Frosty Fun – 5 Places to Go Ice Skating in Central Florida
5 Places to Go Ice Skating in Central Florida
No matter where you live in the U.S., gliding across the ice on a pair of skates is a glorious winter pastime. The icy tradition is certainly hot in Central Florida, where the contrast between the sundrenched outdoors and a chilly indoor rink makes this activity all the more alluring. Skating is a fun family pursuit and, as a bonus, it’s also a great way to burn off some of this season’s holiday cookie calories. So cheers to winter in Central Florida and to these cool skating options.
Winter Park
Open daily from November 20, 2015 until January 10, 2016 including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the Winter Park skating rink in Central Park’s West Meadow gives guests the chance to enjoy an all-day skate for just $12 including skate rental (group discounts and private party rental options are also available). Afterward, wander just a short stroll to Park Avenue where Kilwins frozen ice cream treats await.
CityofWinterPark.org/departments/parks-recreation/winter-in-the-park
Daytona
Swap out your beachside flip flops for ice skates! Daytona Ice Arena, located about seven miles from Daytona International Speedway, features public skate sessions throughout the week, including ‘family skates’ on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, as well as a ‘bargain skate’ on Wednesdays from noon to 4 pm when admission is just $5. Regular admission is $7.50 for adults, $5 for kids (4-5 yrs.), and free for kids 3 or under; skate rentals are $3.
Kissimmee
Inside its NHL-sized rink, Kissimmee’s Ice Factory offers daily public skating with a $10 admission fee (plus $2 skate rental) for the main rink or $8 (skate rental included) in the smaller studio rink. Those with younger kids will be glad to know that they also offer skate aids (ice safe walkers) for children 8 and under for $3 each. Bonus: Bicycle helmets are free to borrow!
Maitland
RDV Sportsplex will host its annual winter SNOWFEST event on Saturday, December 19 from 2-6 pm when snow slides, bounce houses, and real snow will give the entire family hours of entertainment. But the fun continues year round inside RDV’s Ice Den, where for an admission fee starting at $6.90 per person (plus $3.38 + tax for skate rental) guests can glide to their heart’s content and groove to DJ tunes on select nights. Consider snagging the Family 4 Pack which grants you admission, skate rentals, popcorn, and sodas for four people starting at $47.03.
MVPSportsClubs.com/florida-orlando-rdv-sportsplex-ice-den/public-skating
Orlando
Light Up UCF returns this year for weeks of holiday merriment, from free outdoor Christmas movies to midway rides and light shows to carriage rides, spanning November 13, 2015 to January 3, 2016. This much-loved event will also feature an ice skating rink ($12 fee including skate rental). Consider nabbing the ultimate pass for $19.95, which includes skating plus access to all the rides!
TIPS
1. Dress the part. Wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt, sweater, or light jacket. And don’t forget to bring your own socks!
2. Ensure a good fit. Skates that don’t fit well will not support the ankles and will affect balance. Be sure to take a few moments to make sure you’ve got the correct skate size for you and your kids and that laces are tied snuggly.
3. Go with the flow. Before you start skating, assess which way the skaters are gliding and follow suit. While going against the herd is a good thing in some areas of life, it’s ill advised on the rink.
4. Stretch it out. Skating uses muscles (like those located in the inside of your thighs) that may not usually get much of a workout. After you finish skating, take five minutes to guide your giddy gang in a light stretch and think about drawing a hot bath before bed.
