Ice skating!
Here’s what you need to know:
WHERE TO GO:
OUTDOOR SKATING:
Ice Rink at Riverscape MetroPark
229 E. Monument Ave., Dayton
Open skating, lessons, theme nights, curling, broomball
Admission is $5 daily, and skate rental is $2.
Open through Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, including special holiday hours while the kids are out of school. The rink will be open during both the Christmas and New Year's holidays, as well as during other holidays and special events throughout the season. Visit metroparks.org/icerink for the complete schedule.
Information: Call 278-2607 or visit www.metroparks.org
INDOOR SKATING:
Kettering Ice Arena:
2900 Glengarry Drive, Kettering
Open skating, lessons, ice hockey, competitive skating clubs. Skate rental available.
Information: Call 296-2587 or visit www.ketteringoh.org
South Metro Sports Ice Haus:
10561 Success Lane, Centerville
Open skating, lessons, hockey, broomball
Information: Call 885-7590 or visit www.smetrosports.com
Hobart Arena:
255 Adams St., Troy
Open skating, skate rental, lessons
Admission rates: Adults ($6), Youth 14 and under ($5), seniors (60 and older). Skate rental is $2.50. Family deal: Families with one paying parent will be admitted for half the admission price
Information: Call 339-2911 or visit www.hobartarena.com
SOME DO’S AND DONT’S
Five Rivers MetroParks experts offer the following words of wisdeom:
• Don’t fear the fall. Use what MetroParks Ice Rink skating instructor Cheri Snyder of Kettering calls “tricks” to avoid falls. “Keep your shoulders down, your knees loose and slightly bent, and use your hands to ‘push down’ toward the ice to maintain your balance,” she said. “If you feel like you’re going to fall, move your body as if you’re about to sit down. Bend your knees to stop the motion.
• Do work on your skills. Take lessons for any age or skill level.
• Do dress in layers. While it may be cold out, skaters warm up quickly while on the ice. Wear a wicking layer closest to the skin and an outer weather-resistant layer. Don’t forget gloves and a hat!
• Do plan to warm up with some hot chocolate and other treats at Silver Fern Café, located next to the ice and open during the rink’s hours.
• Do plan a party: Put your party on ice. Private ice rink rentals are available from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday and Thursday evenings and are a great activity for families, neighborhoods, clubs and other groups. The $300 rink rental includes 50 pairs of ice skates and 50 cups of hot chocolate.
• Do save some money by getting a season pass: $75 family passes cover season-long admission and skate rentals for up to five people, and $40 individual passes cover the same costs for one person. Gift certificates also are available.
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