Lace up those skates and enjoy the fresh air at these ice skating rinks near Philly. Of all the fun activities the holiday season brings, ice skating is at the top of the list. Bundling up in hats and scarves and warming up with cider or hot chocolate after a spin on the ice at a local ice skating rink in Philadelphia is sure to please kids young and old. There are several temporary festive outdoor ice skating rinks in Philadelphia and in the Philadelphia suburbs, providing unique settings for this winter activity, and many Pennsylvania state parks also offer ice skating when the conditions are right. 

For more ways to enjoy everything this season has to offer, check out our list of Polar Express and Christmas Train Rides and our Philadelphia Holiday Guide, filled with the best Christmas events and activities, as well as events for Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and more.

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks Near Philly 

Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest — Philadelphia

Price: The Winterfest site is free to enter and open to the public, but there are charges for specific activities like ice skating.

This scenic location along the Delaware River opens the day after Thanksgiving and runs through Leap Day, kicking off the season with a holiday tree lighting on November 29. The annual Winterfest celebration offers more than just ice skating, with various amusements including boardwalk games, private cabins, and fire pits to roast marshmallows. Take a spin on the Ferris wheel for unbelievable views of the city. Online reservations for 90-minute skating sessions, as well as cabins and fire pits, are suggested. 

Why we love this skating rink: Whatever winter activities your kids crave, you can find it at Winterfest.

Lace your skates and hit the ice at the Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park. Photo courtesy of Center City District

Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park — Philadelphia

Price: Ranges for adults and children, plus an additional charge for skate rental. Some discounts for SEPTA pass holders and area college students.

Located at City Hall, skaters can enjoy an urban skating experience surrounded by Center City skyscrapers. Skate rentals and lockers are available, as well as penguin skating aids for children 10 and younger, which are cute, penguin-shaped devices with handles that help little ones stay upright as they learn to skate. While you're there, check out the park's Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market and Wintergarden. Timed skating sessions are 90 minutes max and can be booked in advance online. As available, they can also be purchased in person.

Why we love this skating rink: You can't get any closer to the heart of Philadelphia than City Hall. Plus the penguin aids are a great way to ease kids into this winter activity.

Flight on Ice — Newtown Square

Price: Options to purchase one-day tickets or season passes for full winter fun.

Another relatively new outdoor ice skating rink and winter village is open in Newtown Square. Flight on Ice brings festive lights, holiday shopping, a heated tent to enjoy food and drinks, and a 6,000-square-foot rink to Delco. Tickets must be purchased online in advance to help reduce crowding.

Why we love this skating rink: The rink hosts themed events throughout the season, so it's best to check the calendar on their website to see what's coming up.

Spring Mountain — Spring Mount, PA

Price: Tickets are a flat rate for all participants, plus an additional charge for skate rental, but if you're planning to ski or snowboard you can bundle your lift ticket for a discount.

Spring Mountain is a popular skiing and snowboarding park with an indoor ice rink. If purchased with lift tickets, ice skating is only $10. Lessons are available with pre-registration, and online booking is recommended for public skating hours. On Fridays, DJ Tommy will play requests for DJ Skate Night, and on Sundays look for special Family Night deals. Advanced tickets are recommended; walk-in availability can not be guaranteed.

Why we love this skating rink: This indoor rink is a great pair with Spring Mountain's outdoor offerings.

Flight on Ice — Egg Harbor City, NJ

Price: Options to purchase one-day tickets or season passes for full winter fun.

This outdoor skating rink at Renault Winery’s Vintner Wonderland is located in the heart of Egg Harbor City, NJ, and features festive drinks and food, a robust live entertainment schedule, fire pits with seating, retail shopping village with local vendors, a signature festival of trees charity drive, indoor dining options, great music, lights, and more. Make reservations online.

Why we love this skating rink: Its location at a winery, plus its calendar of fun events, makes this a chic and cozy option for ice skating in the Philadelphia area.

