Happy Travelers like their ice with some outdoor ambience. Pennsylvania’s stunning winter landscapes and spirited holiday celebrations at these outdoor skating experiences are a real treat. It’s time to lace up, grab some hot cocoa, don your favorite scarf, and get ready to enjoy some outdoor fun this winter — triple Lutz not required.
1. Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park
Philadelphia
Each year, the fountain area in Philadelphia’s Dilworth Park is magically transformed into a winter wonderland. Ice skate or sled skate at the Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park, then relax with some spirited beverages and refreshments at The Rothman Cabin. The rink is welcoming to everyone, with admissions and rentals for Sled Skating free for those with a disability and support person. Whether ice skating or sled skating, reserve your spot before you go and avoid the lines for 90 minutes of fun on the ice.
2. UPMC Rink at PPG Place
Pittsburgh
The UPMC Rink at PPG Place in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh is, without a doubt, the best place for outdoor skating in the Steel City. Open Nov. 18-Feb. 26, the rink at PPG Place is bigger than the rink at Rockefeller Center (67 percent larger to be exact!) and comes alive for the holidays with special traditions, including skating with Santa.
3. Lake Teedyuskung at Woodloch Resort
Hawley
Lake Teedyuskung at Woodloch Resort — rated “Best of the Best” by Traveler’s Choice and a perennial winner of USA Today’s Readers’ Choice award for Best Family Resort — offers a breathtaking ice skating adventure in the Pocono Mountains. Perfect your twizzles or challenge your friends and family to a pickup game of hockey with sticks and pucks available from the skate shop.
4. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Philadelphia
Grab your skates and a friend or two for a fun-filled ice skating adventure at the Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, Nov. 25-Mar. 5. For 29 seasons, Winterfest has been Philadelphia's favorite Winter tradition on the Philly Waterfront. The Olympic-size ice skating rink overlooking the Delaware River comes complete with all the ice-skating amenities, including comforting warming cabins, an outdoor seating area with fire pits, and games for the young and young-at-heart.
5. Parker Lake at Parker Dam State Park
Penfield
Parker Lake at Parker Dam State Park in the heart of Moshannon State Forest in Penfield offers some old-fashioned, rustic ice skating charm. Park staff clear snow off the ice to make a rink near the summer swimming area and carefully monitor the ice thickness to ensure all have a fun and safe time skating in their winter wonderland.
6. The Lodge at Glendorn
Bradford
The Lodge at Glendorn offers the ultimate pampered outdoor ice skating experience. Take a few spins around Skipper Lake, then stop by the warming Schoolhouse for some homemade hot chocolate and s’mores. Skate and repeat! Afterwards, perfect your sweeping skills with a friendly game of curling at the resort’s specially made curling sheet.
7. Skytop Lodge
Skytop
Take in the open air on Skytop Lodge’s skating rink and then warm up in this grand resort that has been delighting and pampering guests for nearly a century. Thrill-seeking travelers can check out the resort’s other winter activities including snow tubing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.
8. The Earl E. Schaffer Bethlehem Ice Rink
Bethlehem
The Earl E. Schaffer Bethlehem Municipal Ice Rink is a great way to have some fun times this winter season in Christmas City. Starting Nov. 20 through March, all ages can get in on the fun with public skating sessions and lessons from an expert. If you’re already a pro skater (we’re jealous), try your hand at ice hockey. Starting Dec. 1, the rink welcomes all with a special need to enjoy an hour of skating fun every Thursday afternoon in a safe and low sensory environment.
9. The Lodge at Nemacolin
Farmington
Winter is not complete without a session in the rink at The Lodge at Nemacolin. Starting Nov. 24, slide and spin some wintry magic at their outdoor ice skating rink. Located at Lafayette Square, share some charmingly chilly, family-friendly fun at their ice rink.
Looking for more ways to have fun this winter in Pennsylvania? If so, check out the visitPA website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram to stay up-to-date on even more great ideas and places to visit around our state.