Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest 2025: Boardwalk Fun in Philly

The Experience

Located on Penn’s Landing, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is a cross between a lively carnival, your favorite shore town hangout and a refreshing urban oasis.

The lights and sounds of festival games and amusements welcome kids, adults and even pets to let loose and play, with scenic views of the Ben Franklin Bridge.

  — Photo by M.Stanley for the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

Attractions

Roller-skating at the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink

After a brief hiatus last summer, the seasonal attraction’s uber-popular centerpiece — the Independence Blue Cross RiverRink — makes its grand warm-weather return.

Glide across the floor for only $5 per session. Skate rentals are available for an additional $12, and reservations can be purchased online or onsite.

Pro tip: Free skate admission is available to Independence Blue Cross members, military servicemembers and first responders for themselves and up to three guests (skate rental not included).

Amusements & Mini-Golf at the Midway

Step right up: Carnival rides and beachy vibes await on the site’s boardwalk-inspired Midway.

Pay-as-you-go attractions include a Gravity Storm Moon Bounce, double-decker carousel and crowd-pleasing 60-foot-tall Ferris wheel.

For competitive types, the riverside mini-golf course offers up multiple holes of play, and the park’s bustling arcade and festive carnival games keep the energy high.

  — Photo by M.Stanley for the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

Events 

This season, keep an eye out for fun events and recurring programming, including themed skates featuring your favorite TV, movie and storybook characters; an 80s-themed DJ parties (on wheels!); and free bingo nights.

Food and Drink

A few laps around the rink, and you are sure to work up an appetite.

Summery cocktails and local brews are up for grabs in the Lodge, while Chickie’s and Pete’s dishes out its signature Crabfries®, cheesesteaks and more. Skelly’s Concessions has you covered with all your favorite carnival classics. (Think: funnel cake, ice cream and cotton candy.)

  — Photo by M.Stanley for the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

Admission & Getting There

Admission to the seasonal attraction is free and open to the public, with pay-as-you-go amusements and concessions.

Philadelphia’s Penn’s Landing is undergoing an exciting period of reinvention, bringing new amenities and increased accessibility to the riverfront. Even amid the changes, Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest is super accessible via public transportation, bike (try Indego!), foot or car.

The ongoing construction has limited parking along the waterfront, so arrival by public transportation is highly recommended.

By SEPTA, hop on one of the many buses that stop near Penn’s Landing — just note that several of the routes have new start and end locations due to construction.

  — Photo by M.Stanley for the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation

You can also take the L (Market-Frankford) subway line to 2nd Street (leaving you a quick six-minute walk away) or hop off the Philly PHLASH at its Independence Seaport Museum stop.

For those driving, parking can still be found near Penn’s Landing — including a garage on 2nd Street and near the intersection of 2nd & Lombard streets.

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