Downtown Akron’s Lock 3 Park has transformed into a wonderland with WinterBlast

By Laura Briedis

Living in Northeast Ohio, we all have learned to embrace the four seasons. So come winter, we are ready to pull on our boots and hats, and head outdoors.

Fortunately, Lock 3 Park makes outdoor adventures warm and cozy with fire pits and igloos, and exhilarating with ice skating, ice biking, ice bumper cars and Polar Putt-Putt.

During WinterBlast, Lock 3 Park—the entertainment venue located in a picturesque outdoor setting next to the Akron Civic Theatre in the heart of downtown—transforms into a magical wonderland filled to the brim with winter’s coolest activities.

“We invite everyone downtown to celebrate the holiday season with us,” says Chris Griffith, recreation coordinator for the City of Akron at Lock 3 Park. “We have lots of lights, music and a fun atmosphere for the whole family.”

Ice Skating for All
At the center of the WinterBlast activities is the 124-by-80-foot Huntington Bank Ice Rink.

“We have the largest outdoor seasonal rink in Northeast Ohio,” Chris says. “We attract families from all over the area, and proudly host out-of-state visitors.”

And WinterBlast is affordable fun. Ice skating is just $5, which includes skates, or $3 if you bring your own. You can add Polar Putt-Putt Golf for just a dollar more.

Though the name has changed over the years (and last year the event was canceled due to the pandemic), there has been some form of a winter fest in downtown Akron for the past 17 years—with ice skating as the main attraction. As the event keeps growing every year, there are more attractions added, including ice bumper cars and ice bikes, which are available by making an online reservation. Ice bikes are $10 for 20 minutes and ice bumper cars are $10 for 10 minutes.

“One of the most popular activities is riding the ice bumper cars,” Chris notes. “During set hours, we section off one-fourth of the ice rink for bumper car rides. And the ice bikes feature a rear wheel like a bicycle and two front sled blades. This allows people who are uncomfortable on ice skates to still get on the ice and enjoy time with their family.”

Fire Pits and Igloos
For those who like to sit and chill, there are heated igloo rentals perfect for an adult night out or a family adventure. Igloos are $50 for two hours and can be reserved online.

“This is the second year we have igloos as part of WinterBlast on the weekends,” says Chris. “We have five igloos that can hold up to eight people in each. When renting an igloo, we encourage you to purchase food and drinks at our Lock 3 café, bring in food from downtown restaurants, or order delivery from nearby restaurants.”

If you opt to have nothing but the stars above, book a fire pit rental. The two fire pits, which are each surrounded by 10 chairs, are maintained by the staff to make sure they keep burning brightly all night long. Reserve yours online for just $15 per hour. Fire pits and igloos are available on Friday nights, Saturdays and Sundays. Check the website for additional holiday hours.

“We want everyone to come and have a good time at WinterBlast, and stick around to support all of the fabulous restaurants and businesses downtown,” says Chris.

WinterBlast runs now through February 21. Visit Lock3Live.com for a complete event schedule and book your activities and rentals online. Lock 3 is located at 200 S. Main Street in Akron. Call 330-375-2877 for more information.

Breakfast with Santa at Lock 3 Park
December 11 & 12, 18 & 19
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Join Lock 3 Park on Saturdays and Sundays leading up to Christmas Day for Breakfast with Santa. The pancake breakfast includes two pancakes, two pieces of sausage and choice of juice, coffee or hot chocolate.

Visit with jolly old Saint Nicholas and take your own picture and decorate your holiday cookie. Plus, browse through the Akron Children’s museum and talk with Akron’s famous Archie the Snowman, then finish your day ice skating on the Huntington Bank Ice Rink.

Presale: $12 per person; day of event: $15 per person (children 2-and-under are free). Book tickets onLock3Live.com/calendar.