Top Ice Skating In Philadelphia
Winter is here and there is no stopping it, so why not embrace it? Everyone is waiting with great anticipation for the new ice skating rink at Dilworth Plaza in front of City Hall, but it's apparently on hold for now. However, the Piazza at Schmidt's in Northern Liberties just opened a pop-up outdoor ice-skating rink that will remain open until February. But if you're looking for a more permanent choice, check out our list of Philadelphia's top ice skating rinks.
Blue Cross RiverRink Penn's Landing
201 S. Columbus Blvd.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 925-7465
www.delawareriverwaterfront.com
The Blue Cross RiverRink is your go-to place for winter fun. Your backdrop is the Philadelphia skyline and the Ben Franklin Bridge, which become even more magical during a night-time skating session. The outside regulation Olympic-size rink gives you ample room to display your impressive twirls on the ice (or clumsy stumbles!) without crashing into other skaters. There's a warming pavilion, food and beverage concessions, viewing area, a private party room, video games, special events and more.
Related: As Makeover Begins, Philadelphia Shows Off Vision For New Dilworth Plaza
Class of 1923 Arena at University of Pennsylvania
3130 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 898-1923
www.cms.business-services.upenn.edu
The University of Pennsylvania's ice skating rink was created by a group called "Friends of Pennsylvania Hockey" and the Class of 1923. In 1968, the group donated $3.2 million for the sports facility. The rink offers public skating sessions all season long as well as group rates and discount passes and hosts birthday parties, school field trips, fundraisers and more.
Laura Sims Skate House (Cobbs Creek)
210 S. Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19139
(215) 685-1995
www.phila.gov
Laura Simms Skate House is located in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood of Philadelphia and was converted into an indoor skate rink in 2011. It has free public skate sessions, along with figure and hockey lessons for both kids and adults. The rink also has a variety of hockey leagues for you and your children.
Rizzo Ice Rink
1101 S. Front St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 685-1593
www.rizzorink.com
Named after one of Philadelphia's most beloved Mayors, Rizzo Ice Rink is open to the public from the start of November to the end of February every year. The rink offers courses in skating for adults and children at a variety of levels. Beginners will learn basic skating skills, while advanced skaters can perfect their technique and form with some of the best instructors around.
Related: Top Places For Outdoor Winter Activities In Philadelphia
Wissahickon Skating Club
550 W. Willow Grove Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19118
(215) 247-1759
www.wissskating.com
The Wissahickon Skating Club is a private club used for amateur figure, hockey and recreational skating. The club offers a variety of programs for adults and children and also has private rooms for parties, skate rentals, locker rooms, short-term memberships and a snack bar.
Christina Thompson is a freelance travel writer living in Philadelphia. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
