When I asked my friend (that would be Georgette) if she liked to ice skate, she said, “I suck. I tried with my daughter when she was 4, and it was torture.”
To Georgette and anyone else who feels that way, I beg you to ice skate again. I am the worst kind of skater because I think I’m great, and I’m terrible. I was really into roller skating in the ’80s, so this is my modern outlet. And it’s complete with loads of bangs and crashes to humble myself in front of my kids. My children can barely stand up on their rented thin blades, but they love to ice skate with me at Clary Anderson in Montclair. We go to the crazy open skate on Saturdays, and we glide as we sing along to Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen and Ke$ha songs. We hold hands; we fall down; we laugh; we repeat. Some of my best bonding time with my 7-year-old daughters and 5-year-old son has been on the ice. Every time we go, someone cries and someone learns to keep trying. We always wind up at the grimy concession stand where we drink hot chocolate and eat churros.
Maybe you already love ice skating, but if you don’t, go back. Ice skating is one of the greatest winter experiences for families. You don’t want to miss the hockey-player smell, the crowd (you’ll know everybody there) and the Zamboni.
And please note: If your child is 5 and under or has never skated, arrive early and rent the walker (they always run out of them). This is just what it sounds like: A red walker that glides on ice that allows even the most uncoordinated kid to rock it out. The walker is the secret to true ice skating happiness for anyone who goes with a beginner.
Where do you like to ice skate? There are tons of places to go locally and beyond. Click below for our ice skating guide that includes arenas, public skate times and costs.
See you on the ice!
