Did you know that Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR) has 5 ice skating rinks for Philadelphians to enjoy throughout the year? Yes, it’s true and it is FREE to you! PPR has these five rinks (mentioned below) where you can enjoy ice skating free of charge with only a minimal cost to rent the skates right at the facility ($3-$5 depending on the rink). The ice rinks are open 7 days a week through March and you can join in the fun for public skating, skating lessons, and adult hockey. Of course, there are things for the kids to enjoy too, like learning to skate, participating in public skating, youth hockey, and the Ed Snider Hockey Program.
It’s okay if it’s been awhile since you have been on skates or if it’s your first time because the rinks have staff to assist you on the ice. If you are really nervous about taking the ice for the first time, check out the video at the bottom of this post.
Ice skating is not only fun (once you get the hang of it anyway) but it also is an aerobic exercise giving you a great cardiovascular workout. Ice skating improves your balance, can be easy on joints, and builds leg muscles. Along with physical health benefits, ice skating improves your mental health and can provide you with stress relief as you glide around the ice at your own pace.
Come out and join the fun at your neighborhood ice-skating rink!
Schedules are subject to change but listed below is the schedule for public skating with days and times.
| SIMONS | LAURA SIMS | SCANLON | TARKEN | RIZZO | |
| Walnut Lane & Woolston Ave.
19138 |
Cobbs Creek Parkway & Walnut St. 19139
|
J St. & Tioga St. 19134
|
Frontenac St. & Levick St.,
19111 |
Washington Ave. & Front St.
19147 |
|
| 215-685-3551 | 215-685-1995 | 215-685-9893 | 215-685-1226 | 215-685-1593 | |
| Monday | None | 7:00-9:00 | 7:00-9:00 | 7:00-9:00 | None |
| Tuesday | 3:30-5:30 | None | None | None | None |
| Wednesday | 7:00-9:30 | 7:00-9:00 | 7:00-9:00 | None | 3:30-5:00 |
| Thursday | 3:30-5:30 | None | None | None | None |
| Friday | None | 7:45-9:45 | None | 7:00-9:00 | 3:30-5:00
6:30-8:00 |
| Saturday | 1:00—4:30 | 3:00-5:00
5:30-7:30 |
1:00-3:00 | 3:30-5:30 | 5:30-7:30 |
| Sunday | 1:30-6:00 | 3:00-5:00
5:30-7:30 |
1:00-3:00 | 3:30-5:30 | 3:30-5:00
5:30-7:00 |
In addition to the city’s FREE Ice Rinks with low-cost skate rental, Independence Blue Cross cardholders and employees can take advantage of this additional opportunity for FREE ice skating.
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Pricing
General Admission: FREE and open to the public
Skating Admission: $3 per person (FREE skating admission for Independence Blue Cross cardholders & employees.)
Skate Rental: $10 per person
Sizes available: Kids 8 – Adult 15. Double blades available for the youngsters. Skate sharpening is also offered on-site for those bringing their own ice skates.
Check out this video for tips on getting started.
