Pennsylvania's ice skating scene spans the full width of the state — from the scenic outdoor Delaware River waterfront in Philadelphia and the premier multi-sheet complexes of the Philly suburbs, to quality community rinks in the Lehigh Valley, Central PA, and the Pittsburgh area. The Keystone State takes its ice seriously. Here are the best rinks.
Philadelphia Area
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest — Philadelphia
Philadelphia's most visually stunning skating experience, Blue Cross RiverRink is a seasonal outdoor rink on the Delaware River waterfront at Penn's Landing. Open from October through March, the rink sits with the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Camden skyline as backdrop. Admission is just $5 for adults with $10 skate rental — making it one of the most affordable skating experiences in the city. The surrounding Winterfest includes food stalls, fire pits, and a warm lodge atmosphere. This is the place to bring out-of-town guests in winter.
Class Skate — Philadelphia
A dedicated ice skating school in Northeast Philadelphia, Class Skate is a single-sheet facility focused primarily on figure skating instruction and recreational skating. Adult admission is around $8 with $4 skate rental. A community-friendly option with affordable admission for Philadelphia residents in the Northeast.
IceWorks Skating Complex — Aston
The premier multi-sheet facility in the Delaware Valley, IceWorks Skating Complex in Aston features three full NHL-sized sheets and hosts regional figure skating competitions, extensive hockey leagues, and daily freestyle sessions. The pro shop offers professional sharpening with custom hollow selection. Adult admission is around $11. Located on Route 1 in Delaware County, IceWorks draws skaters from Philadelphia, Delaware County, Chester County, and northern Delaware.
Ice-A-Rama — Ambler
Ice-A-Rama in Ambler is a well-loved single-sheet facility in Montgomery County that has been part of the local skating community for decades. Adult admission is around $9, and the rink offers figure skating lessons and freestyle sessions in addition to public skating. Located on Route 309 in Ambler, it's accessible to skaters from much of Montgomery County.
Pittsburgh Area
Pittsburgh Ice Arena — Pittsburgh
Serving the South Side and greater Pittsburgh area, Pittsburgh Ice Arena is a two-sheet facility with active figure skating and hockey programs. Adult admission is around $10 with full rental service and pro shop sharpening. A solid option for Pittsburgh-area skaters looking for year-round ice.
Baierl Ice Complex — Cranberry Township
North of Pittsburgh in Butler County, Baierl Ice Complex in Cranberry Township is a two-sheet township facility with quality ice and programming. Adult admission is around $9 with township resident discounts. Serves Cranberry Township, Mars, Wexford, and surrounding Butler and Allegheny County communities.
Central Pennsylvania
Pegula Ice Arena — University Park (Penn State)
Pegula Ice Arena at Penn State is a state-of-the-art two-sheet facility on the Penn State campus in University Park. Home of the Nittany Lions hockey program, the arena is open to the public for skating when not in use for university events. Adult admission is around $8. A beautiful, modern facility in the heart of Happy Valley.
South Central Pennsylvania
York Ice Arena — York
York Ice Arena is a two-sheet facility serving York and the surrounding South Central PA region. Adult admission is around $9 with active hockey and figure skating programming. A reliable community rink for skaters in York, Lancaster, and Harrisburg suburbs.
Tips for Skating in Pennsylvania
RiverRink is a winter must-do in Philly. The combination of the waterfront location, festival atmosphere, and low admission ($5) makes RiverRink one of the best seasonal skating experiences in the Northeast. Don't miss it.
IceWorks is the Philly-area training hub. If you're looking for a competition-grade facility with multiple sheets and strong coaching in the Delaware Valley, IceWorks in Aston is the answer.
Pegula Ice Arena is worth a visit. If you're in or near State College, Penn State's Pegula Ice Arena is one of the finest arena facilities in college hockey and is open to the public.
Penn State and Pitt hockey fuel the state's passion. Pennsylvania's strong college hockey tradition — especially Penn State's recent rise — has helped grow interest in the sport statewide.
Explore all Pennsylvania rinks in the Pennsylvania state rink guide.