(Editor's note: This story has been updated to reflect an inaccuracy. Centre Ice Rink is located in Harrington.)
When the weather is bitterly cold, sometimes the best way to keep from stewing inside is to take advantage of the elements.
Delaware has offered plenty of chances iin 2025 to practice your figure 8s. And soon, there could be more options for those who like to hit the ice.
A new ice rink has been proposed for Dover. Details are sparse, but the plan is for it to be the new home of the former Delaware Thunder hockey team.
The closure of the beloved Centre Ice Rink in Harrington after 20 years came as a shock to hockey enthusiasts and hobbyist skaters around the state, but there is still time to take advantage of the space while the weather allows for it. Pointing to financial concerns related to the upkeep of the grounds, the 80-member board voted to close the near 50,000 square-foot rink in May of this year.
And some skaters have taken advantage of the frozen conditions lately at Bellevue State Park to play hockey, skate or to just walk around and enjoy the scenery.
But even if outdoor rinks don’t freeze over again, there are still options to get active in the cold.
Here’s what to know.
New rink proposed in Dover
A new ice rink is being proposed in Dover.
A website and Facebook page for the proposed Dover Civic Arena are both live. The arena’s renderings show its plans to be the new home for the Delaware Thunder, a minor league team situated at the Centre Ice Rink that was discontinued in 2023.
Ronnie Taylor, coordinator and treasurer of the Dover Civic Arena Group, said the city of Dover has granted the group a "long-term lease" of the 7 acres of land adjacent to Schutte Park.
"We are almost complete with the planning aspect, and have zoning permission from the City of Dover," said Taylor.
“Dover Civic Arena will be providing the Delaware community with indoor sports, concerts and more,” says the group’s Facebook introduction page.
The Dover Civic Arena Group is also holding a meeting in February for organized groups that are interested in relocating to the rink after the Centre Ice Arena closes down.
Ice skating rinks in Delaware
Fred Rust Ice Arena
549 S. College Ave., Newark; 302-831-2868
The Olympic-sized ice rink home to the Blue Hens’ ice hockey teams has openings for public skate in two- or three-hour slots on certain dates through March. Join skaters of all skill levels while the rink is lit up with festive lights and playing music.
Admission for adults is usually $11. Kids aged six and under can be admitted for $6 and students at the University of Delaware can get free admission with a valid student ID card. Skate rental fees for all ages are $5.
Skating Club of Wilmington
1301 Carruthers Lane, Brandywine Hundred; 302-656-5005
This year marks the Skating Club of Wilmington’s 60th year offering ice skating to community members. Between now and May, the Skating Club of Wilmington will be holding regular public skate sessions on Wednesdays and weekends ranging from 40 minutes to two hours of skating time.
Wednesday sessions are held from 7:10 to 7:50 p.m., and admission fees for all skaters are $6, including skate rentals.
Friday evening public skates are from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday afternoons have public skates from 3:15 to 5:15 p.m. Admission fees for these weekend times are $12 for adults, with a $3 skate rental fee. Children 6 and under are $6 every session.
Patriot Ice Center
101 John Campbell Blvd., Newark; 302-266-0777
Typical public skate sessions at Patriot Ice Center are held Mondays and Fridays from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 12:30 to 2:20 p.m.
Admission is $10 per skater.
Ice skating rinks outside of Delaware
IceWorks Skating Complex
3100 Dutton Mill Road, Aston, Pennsylvania; 610-497-2200
Located just a 20-minute drive north of Wilmington, IceWorks hosts a public skate every weekday afternoon from noon to 1:30 p.m. in one of its three rinks.
On Fridays and Saturdays, an extra public skate session is open from 7:30 to 9 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, another public skate is held from 2 to 4 p.m.
Admission to public skates are $12, with $3 skate rentals. On Wednesdays, though, skate rentals are free.
Friday nights double as a silent disco party. Tickets to these events are $25, which includes skate rental fees and a pair of headphones to get the party started.
Rothman Orthopedics Ice Rink at Dilworth Park
1 S. 15th St., Dilworth Park, Philadelphia; 215-440-5500
The City Hall ice rink is open every day of the week until Feb. 23. From Monday to Thursday the rink is open from noon until 9 p.m. and on Fridays the closing hour extends to 11 p.m. On Saturdays the rink is open from 11:30 a.m. until 11 p.m. and on Sundays the hours shorten to 11:30 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Online reservations are recommended, but in-person slots are available based on availability. Luckily, there are plenty of vendors situated around the historic building as well as Love Park across the street to keep yourself busy.
Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest
101 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia; 215-925-7465
The RiverRink along the Delaware River is open until March 2, with an NHL-sized rink open every day for people to take advantage of.
Admission to the rink is $5 with $12 skate rentals. Skate sessions max out after 90 minutes and admission is staggered. For the first time, ice skating lessons are being held on the outdoor rink this season. Tickets to skate can be reserved online.
A “Sweetheart Skate” event will be held on Valentine’s Day, Friday Feb. 14, from 7 to 11 p.m. for the outdoorsy couples looking to switch it up for the holiday.
If you’re not feeling up for the risk of falling on your face in public, heated lounges, cabins and fire pits situated adjacent to the rink can be reserved online.
The Winterfest on the Riverfront is a winter staple in Philadelphia. Check out the different food and drink vendors as well as the arcade while you’re resting in between skating sessions.
Molly McVety covers community and environmental issues around Delaware. Contact her at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @mollymcvety.