4 Spots for Outdoor Ice-Skating in Ohio

Note: Verify available ice times before traveling. As of Feb. 13, 2025, these four outdoor rinks were open but some were set to close for the season after Valentine’s Day weekend. 

Fountain Square has been a downtown Cincinnati gathering spot and focal point for generations. When the weather turns cold, it morphs into an ice-skating rink that offers rentals, warming tents and a concession stand. It is routinely open each year through mid-February. 520 Vine St., Cincinnati 45202, 513/621-4400, myfountainsquare.com/ice-rink 

Akron’s Lock 3 has long drawn skating fans to its outdoor ice rink in the heart of downtown. Then, 2018 brought a new attraction: bumper cars on ice.  They share the schedule with public skating hours through Presidents Day. There’s also a concession stand and indoor activities. 200 S. Main St., Akron 44308, 330/375-2877, lock3live.com

Dayton’s Five Rivers MetroParks offers outdoor ice-skating under a pavilion at its RiverScape MetroPark through March 1. New this year is a warming tent in addition to a concession stand that sells snacks and hot dogs. The rink hosts broomball and curling leagues too. 272 E. Monument Ave., Dayton 45402, 937/278-2607, metroparks.org/ice-rink

Toledo's Glass City Metropark offers a unique outdoor ice skating experience at The Ribbon. The 1,000-foot trail allows skaters to navigate slopes and curves around a closed loop. Glass City Metropark is open for ice skating through President's Day weekend. 1505 Front St., Toledo 43605, 419/407-9717, metroparkstoledo.com/theribbon