Cool Ice Skating Spots

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

15 Nov 2007 10:48 PM

Tomorrow morning my 3-year-old daughter will strap on ice skates for the first time. But, only time will tell if she'll remain upright during our historic skating adventure. She'll have me to cling onto, not to mention three of her playgroup pals, so I'm sure she'll be fine. Fingers crossed.

Yes, it's that time of year again... winter sports season. And if you have children then you will likely be looking for any and all outdoor activities to combat cabin fever. Though, in most cases you don't have to travel far to find a decent ice skating rink.

For those of you taking family trips to visit relatives this holiday season consider bringing your skates along and heading out to one of the following rinks:

BOSTON

Boston Common Frog Pond is now officially open for business. The pond is actually a frozen reflecting pool, which sits in the nation's oldest public park. Admission is $4 for adults and free for kids younger than 14. And if you think the skating there is cool, you should stop by the snack bar for some tasty treats prepared by chefs from the local restaurant Cheers.

CALIFORNIA

Ice-skating in Los Angeles... it's not as crazy as you think. In fact, the Pershing Square Ice Rink has been hosting sunny day skaters for years. The rink is surrounded by palm trees, and adding to its appeal is the free jazz and country music concerts held there on Tuesdays and Thursdays at noon, Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 1 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. The rink opened today and closes on January 21st.

CHICAGO

The McCormick Tribune Ice Rink at Millennium Park is one of the Windy City's newest outdoor skating venues. It sits amongst a Frank Gehry-designed concert space, an interactive fountain, a garden, and a restaurant and because admission is free it attracts thousands of skaters downtown on a daily basis. The rink opened yesterday and closes on March 16th.

NEW YORK

Sure, we all know about Rockefeller Center's famous ice rink, but if you are looking for a cheaper and less crowded alternative then head over to The Pond at Bryant Park. Skyscrapers, trees, and an old-fashioned carousel frame the well-maintained patch of ice. But nothing beats the sight of the sign that reads: "Free admission." The Pond is open now through mid-January.

PHILADEPHIA

Blue Cross River Rink is legendary in the "City of Brotherly Love." It sits on the picturesque banks of the Delaware River, and offers a variety of seasonal activities, including the ever-popular "Skate with Santa." The rink opens on November 23rd and closes on March 2nd.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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