Grab your skates and hit the ice at these seven outdoor skating rinks in New Jersey.
The brisk air blows through your hair while the winter sun warms your cheeks.
The blades of your skates cut through the frozen surface beneath your gliding feet, as your knit scarf whips and trails behind you.
You drift smoothly over the ice, careful not to to make a wrong move and lose your balance.
It's wintertime in New Jersey and it's time to strap on some skates and hit the outdoor ice rinks.
While there are many year-round indoor skating facilities from North Jersey to the Jersey Shore, there's nothing quite like the feeling of chilly winter wind dancing on your cool skin, as you slide across a frozen pond.
Here are seven outdoor skating rinks in New Jersey -- including a few in Philly -- to visit this winter.
Winterfest Ice Skating Rink, Pennsauken
The Winterfest Ice Skating Rink at Cooper River Park is open from Nov. 27 to Feb. 14.
At twice the size as last year, the skating rink is 60 feet wide and 120 feet long, and located in the center of Jack Curtis Stadium on North Park Drive in Pennsauken.
Twinkling lights, vendors, and hot chocolate set the scene for this year's Winterfest Ice Skating Rink.
Hours are Monday through Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., Friday from 5 to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.
Ice shows occur on Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 3 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.
For more information, visit www.skatewinterfest.com.
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest, Philadelphia
An Olympic-sized skating rink overlooking the Delaware River in Philadelphia, Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest kicks off Nov. 27 and runs through March 6.
The winter fantasyland features a ski-chalet style lodge, a winter garden made from recycled shipping containers, a heated tent, twinkling holiday trees, fire pits, and plenty of seating.
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This season, RiverRink includes more seating inside and outdoors, a 360-degree deck around the rink, additional food options including hot chocolate, holiday treats, and goodies from the Garces Group.
Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest is located at 101 South Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia.
For more information, visit www.delawareriverwaterfront.com or call 215-925-RINK.
Rothman Ice Rink at Dilworth Park, Philadelphia
Philadelphia's Dilworth Park will transform into a winter wonderland from Nov. 13 to Feb. 28 for the second consecutive year.
New this year is the Rothman Cabin -- a heated tent located near the ice rink. Inside the tent, visitors will find food and drinks from Garces Events like hot chocolate, coffee, burgers, fries, and more.
Dilworth Park is located at 1 South 15th Street near City Hall in Philadelphia.
The rink is open to skaters of all levels and ages.
For more information, visit www.ccdparks.org/dilworth-park/rothmanicerink.
Newport Skates, Jersey City
Located on the Hudson River in Jersey City, Newport Skates is surrounded by restaurants and amazing views of Manhattan.
The outdoor rink is 7,000 square foot and a great place for a romantic date night.
Hours are Monday to Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Admission is $7 and skates can be rented for $6.
For more information, visit www.newportrentalsnj.com.
Swartswood State Park, Newton
Forget the man-made ice rink, Swartswood State Park offers ice skating on an actual frozen lake.
Known as New Jersey's "first state park," Swartswood is an historic landmark destination that dates back to 1915.
Skaters should call 973-383-5230 to be sure the lake is frozen to ensure safe skating.
For more information, visit www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/swartswood.html.
Edison Family Ice Skating Rink, Edison
The Edison Family Ice Skating Rink is an outdoor rink located in Roosevelt Park and great for families to get out and enjoy the brisk winter months.
The rink is open through April, weather pending.
For more information, visit www.co.middlesex.nj.us or call 732-745-4484 or 732-494-2980.
Mercer County Skating Center, West Windsor
West Windsor's Mercer County Skating Center is an open-air, sheltered skating rink with a full snack bar, fireplace, lounge area, vending machines, skate rentals, and lockers.
The facility is open through March.
For more information, including prices and skating schedule, call 609-371-1669 or visit www.mercercountyparks.org.
Kelly Roncace may be reached at kroncace@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kellyroncace. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.