Lace-up those skates and head to the RiverScape Ice Rink this Christmas

Credit: HANDOUT

Credit: HANDOUT

An afternoon of family fun, a romantic evening under the stars or a night of friendly competition — check, check and check at the MetroParks Ice Rink at RiverScape.

A full slate of activities are on tap at the region’s largest outdoor ice skating rink, located on the banks of the Great Miami River in the heart of downtown Dayton.

“Open skating attracts a lot of people, but we offer much more than that,” said RiverScape manager Meredith Adamisin.

From skating lessons for the entire family to a competitive co-ed curling league, there are a variety of on-ice activities for winter sports enthusiasts of all ages and ability levels.

“I see couples, kids, people of all ages here,” Adamisin said. “That’s the magical part of being on the ice. It’s a beautiful place where you can see families and friends come together.”

OPEN SKATING

Open skating hours are available throughout the week and the rink also hosts several holiday events and theme nights like a Christmas Eve Skate and Michael Jackson Skate.

For $5 – an additional $2 for skate rental – skaters can glide across the rink all night. Family passes are available for $90, which covers season-long admission, skate rental and a 25-percent discount at the café for up to five people. Individual passes are available for $30.

Parker the Penguin even makes an occasional appearance to liven the spirits of skaters young and old.

SKATING LESSONS

Don’t know how to skate? Not a problem. Lessons are available at the MetroParks Ice Rink for children 3 and older and adults of all ages.

“It’s a skill progression program so it’s not just a single lesson, each week builds on the last,” Adamisin said. “And you receive free passes so you can come back and practice on your own.”

CURLING

Want to try your hand at an Olympic sport, then you might want to give curling a try. Curl Troy hosts a co-ed league at the downtown ice rink. Curling is accessible to all physical skill levels and no experience or, even, skates, are required.

Visit www.curltroy.org to learn more about local curling events.

BROOMBALL

A team sport played in ice arenas and community parks, broomball is similar to hockey in its play and rules, although there isn’t a puck or skates in sight. Serious players wear spongy-soled broomball shoes, but athletic shoes and, even, boots can also be worn.

Sound intriguing? The Dayton Broomball Association runs a co-ed league at RiverScape. Check out the Dayton Broomball Association Facebook page for more information.

UPCOMING METROPARKS ICE SKATING EVENTS

(Unless otherwise indicated, events are for all ages and weather dependent)

Christmas Eve Skate: Dec. 24, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

What: Start a holiday tradition by skating with your friends and family at MetroParks Ice Rink and warm up by the outdoor fireplaces with some steamy hot chocolate.

Cost: $7

Christmas Day Skate: Dec. 25, 1-8 p.m.

What: Have an old-fashioned family holiday and skate on Christmas Day. Enjoy the festive atmosphere as you sip hot chocolate by the outdoor fireplaces.

Cost: $7

New Year’s Eve Skate: Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

What: Looking for something fun to do before the ball drops? Start your New Year’s Eve party at the MetroParks Ice Rink.

Cost: $7

New Year’s Day Skate: Jan. 1, 1-8 p.m.

What: Start the New Year right and be the first to skate in 2018.

Cost: $7

Top 40 Hits Skate: Jan. 12, 7-10 p.m.

What: Come to MetroParks Ice Rink and skate as an onsite DJ plays Top 40 hits.

Cost: $7

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Skate: Jan. 15, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

What: Celebrate the holiday at the MetroParks Ice Rink.

Cost: $7

Michael Jackson Skate: Jan. 19, 7-10 p.m.

What: Moonwalk across the ice as a DJ plays Michael Jackson’s biggest hits.

Cost: $7

Frozen on Ice: Jan. 26, 7-10 p.m.

What: Bring the family out for a magical evening of ice skating. Glide the night away as the DJ plays your favorite Disney songs.

Cost: $7

Skating Lessons: January 7, 14, and 21, 11-11:30 a.m. (arrive 15 minutes early)

* Learn to Skate Children’s Course (Ages 3- 5)

What: This three-week session will cover how to get on and off the ice, how to fall safely and get up on your own.

Cost: $50, includes use of skates and lessons and two free skating admissions

* Learn to Skate Youth/Teen Course (Ages 6-17)

What: Students will learn how to fall and get up as well as get safely across the ice, and skate forward and backward.

Cost: $50, includes use of skates and lessons and two free skating admissions

* Learn to Skate Adult Course (Ages 18 and up)

What: Skills include skating forward and backward edges on a circle, three-turns, backward stops, bunny hop, lunges, and front and back crossovers.

Cost: $50, includes use of skates and lessons and two free skating admissions

Sports Leagues

*Outdoor Broomball League: Begins Jan. 8, 6-8 p.m.

What: Sign up for the Dayton Broomball Association's co-ed league. Visit https://www.metroparks.org/ice-rink/ to learn more. The Dayton Broomball Association will take the first 18 teams.

Ages: 18 and up

*Curling League: Begins Jan. 9, 6-9 p.m.

What: Play an Olympic sport this winter and sign up with friends for Curl Troy's recreational co-ed league at the MetroParks Ice Rink. Visit www.curltroy.org/ to learn more. Curl Troy will accept the first 12 teams; four players per team.

Ages: 18 and up

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