Did the Olympics make you want to ice skate? Or, is that just my family? We finally brought my five year old ice skating, and now she can’t wait to go again. I was planning to let my 2 ½ year old skate, too, but I changed my mind as soon as we arrived. We were definitely unprepared!
Here are a few things that I wish we knew before we went:
1. Public skating hours are limited and may vary day-by-day. Be sure to check the rink’s website or call ahead for the most up-to-date information. Also, realize that if the rink is only open to the public for two hours a day, it’s likely to be very busy.
2. Dress warmly, and in layers, especially if you’ll just be a spectator. The rink was freezing!
3. Bring a helmet for your child. We didn’t, and I regretted it. Some children were wearing ski helmets and others were wearing bike helmets. Either way, safety first!
4. Teaching a young child? Ask if skate aides/trainers/walkers (different names, same product) are available to borrow or rent. I’ve heard they make all the difference.
5. Planning to ice skate often? Rentals will add up fast, so you might want to look into adjustable ice skates that will grow with your child(ren) for multiple sizes.
As for where to go, check out these Ice Skating Rinks in Fairfield County:
Dorothy Hamill Skating Rink, Greenwich
(203) 531-8560
The Rinks at Chelsea Piers, Stamford
(203) 989-1400
Stamford Twin Rinks
(203) 968-9000
Terry Conners Rink, Stamford
(203) 977-4728
Darien Ice House
(203) 655-8251
Sono Ice House, Norwalk
(203) 956-0255
Westport PAL Rink at Longshore
(203) 226-7465
Fairfield Ice Academy
(203) 254-8399
Wonderland of Ice, Bridgeport
(203) 576-8110
The Rinks at Shelton
(203) 929-6500
Winter Garden Ice Arena, Ridgefield
(203) 438-4423
Danbury Ice Arena
(203) 794-1704
I’m having a challenge finding a ice rink near us (Black Rock section of Bridgeport) that has General Skating hours.Wonderland of Ice seems to cater to ice hockey & figure skating classes. I want an hour of ice time-either public or private. Suggestions? The big thing for me is trying to assemble an ice tribute to honor the 10th anniversary of the victims of the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre-of which I was very involved. So -hoping to make some kind of tribute and ice skating for me seems the best if I can make it!