WinterFest Ice Skating Rink at Cooper River — Cherry Hill, NJ

Price: Children under 4 are free, but there is a skate rental free for anyone not bringing their own skates.

The outdoor WinterFest Ice Skating returns to Cooper River after Thanksgiving and runs into February. A heated concession stand will offer dining and arcade games. Check the website for holiday hours throughout the season, and their Facebook page for updates about occasional closures due to weather. Birthday parties and private events can be booked in advance.

Why we love this skating rink: An unbeatable location in Cooper River Park!

Outdoor Ice Skating at State and County Parks Near Philly

Pennsylvania's parks are great family destinations all year round, and winter is an especially great time to check out what state parks near Philadelphia have to offer! The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources posts a weekly winter activities report with ice skating conditions at several state parks. The website also posts ice skating safety tips from December until the spring thaw. In general, skaters should test the ice prior to skating. The recommended thickness is four inches, and wearing life jackets for safety is encouraged. Other advice includes spreading out on the ice, and avoiding areas with logs, debris, and cracks. Don't forget to check the weather forecast in advance. The state parks listed below are all open from sunrise to sunset and admission is free. 

French Creek State Park — Elverson

Price: Standard park entry fees apply, and you must bring your own skates.

This park in Berks County offers the natural ice of two lakes, which can be skated upon when conditions permit. Ice thickness is not monitored by the park so use caution.

Why we love this skating rink: This is about as natural and open-air as you can get, skating on beautiful lakes.

Green Lane Park — Green Lane

Price: Standard park entry fees apply, and you must bring your own skates.

Located in Montgomery County, this park offers a small family outdoor ice skating area, conditions permitting. Visitors are encouraged to call the park office to check on ice conditions: 215-234-4528.

Why we love this skating rink: Enjoy this expansive municipal park from the frozen lake to make many family memories!

Marsh Creek State Park — Downingtown

Price: Standard park entry fees apply, and you must bring your own skates.

In addition to sledding and cross country skiing, Marsh Creek offers outdoor ice skating, which is permitted on the natural ice. It's important to check conditions as ice thickness isn't monitored.

Why we love this skating rink: Located in the rolling hills of Chester County, Marsh Creek is the perfect destination for families who want to get off the beaten path and onto the ice.

Nockamixon State Park — Quakertown

Price: Standard park entry fees apply, and you must bring your own skates.

Skating is permitted on the lake when the ice is at least four inches thick at this Bucks County park. The thickness of the ice is not monitored.

Why we love this skating rink: Rent a fully-heated winter cabin to make a weekend of winter fun.

Tyler State Park — Newtown

Price: Standard park entry fees apply, and you must bring your own skates.

Ice skating is allowed near the boathouse warming area when the Neshaminy Creek freezes, but it's important to note that ice thickness is not monitored by park officials.

Why we love this skating rink: Take your skates on the winding creek to get a glimpse of winter critters on the shores. 

This post has been updated by Hillary Moses Mohaupt in 2024.

Fall foliage, cooler temperatures, and doorways decorated in cornstalks and gourds create a welcome change from summer throughout Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley. As autumn settles into the region, Philly families anticipate traditions they know and love, including day trips to nearby corn mazes and hayrides, apple picking or pumpkin picking, and plenty more.

This year, we've rounded up the classics and thrown in some fresh ideas, too. Don't forget to review our comprehensive Fall Activity Guide for Philadelphia Kids and create a customized bucket list of fun for your family. For even more inspiration, browse our ultimate Philly bucket list, 100 Things To Do in Philly with Kids Before They Grow Up.

Our Philly Fall Bucket List for Kids

1. Go Apple Picking

Bake an apple pie from scratch with fruits picked at one of the area's orchards or farms.

2. See Fall Foliage

Enjoy the changing colors of the season at these great foliage viewing spots.

