, and skate rental is $3. Beginners who hug the rail and kids who think they’re Olympians share the same ice.
Outdoor Ice Skating in Dayton
MetroParks Ice Rink
RiverScape MetroPark, Dayton, OH
MetroParks Ice Rink schedule
The rink at RiverScape MetroPark measures 70 by 150 feet, one of the largest outdoor rinks in the region. It opens Nov. 27, with 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. skating on opening day. Admission is $7, and skate rental is $3. Season passes are $50 for one person or $150 for a family of up to five, rental included. SNAP/EBT and Access to Nature cardholders get 75% off admission and rental. The RiverScape Cafe sells hot cocoa, pretzels and drinks during most open skate hours.
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Indoor Ice Skating in Dayton
Kettering Ice Arena
Kettering Recreation Complex, Kettering, OH
Kettering Ice Arena public skate schedule
The Kettering Ice Arena, inside the Kettering Recreation Complex, runs open skates, lessons, figure skating and hockey. Open skate admission is $6 for residents and $9 for nonresidents, plus $4 for skate rental. There’s a heated seating area for the parent holding everyone’s shoes.
Before you go: beginners do better in snow pants, since they will fall. Helmets help little skaters, and waterproof gloves and a hat are a must outside.