I’m from Minnesota, where every neighborhood has at least one ice rink, and kids their first pair of shoes and ice skates at the same time. Cincinnati may not be quite the same ice skating mecca that Minneapolis is, but every winter Fountain Square transforms into Cincinnati’s neighborhood ice rink. We recently had a chance to lace up and take a few laps on O’Keefe’s Ice Rink, Presented by Fifth Third Bank on Fountain Square. We had a blast!
Don’t own skates? No problem. For a small fee you can rent ice skates in a range of sizes covering little ones to adults. Ask the rink staff about traction aids for walking on the ice (think slip-ons that go over your shoes) if your kiddos want some dad/mom help while they build their confidence. Other amenities include concessions, restrooms, lockers (for a small fee), free Wi-Fi, and very convenient parking.
Ice skating is just part of the fun at Fountain Square. Weekends through the holidays are full of events to participate in. Lace up and skate with Santa during “Santa Skating”, or visit the traditional German Christmas Market “Cincideutsch Christkindlmarkt”. On Saturday afternoons in November, the Ice Rink hosts the “Watch It & Wear It” series. Come down the rink dressed as one of your favorite characters from the movie being shown that day, meet characters from the movie, and then watch the movie on the huge LED screen in Fountain Square! Check the calendar of events for details.
It’s only been a week, but our girls are still talking about ice skating and asking when we they can go again. With its gorgeous backdrop and proximity to all that downtown has to offer, ice skating on Fountain Square is definitely one of the more unique, family-friendly events to take place during the holiday season.
O’Keefe’s Ice Rink, Presented by Fifth Third Bank is open every day through February 19, 2018.
About Jon:
Jonathon Karysn Paasch is husband to an intelligent, generous, and creative spouse, and father to two caring, smart, and funny girls.
A Cincinnati transplant, Jonathon and his family are avid weekend explorers, particularly drawn to the plethora of amazing outdoor activities available in the tri-state area.
With a passion for photography, Jonathon rarely misses an opportunity to document and share the Paasch family adventures.
