Dilworth Park’s Roller Rink Returns for Spring
Roller skate outside City Hall starting this Friday, plus more springtime fun at Dilworth.
Dilworth Park’s new retro-style Rothman roller skating rink installation underway for the 2024 season / Photography by Laura Swartz
Get ready to head back to Dilworth Park for a season of throwback vibes and roller-skating fun. The Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink is set to return this Friday, April 19th and will run through June 30th. The rink is getting ready, reprising its old-school checkerboard floor and bright, retro-style decor. Lucky Dog Studio is again responsible for the design, installing multi-colored streamers overhead.
Dilworth Park’s Rothman Roller Rink outside City Hall.
Even more news: The sprayground is already turned on! While much of it will be covered by the roller rink, the popular, interactive fountain will remain active on either side for days little ones need to beat the heat.
In addition to the recreational features, Dilworth’s Air Grille Garden will be open, with a menu of “roller rink-inspired snacks,” as well as cocktails and beer. The Dilworth Park Cafe will also remain open with snack options and coffee — plus gourmet treats and local gifts, thanks to their little Salt & Vinegar outpost.
Sprayground at Dilworth Park
Special Events
It all kicks off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, April 19th. After remarks, there will be a performance by Best of Philly-winning skate troupe Great on Skates and a demonstration from Philly Roller Derby. The first public skate session will be held afterward, at 12:15 p.m.
Great on Skates at Dilworth Park
The rink is planning special events as spring turns to summer, Center City District tells us.
On the evening of Saturday, June 1st, there will be a Pride Skate with live entertainment and food and drink specials. Everyone is encouraged to dress in rainbow.
Then on Thursdays from June 6th through 27th, they’ll be hosting Rhythm & Roll evenings with DJ entertainment and roller dancing.
More at Dilworth
Beginning on May 3rd, the Philadelphia Marketplace will bring a rotating lineup of local small businesses to Dilworth on Fridays and Saturdays.
Dilworth is also bringing back their free Tuesday night Center City Fit classes all season long, with Zumba kicking things off in April and May.
Know Before You Go
Skating sessions are available in one-hour blocks, and advance tickets are highly recommended. Limited in-person sales may be offered on-site, but popular times (like weekends) typically sell out.
Admission is $8 for children 10 and younger, and $10 for adults; skate rental is $6 (or you can bring your own skates and only pay admission). Want to save a few bucks? Book your session on a Monday or Tuesday between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., when they’re offering a $5-off matinee discount.
Locks and lockers are available to rent for $10 to store your shoes and other belongings. Socks are required, and will not be available on-site, so be sure to bring your own.
The Rothman Rink will be open seven days a week, Sundays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