Visit Scarecrows in the Village through October and vote on your favorite. Photo courtesy of Peddler's Village

3. Peddler's Village

Bring a scarecrow to life at Peddler's Village; then, view all of the creations on display and vote for your fave.

4. Pumpkin Picking

Find the perfect pumpkin in the patch and carve a scary or silly face to make a fall decoration.

Romp through a harvest hay maze among the skyscrapers in Dilworth Park. Photo by Matt Stanley for Center City District

5. Corn and Hay Mazes

Get lost in a corn maze at a local farm or hit the hay maze in Center City.

6. Visit the American Helicopter Museum

Let imaginations take flight for a few hours at the American Helicopter Museum.

Ride the Great Pumpkin Train to the perfect patch. Photo courtesy of Delaware River Railroad Excursions

7. Pumpkin Train

Admire the colors of autumn and pick up a pumpkin with a ride on the Great Pumpkin Train.

8. Mushroom Festival

Check out the annual Mushroom Festival in Kennett Square, for culinary events, exhibits, children's entertainment, and mushroom art.

9. Linvilla Orchards

Create fall family traditions at Linvilla Orchards with a hayride to the Witch's House or a visit to Pumpkinland.

10. Longwood Gardens

Scurry into Longwood's Canopy Cathedral Treehouse to get a view of the changing fall foliage, or pop over to see the pumpkin displays.

11. Morris Arboretum

Get a bird's eye view of the changing leaves at Morris Arboretum's 50-foot-high tree-top attraction.

12. Renaissance Faire

Take a trip back in time at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.

13. Play Outside

Spend the afternoon playing in the cool autumn air at a local park or playground.

14. Visit a State Park

Discover the beauty of the trails found in local Pennsylvania State Parks.

15. Bucks County Bridges

Explore covered bridges throughout Bucks County in a self-guided driving tour.

16. Camp Outdoors

Escape to the outdoors with an autumn camping trip. 

17. Ghost Tours

Have your pants scared off during a Ghost Tour of Philadelphia. Boo!

18. Museum of Illusions

Feeling deceptive? Visit the Museum of Illusions for a mesmerizing experience that will have doing a double, or triple, take.    

19. Waterfall Hikes

See all of the beauty Pennsylvania has to offer while hiking by a nearby waterfall.

20. See Animals

Pay a visit a local farm to see the animals.

21. Drive-in Movies

Pack up the car with the kids and take in a family-friendly drive-in movie.

22. History Lessons

Learn about the Revolutionary Way during Once Upon A Nation Storytelling Benches at Valley Forge National Historic Park.

23. Laurel Hill Cemetery

Spend the afternoon playing games, making crafts, and taking tours of Laurel Hill Cemetery during its Fall Fun Day.  

24. Awbury Arboretum

Discover the wonders of our natural world at Awbury Arboretum.

25. Take a Weekend Vacation

Plan a family-friendly weekend getaway. Some of our favorite destinations include Gettysburg, the Poconos, Lancaster, and Cape May, NJ.

26. Local Hikes

Take a kid-friendly hike through a local park to glimpse the changing leaves. There are some legendary hiking trails an hour or less from Philly.

27. Reading Terminal Market

Sample the delicious autumn specialty foods at Reading Terminal Market.

28. Crayola Experience

Is your kid a doodler? Take a trip to Crayola Experience Pennsylvania in nearby Easton.

29. Storybook Land

Less than 60 miles from Center City is a storybook playland for preschoolers where you can ride the Happy Hayride to pick a pumpkin. Nothing scary in these Halloween decorations and activities.

Meet a like-sized candy bar at Hersheypark. Photo courtesy of the park

30. Amusement Parks

Put on your Halloween costume and visit the Philly area's theme park destinations, including Hersheypark, Dutch Wonderland, and Six Flags, for seasonal fun.  

31. Ride a Horse

Sign up for a horseback riding lesson. There are stables in Lafayette, Berwyn, West Chester, and the city.

