Getting ready forthe Overlook Activities Center roller rink.
Manheim Township's public roller rink on the Overlook Community Campus, 301 Golf Dr, Lancaster. Public skating runs Friday and Saturday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons through Sun May 9 2027, at $7 to $8 per skater plus $5 for rental skates. It's cashless, and there's no in-and-out: once you leave, you pay again to come back in.
Know before you go. The Overlook rink doesn't list sensory skate times or a quiet room. Here's what the township does say about sessions, prices, skates and the rink rules.
Hours
Public skating through Sun May 9 2027 (the season typically runs from October through Mother's Day): Fridays 7:30 to 10:30 pm, Saturdays 1 to 4 pm and 7:30 to 10:30 pm, Sundays 1 to 4 pm. The rink is typically closed most major holidays; the township posts its full schedule on the Overlook Activities Center Facebook page. Summer public skating is every other Friday, 7:30 to 10:30 pm, $7 admission.
Overlook Activities Center, Overlook Community Campus, 301 Golf Dr, Lancaster, PA 17601
“No “in-and-out” privileges. When you leave the facility, paid admission is required for re-entry.”
“Skaters are prohibited from taking any loose items onto the skate floor which could be dropped, creating a hazard for other skaters. Including, but not limited to, cell phones, purses, food, etc.”
“Skaters shall not sit on the walls, railings, or tables/countertops. Skaters shall not stop or stand on the skate floor, as this creates a safety hazard.”
“No outside food or drink (excluding water) is permitted inside the Activity Center. All purchased food & drink shall be confined to the concession/party area, nearest the DJ booth and arcade.”
“One (1) closed lid water bottle permitted in the facility, per person. Water bottles must stay secured in a location off the skate floor.”
The hardest rule for many kids here is the skate floor itself: skaters can't stop or stand on it, sit on the walls or railings, or carry anything loose, including a phone or a comfort item. Practice skating off the floor to rest before the session gets busy, and decide ahead which comfort item waits in the locker.
For a full-size copy your child can use, open this page at squaredsteps.com, tap Make it yours, then print.
Ask before you go
sensory hours or a sensory-friendly skate session
a quiet room or calm space
headphones or sensory kits to borrow
any exception to the outside food rule for medical or dietary needs
whether music plays during public sessions, and how loud
Call 717-290-7180More about the Overlook Activities Center roller rink
Admission is $7 per person for the 1 to 4 pm sessions and $8 for the 7:30 to 10:30 pm sessions. On Sundays from 1 to 4 pm, a family of up to 5 can pay $25 instead. Rental skates (quad or inline) are $5 more. Admission may be waived for adult parents and guardians who don't skate.
Everything is cashless: credit, debit, gift cards and pre-paid vouchers. Buying admission in person requires an ID; if you pre-pay online, no ID is needed at the door.
There's no in-and-out. When you leave the building, you pay admission again to come back in.
Rental skates: socks are required, there are no half sizes, youth sizes go up to 13 and adult sizes up to 12. Tuck the laces inside and return the skates to the rental area when the session ends.
Bringing your own skates: they must have working rubber toe or heel stops that are light in color (no black or scuffing stoppers), rink-safe hardware with no exposed screws, and clean wheels, and they're inspected before use. Carry them in and put them on inside; don't wear skates out the doors.
Floor rules: no reckless skating, weaving, tag or high kicking; no sitting on walls, railings or tables; no stopping or standing on the floor; no carrying another person on skates; everyone on the floor wears skates. Loose chains or necklaces, long gowns or dresses, tube tops and belly shirts can't be worn while skating. Chewing gum isn't allowed inside. Report every injury to staff, however small.
The rink's disciplinary steps: an explanation and warning; benching and a written report; dismissal for the rest of the day; dismissal for one week; dismissal for one month. Management can skip steps for repeat or serious safety issues, and no refunds are given for disciplinary action. Anyone who disregards the rules or is a hazard to themselves or others is removed without a refund.
Food: no outside food or drink except water, one closed-lid bottle per person, kept off the skate floor. Food and drinks bought at the concession stay in the concession and party area, by the DJ booth and arcade.
Noon Years Eve, Thu Dec 31 2026, 10 am to 12:30 pm on the rink floor, for kids 6 to 11: games, crafts, a light snack and cider, and a dance party with a countdown; tell them about any food allergies beforehand. It costs $12 for residents and $17 for non-residents, needs an account to register (until Dec 30 2026 at 4 pm), and parents may drop off and pick up. The township may cancel a program for low registration, with a full refund. Otherwise, refunds for recreation programs are given only if you ask before the second meeting of the class, minus a $5 administrative fee.
Birthday parties: $180 covers admission and skate rental for 10 skaters, a private party room for up to 24 people and 3 hours of skating. Party food is allowed, but no helium balloons, confetti or noise-making devices.
