Are you planning on taking your family to Western Pennsylvania this winter? If so, you may want to consider packing a few pairs of ice skates. Based on my experience, there are several outdoor ice skating spots located in the region. Many of them are ideal for budget conscious families. Here's a quick rundown on a handful of them:
Yellow Creek State Park
Yellow Creek State Park is located in Indiana County. It features a 720-acre lake that is well suited for ice skating. Families interested in skating will need to bring their own skates and head towards the day use area located near the park's boat rental building. Admission is free and there is a warming area located onsite. Additional winter activities available at the park include ice boating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, sledding and cross-country skiing.
Moraine State Park
Moraine State Park is located in Butler County. Ice skating is available on Lake Arthur in the Pleasant Valley Day Use Area. However, winter sports equipment rentals are not offered. Therefore, visitors will need to bring their own gear. Families may use the charcoal grills and picnic tables in the day use area to heat up hot chocolate or enjoy a winter picnic after their ice skating sessions. There are also restrooms located onsite. Other winter activities available onsite include sledding, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice boating and ice fishing. Admission is gratis.
Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park is located in Erie County. Families are welcome to ice skate there for free on Misery Bay and Presque Isle Bay. One of the nice things about this park is that there is usually a winter concession stand in operation on the weekends near Waterworks Ponds. When it is open, ice skate rentals are typically available. In addition, winter programs are offered onsite at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. The ice dunes that often form at the park also help to make it a stand out. As such, families may want to consider bringing a camera along. Opportunities for ice fishing, ice boating and cross-country skiing are also on offer. Restrooms, charcoal grills and picnic tables are available onsite too.
Keystone State Park
Keystone State Park is located in Westmoreland County. Ice skating is available on the park's 78-acre lake. However, families must bring their own ice skates. There are charcoal grills, picnic tables and restrooms onsite. Additional activities on offer at the park include sledding, ice fishing and cross-country skiing. Admission is free.
Killeen Gonzalez enjoys winter sports and recreation with her family. She has also traveled extensively.
More from this contributor:
Top 5 Reasons to Take Your Family Ice Skating
Top 5 Outdoor Ice Skating Safety Tips for Parents
Top 5 Features to Look for When Buying a Pair of Ice Skates
Dressing for Indoor Ice Skating Sessions: What Beginners Need to Know
