Atlanta Parent - Out and About 2006 - Interactive Neighborhood for Kids

December 2006 Go to Calendar Home Page – View Previous Out and About Articles

Tips for Beginners

Indoor ice skating rinks offer learn-to-skate programs for every family member, from toddlers to adults. When learning to ice skate with an instructor or attempting to teach your kids, or yourself for that matter, remember these helpful tips to make it a little bit easier:

Kids should wear a helmet when learning to skate. There will be lots of falling, and it’s the safest way to avoid injury.

Hold on to the wall. From the first step to learning how to move across the ice, don’t be afraid to hold on as much and as long as you need. The ice is very slippery.

Move away from the wall but stay close to it. When moving away from the wall, do so slowly and carefully. Take as much time as you need, but stay close to the wall so you don’t get knocked over.

Practice falling. Off to the side, dip down low and fall on your side to become comfortable with the feeling of falling. Once you’re down, get on all fours and use your top pick (the claw on the front of each skate) to help push you up.

Learn how to stop. Point your toes together in the shape of an upside down “V” to slow down until you stop. This is called snowplowing. It will help you maintain balance as you’re stopping.

Make Skates and Winter
Accessories Sparkle

Dress up those skates and add glam to your gloves. Try these great ways to make your ice skating accessories look and sound fun.

Snazzy Blades: Tie giant yarn pompoms (available at your local craft store) onto the toes of your skate laces. You can also place craft/hair beads at each lace hole extending the length of the skates for that extra something. You can also use yarn pompoms to decorate the end of any scarf.

Jingle Bell Cuffs: Measuring a snug fit around your child’s wrists when the gloves are on, use sewing elastic bands to make a loop for each mitten/glove cuff. Sew mini jingle bells along the length of the elastic band and loop around the cuff. Secure by tying or with a small safety pin. You can substitute embroidery floss for elastic. Use the same methods to decorate the brim of any toboggan or ski hat.
www.fammilyfun.go.com

Atlanta’s winter might not be cold enough to freeze local ponds, but there are plenty of other options this holiday season for ice skating fun. Whether you go to an indoor facility or an outdoor rink, bundle up, grab the family and check out these local places and festive ideas for creating chilly family memories.

Outdoor Rinks Make It Feel Real

Centennial Olympic Park
265 Park Ave. W., Atlanta. 404-222-7275. www.centennialpark.com

Hours: Through Dec. 19. Mon.-Thurs. 4:30-10 p.m.; Fri. 4:30-11 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sun. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Dec. 20-Jan. 7. Open at 10 a.m. daily

Cost: Skating, $6/90 minutes; skate rental, $2

Fun Factor: A three-inch-thick ice rink featuring covered observation seating, theatrical lighting on the ice and decorative lighting in the surrounding trees. There’s even a kiddie rink made of synthetic ice that’s great for the little ones.

Magical Nights of Lights Ice Rink
7000 Holiday Rd., Lake Lanier Islands. 770-932-7200.
www.lakelanierislands.com

Hours: Through Dec. 30; Mon.-Sun. 5-10 p.m.

Cost: Skating, $3; skate rental, $6 (plus entry admission into Magical Nights of Lights)

Fun Factor: Journey through more than six miles of light displays with over 8 million twinkling lights. At the end, find Holiday Village with the 4,250-square-foot rink, amusement rides and more.

Ice Skating in the Park
Hancock Park off the Historic Square, Dahlonega.
706-864-3711. www.dahlonega.org

Hours: Through Jan. 15, Mon.-Fri. 1-8 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Cost: Skating, $8/3 hours; includes skates

Fun Factor: A four-inch-thick ice rink makes you feel like you’re skating on a real pond because it isn’t covered. Concession stands with yummy treats and festive music add to the fun.

Old Town Conyer’s Pavilion
949 North Main St., Conyers. 770-602-2606.
www.conyersga.com

Hours: Through Jan. 21. Hours vary; complete schedule online.

Cost: Skating, $6/unlimited time; skate rental, $2

Fun Factor: A canopy-like covered rink with a two-inch-thick sheet of ice that has festive holiday music. Lights adorn nearby trees and light posts, and lighted Christmas scenes line the town’s main streets.

Indoor Rinks Are Just as Fun

The Cooler
10800 Davis Dr., Alpharetta. 770-649-6600. www.cooler.com

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-12:45 p.m.; Tues., Thurs., Fri., Sat. 3:30-5:15 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 8:30-10:30 p.m.; Sat. 1-3 p.m.; Sun. 2-5 p.m.

Cost: Skating, $6-7; children under 6, $4; skate rental, $3

Ice Forum, Duluth
2300 Satellite Blvd., Duluth. 770-813-1010. www.iceforum.com

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-noon; Mon., Wed. and Fri. 4-5:30 p.m.; Thurs. 7-8:30 p.m.; Fri. 8-11 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 2-4:30 p.m. and 7-10 p.m.; Sun. 2-4 p.m.

Cost: Skating, $6-7; children under 6, $3; skate rental, $3

Ice Forum, Kennesaw
3061 George Busbee Pkwy., Kennesaw. 770-218-1010. www.iceforum.com

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-noon; Wed. 12:30-2:30 p.m.; Mon., Wed., Fri. 4-5:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Sat. 1-3:30 p.m.; Sun. 2-4 p.m.

Cost: Skating, $6-7; children under 6, $3; skate rental, $3

Marietta Ice Center
4880 Lower Roswell Rd., Marietta. 770-509-5067. www.themicice.com

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Tues. 3-4:45 p.m.; Fri. 4-6 p.m.; Sat.-Sun. 2-4 p.m.

Cost: Skating, $5-7; children under 6, $5; skate rental, $3

Go to Calendar Home Page – View Previous Out and About Articles

Atlanta Parent Magazine
2346 Perimeter Park Dr
Atlanta, GA 30341
770-454-7599
atlantaparent@atlantaparent.com