Ride Franklin Square's Parx Liberty Carousel. Photo courtesy of Historic Philadelphia

32. Parx Liberty Carousel

Climb onto a (pretend) zebra or dragon and take a spin at Franklin Square's Parx Liberty Carousel.

33. Visit the Edgar Allan Poe Museum

Tour the former home of "The Raven" writer, Edgar Allan Poe. 

Note: At the time of publishing, Edgar Allen Poe Museum was temporarily closed. Please check their website for updates.

34.  Fall Festival

Plop your kid on a bale of hay for a photo op at a fall festival.

35. Eastern State Penitentiary

Get spooked on a tour of the nation's most infamous prison, Eastern State Penitentiary, which once housed some of America's most notorious criminals. If you choose to do the haunted tour, remember that it is better geared towards older children or teens who are not upset by spooks.

Dress up and head to Boo at the Zoo, where you can trick-or-treat among the animals. Photo courtesy of the zoo

36. Boo at the Zoo

Say hello to the animals and trick or treat at Philadelphia Zoo's Boo at the Zoo.

37. Diggerfest

See your construction favorites decked out for the fall and Halloween season at Diggerland's Diggerfest. 

38.  Amish Museum

Appreciate Amish life with a visit to The Amish Farm and House in Lancaster.

39. Halloween Parades

Find a Halloween Parade in your neighborhood, like this one in Ambler.

40. Stroll a Philly Neighborhood

Embrace the milder weather with a walk or bike ride through a local neighborhood.  

41. Indoor Play Spaces

Great on hot days, great on cool days, indoor play areas are a perfect escape. 

42. Explore Bucks County

Go back in time, or play the day away in Bucks County.

43. Smith Memorial Playground

Head down the massive, historic wooden slide at Smith Memorial Playground, or attend the Barely Scary Halloween Bash.

44. Grown-up and Me Class

Take your little one to a Mommy and Me class (or whoever your child's special grown-up is in their life!).

45. Farm Visits

Visit a local farm that offers entertainment for the whole family.

46. Visit a New Museum

Many of the local museums offer fall festivities, like the straw maze at Woodmere Art Museum.

47. ...Or an Unusual Museum 

For the older kids, a unique museum might be just the ticket.  

48. Bates Motel

Get scared out of your mind at the haunted Bates Motel. Recommended only for older kids and teens who are not bothered by spooks.

Come in costume and celebrate silly, not-too-spooky fun at The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place!

49. Sesame Place

Young children can ride the amusements at Sesame Place and see the fall decorations.

50. Stay in a Treehouse

Book a tree house vacation for a future getaway.

51. Take a Scenic Drive

The Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway is not only beautiful but includes historic and fascinating stops like the Brandywine River Museum of Art and the Stroud Preserve.

52. American Treasure Tour Museum

View the odd, fascinating and nostalgic pop culture artifacts at the American Treasure Tour Museum in Oaks, from games to toys, to sculptures, to full-sized vehicles.

53. Visit a Local Farmer's Market

Enjoy the fall weather and bring home some fresh produce at places like the small but mighty Lansdowne Farmer's Market, which also features live music.

54. Chanticleer

The cultivated gardens at Chanticleer in Wayne feature fun sculptures and water features, along with resident fish and turtles.

55. Newlin Grist Mill

Explore both history and nature at Newlin Grist Mill in Glen Mills.

This post was originally published in Sept. 2015 and has been updated by Alyce Wilson for 2025.

The meal takes center stage on Thanksgiving Day, but if you'd rather forget the dirty dishes, grocery shopping, and hours of cooking, there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants open on Thanksgiving in Philly for a hassle-free holiday. Catch the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade in the morning, then relax the rest of the day knowing that the family meal is being handled by the professionals. If you want to enjoy fine dining but don't want to change out of sweatpants, plenty of establishments also offer convenient pickup options.

Reservations are required or strongly encouraged for all of the following restaurants as many fill up in advance. Pre-orders for pickup are also required. Gear up for the rest of the holiday season with our Holiday and Christmas Activity Guide. 

Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in Philadelphia

Bank and Bourbon — Center City

A go-to for delicious Thanksgiving fare, Bank and Bourbon will feature a buffet that includes seasonal salads and soups, signature charcuterie and cheese from local farms, carving block prime rib, turkey, and salmon along with seafood, ham, roasted vegetables, butternut squash soup and a wide selection of sides, at $110 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under. Little people can dine off the kids menu if they'd prefer a cheesesteak or grilled cheese sandwich. In addition, consider ordering a fizzy drink from the new soda-centric program, Fizz by Loews Hotels. Adult diners can enjoy an optional wine pairing for $35. Reservations are from 11am − 9pm.

Fogo de Chao — Center City

For a taste of southern Brazil in the heart of Philly, try out Fogo de Chao.In addition to the regular menu offerings, seasonal recipes will be announced closer to the holiday. In the past, that has included dishes like roasted turkey and au jus, cranberry relish, sweet potatoes and Brazillian sausage with apple dressing. Bookings are available from 11am − 9pm, and reservations are recommended.   

Urban Farmer — Center City

Urban Farmer is serving up a bounty of options, offering a multi-course meal or Thanksgiving takeout. The full brunch menu is available from 7am to 1pm. A three-course plated Thanksgiving feast will be served starting at 3pm. Starters include dishes like chilled shrimp and Kabocha Squash & Coconut Soup, alongside mains like cider-brined turkey, salmon, prime rib, and stuffed pork loin; and sides like cornbread turkey stuffing, Roasted Carrot and Turnips, and housemade cranberry sauce. Seasonal desserts (pumpkin, apple and pecan chocolate pie—yum!) round out the menu. Adults dine for $125 and children ages 12 and under for $65. Dinner is from 3−9 pm. To-go options must be preordered and can be picked up from 12 to 3pm on Thanksgiving Day. 

Chez Colette at Sofitel Philadelphia — Rittenhouse

At one of the most lavish Thanksgiving brunch buffets in the city, parents can begin with a complimentary glass of champagne before indulging. A raw bar, appetizers, multiple entrées and carvings, and desserts await Thanksgiving diners. The buffet costs $75 for adults and $40 for children under 12. Serving times are at 12 pm and 2 pm. Be sure to reserve your spot!

Bridget Foy's — Society Hill

Quintessential Thanksgiving meal? Regular dinner? In addition to a Thanksgiving plate offering, Bridget Foy's will serve a limited number of items from the regular menu. Look for Thanksgiving dishes such as turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, brussels sprouts, cranberry compote, and gravy. The restaurant is open 12 − 8 pm on Thanksgiving Day, and take-out is available. Reservations are recommended.

Square 1682 — Center City

Square 1682 is offering all the fixings—sweet potato pie casserole, classic brioche stuffing, and french green beans—with each main course, which includes turkey, braised short ribs, salmon, and mushroom risotto. Book a spot from 4pm − 8:30pm. Or place a Thanksgiving pre-order to feed two, four, or six people. Deadline is Monday, November 24, and pick-up is only on Wednesday, November 26, beginning at noon.

Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in the Suburbs

Brandywine Prime — Chadds Ford

Known for their steaks, the 3-course Thanksgiving-themed menu at this award-winning restaurant will focus on seasonal options like pumpkin bisque and housemade cranberry sauce, along with Italian sausage stuffing, Kennett Square Mushroom Soup, and desserts like Apple Cider Doughnut Cheesecake and Pumpkin Bread Pudding. For those who prefer the standard fare, a limited á la carte menu is available. The 3-course meal comes in at $72.50 for adults and $35 for kids under 12. Service begins at 1pm and ends at 7pm for the last seating. 

