Ice Skating in Philadelphia 2026–27: Rothman, RiverRink and Flight on Ice Compared
Three of the Philadelphia area’s seasonal outdoor rinks — two in Center City and one in Delaware County — compared on all-in cost with rental, dates, family details and reservations. All prices and dates were rechecked against official operator information on October 23, 2026.
Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park, Philadelphia, February 2022. Photo: Ii2nmd (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized; adapted image shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.
The Philadelphia area has more places to skate than any one guide can cover, indoors and out. This guide compares three of its seasonal outdoor rinks — it is not a list of every skating option in the region, and there is no ranking: the rinks are listed Center City first, then the suburban option.
Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park — Center City
Where: Dilworth Park, 1 S 15th Street, directly beside City Hall.
Season: November 13, 2026 – February 21, 2027.
Admission and rentals: Adults $10; children 10 and under $8; skate rental $11 — $21 all-in for an adult and $19 for a child renting skates. Skating runs in timed, 90-minute sessions, with tickets sold through the Center City District site.
What makes it distinctive: You skate in the middle of Center City, under City Hall’s tower, in the park that also hosts the city’s main holiday market season. Center City District calls it Philadelphia’s only downtown seasonal skating rink.
Family considerations: Two genuine bargains: College Nights on Thursdays (November 19 – February 18) are $3 admission with a student ID, and admission is free on Mondays and Tuesdays from February 1–16, 2027 (“Free in February” — rental is still $11). From January 4 to February 21, skaters with physical or developmental disabilities can reserve a sled for skating through the operator. Hours change in January and February, so check the day’s schedule before going.
Reservations: Sessions are timed and reservable in advance on the operator’s site.
Profile: Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park · Official: Center City District
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest — Delaware River waterfront
Where: 101 S Columbus Boulevard, on the Delaware River waterfront.
Season: November 27, 2026 – February 28, 2027 — the longest season of the three.
Admission and rentals: Entry to the Winterfest site is free. Ice skating admission is $5 and skate rental is $12 — $17 all-in per skater. Skating admission is timed, with staggered entry, and sessions last up to 90 minutes; the operator recommends reserving, as ticket numbers are limited.
What makes it distinctive: This is a winter festival site with a rink in it, not just a rink — which changes the math for groups. Anyone who is not skating pays nothing to come in.
Family considerations: For a family where only the kids skate, RiverRink is the cheapest outing in this guide: a skating child pays $17 with rental, and non-skating parents pay nothing. It is open seven days a week, with hours that vary by day and around holidays.
Reservations: Timed tickets are sold through the Delaware River Waterfront site; book ahead for weekend sessions.
Profile: Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest · Official: Delaware River Waterfront
Flight on Ice — Newtown Square, Delaware County
Where: Energy Transfer Veterans Memorial Rink, 4901 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square — a suburban drive from Center City. Parking on site is free (at this location, parking donations are collected for the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association).
Season: November 20, 2026 – January 31, 2027, weather permitting.
Admission and rentals: Ticket and rental prices for this location had not been verified from the operator when this guide was published — check the official site before visiting rather than relying on earlier seasons or the operator’s general price range.
What makes it distinctive: A community rink at a veterans memorial — a portion of proceeds supports the Delaware County Veterans Memorial Association — with a schedule built around weekends: Thursday 4–8 PM, Friday 4–9 PM, Saturday noon–9 PM, Sunday noon–6 PM, with expanded holiday hours possible.
Family considerations: All skaters must complete the operator’s online waiver before skating — do it at home and check-in is faster. For young skaters there is a limited quantity of dolphin skating aids on site, first come, first served, so arrive early if your child needs one. The weekend-heavy schedule suits families who cannot do a weekday city trip. Because hours are weather permitting, confirm the day’s session before driving out.
Reservations: The operator recommends buying tickets and rentals online in advance, especially on weekends.
Profile: Flight on Ice at Energy Transfer Veterans Memorial Rink · Official: Flight on Ice
The three, side by side
| Rothman (Dilworth Park) | RiverRink Winterfest | Flight on Ice | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opens | Nov 13, 2026 | Nov 27, 2026 | Nov 20, 2026 |
| Closes | Feb 21, 2027 | Feb 28, 2027 | Jan 31, 2027 |
| Adult admission | $10 | $5 | Not yet verified |
| Child admission | $8 (10 and under) | $5 | Not yet verified |
| Skate rental | $11 | $12 | Not yet verified |
| All-in, with rental | $21 adult · $19 child | $17 per skater | Not yet verified |
| Non-skaters | — | Site entry free | No entry fee |
| Sessions | Timed, 90 minutes | Timed entry, up to 90 minutes | Thu–Sun schedule |
Prices change, and operators update schedules through the season. Each rink’s profile links its official source; confirm there before you travel. If we have missed a Philadelphia-area seasonal rink, tell us.
Sources
Center City District, “Winter Traditions Return to Dilworth Park this November” (October 14, 2026) — Rothman dates, prices, session format, College Nights, Free in February and sled reservations. Delaware River Waterfront — RiverRink Winterfest page and Ice Skating Tickets page (October 2026) — dates, $5/$12 prices, timed entry and 90-minute sessions. Flight on Ice — Newtown Square location page, FAQ and official ticketing pages (October 2026) — season dates, free parking, required online waiver and dolphin skating aids. Prices rechecked October 23, 2026.