Ohio Winter Fun: Outdoor Ice-Skating

Note: Verify available ice times before traveling. Times and prices are subject to change.

Fountain Square has been a downtown Cincinnati gathering spot and focal point for nearly 150 years. When the weather turns cold, it morphs into a wonderland of lights, festivities and, of course, ice-skating. The rink offers skate rental, warming tents and a concession stand and is open through early February. $6, skate rental $4; 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’re returning this year, sharing the schedule with public skating hours until Presidents Day. There’s also a concession stand and indoor activities like mini golf and a kids practice rink. $4 including skates, $2 if you bring your own; 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. After the New Year, broomball and curling leagues start up, too. $6 (groups rates available for 10 or more in advance), skate rental $2; 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. The park is also home to The Pond, a 5,000-square foot rink that offers a traditional ice skating experience. Glass City Metropark is open for ice skating through President's Day weekend. $10 (group rates for 15 or more), skate rental at no additional charge; 1505 Front St., Toledo 43605, 419/407-9717, metroparkstoledo.com/theribbon

If you want to go old school when you ice-skate outdoors, Columbus and Franklin County Metro Park’s Blendon Woods is your spot. There’s no admission charge, no concession stand and you have to bring your own skates. Ice forms naturally on the park’s nearly half-acre pond, so skating is available only after below-freezing temperatures have taken hold. Free; 4265 E. Dublin Granville Rd., Westerville 43081, 614/620-1861, metroparks.net

Ohio Winter Fun: Sleigh Rides | Tobogganing, Tubing & Snowshoeing | Outdoor Ice-Skating | Christmas Tree Farms | December Park Programs