The Farmer's Daughter — Blue Bell

Choose from many delicious options from the four-course prix fixe menu. Begin with a pumpkin bisque, cajun shrimp, bacon and cauliflower corn chowder, or a mesclun greens salad before moving on to turkey, short rib, salmon, pork loin, lamb leg, Chilean sea bass, or squash gnocchi, accompanied by family-style sides and followed by a dessert. Pricing for adults is $79.95, with children ages 5 to 10 priced at $26.95. Seatings are available from 1 − 6pm. Alternatively, visit the Normandy Grand Ballroom, also at Normandy Farm, for the Grand Ballroom Buffet, featuring soups, chilled salads and bread, a shrimp cocktail bar, carving stations and entrees, and seasonal sides and desserts. That option costs $69.95 for adults and $26.95 for children.

Fleming's Steakhouse — Blue Bell

Fleming's Steakhouse invites your family to be their guest for a special menu. The two-course meal will feature herb-roasted turkey, filet mignon, or prime bone-in ribeye, along with homemade stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans with apricots and onions, cinnamon orange cranberry sauce and dessert. The price starts at $59 per guest. The full dinner menu will also be available all day, and a children's three-course menu is available for $22. Fleming's will be open 11am − 8pm. There's also the option of ordering a Thanksgiving meal for six people to enjoy at home. For this option, place the order online, and the meals can be picked from November 21 to November 30, so you can celebrate on your schedule.

Seasons 52 — King of Prussia

Seasons 52 is known for its uber-fresh, ever-changing menu. Thanksgiving diners can prepare for roasted turkey with savory pan gravy, Yukon mashed potatoes, brioche and sage stuffing, green beans, mashed sweet potatoes, cranberry relish, and pumpkin pie. With pricing set at $42 for adults, and $18 for children, this is among the most affordable dinners families will find. To-go boxes are also available, serving 4−6 people for $230.

Black Powder Tavern — Wayne

Craft American fare is the specialty at Black Powder Tavern in Wayne, and Thanksgiving brings a buffet of cold dishes—salads, shrimp cocktail, and a meat and cheese board—as well as hot ones like turkey, glazed ham, short rib beef bourguignon, roasted salmon, and sides. End your meal at the dessert station with apple pie, pecan pie, and pumpkin pie, plus other treats. Adults pay $62, and children 11 and under pay $29. The Tavern will be open 11:30am − 7pm. 

Mendenhall Inn — Mendenhall

With the Mendenhall Inn's buffet style, you can take your pick or have it all. Roasted turkey and prime rib, amid a varied selection of sides, both traditional and non-traditional, will be served up for the holiday. With the wide selection, including a pasta station, there's something to meet every taste. Buffet prices are $66 for adults and $30 for children 5−10 years old. The restaurant is open from 12pm to 7pm. The Inn encourages Thanksgiving day diners to make reservations via phone as soon as possible.

Tredici — Wayne  

For an Italian-style take-home Thanksgiving this year, check out Tredici for á la carte options. Italian antipasto, a fall cheese board, various bisques, sides, quiche, and ham are on the market's menu. Place your order by November 10, and pick up your selections on Wednesday, November 26 between 9am and 1pm.  

The Farmhouse at People’s Light — Malvern

If you're fixin' to enjoy an earlier meal, The Farmhouse at People's Light is open for a Thanksgiving buffet, serving classic dishes and some with a twist, like bourbon mashed sweet potatoes. The buffet cost at this Malvern favorite is $50 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. Hours are 11am - 3pm.  

Springfield Country Club — Springfield

The ballroom will be the location for a special buffet on Thanksgiving Day, with seasonal foods like carved root beer glazed ham, turkey with gravy and cranberry sauce, as well as Old Bay peel n' eat shrimp and white wine and vegetable penne. Complimentary juices and soft drinks are included in your meal, and children can enjoy chicken fingers and fries. Save your family's spot between 1 − 5pm. Tickets are required in advance and are $59.95 for adults, $29.95 for kids 2-12, and free for kids under 2. Taxes are not included.

This article has been updated by Alyce Wilson for 2025.