Enjoy some ice time with outdoor ambience in stunning winter landscapes at these beautiful outdoor ice skating rinks in Pennsylvania. 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. 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 ice skating outdoors in Steel City. The rink at PPG Place is bigger than the rink at Rockefeller Center, 67% larger to be exact! Order and pre-pay your tickets online to guarantee your date and entry time. Free admission for children begins on Jan. 7 with “Tuesday Family Nights” for each child with each adult admission purchased; just be sure to have the coupon code handy when you order your tickets.
2. 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 Orthopaedics Cabin. The rink is welcoming to everyone, with admissions and rentals for Sled Skating free for those with a disability and their support person starting Jan. 2. Whether ice skating or sled skating, reserve your spot before you go and avoid the lines for 90 minutes of fun on the ice!
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 to rent from the skate shop.
4. Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
Philadelphia
Grab your skates and a friend or two for 90 minutes of a fun-filled ice skating adventure at the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. Now in its 31st season, Winterfest is one of Philadelphia's favorite winter traditions 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. Ordering tickets online is highly recommended with a limited number of tickets available for each date and time.
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. They even provide a heated restroom!
6. The Lodge at Glendorn
Bradford
The Lodge at Glendorn offers the ultimate pampered outdoor ice skating experience in Bradford. 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. No need to bring your own skating gear; the resort offers complimentary ice skates for its guests.
7. Skytop Lodge
Skytop
Take in the open air on Skytop Lodge’s ice skating rink near the Poconos 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. Open November through mid-March conditions permitting, 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. The rink welcomes both children and adults with special needs to enjoy ice skating fun in a safe and low sensory environment on specified dates and times.
9. The Lodge at Nemacolin
Farmington
Winter is not complete without a session in the rink at The Lodge at Nemacolin. Book your stay at this famed resort and then slide and spin some wintry magic on their beautiful outdoor ice skating rink. Located at Lafayette Square, share some charmingly chilly, family-friendly fun at their ice rink or enjoy their other amazing outdoor winter adventures, including dog sledding.
For more winter activities in Pennsylvania, check out the VISIT PA website. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, X, Pinterest, Threads, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok to stay up to date on even more great trip ideas and places to visit around the state. Don’t forget to never miss an update and sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter.