Ice skating was our first family activity of the new year. It was a great way to get active during that "in-between season", when the weather is not cooperating outside for either bike riding, or sledding and ice skating outdoors. We even were able to visit with friends and other family members who showed up at the rink. With the music pumping in on the sound system, we skated along talking, visiting, trying new tricks--and trying to hold onto the side rails(!), not even realizing that we were getting in some exercise. There were even large industrial paint buckets that when, propped upside down, made great helpers for the young, new skaters. The kids could put both hands on those and then skate around, or sit down upon them for a little break. My kids used to use those when they were young. It's a great way to include as many age groups as possible in a family ice skating outing.
Ice skating was our first family activity of the new year. It was a great way to get active during that "in-between season", when the weather is not cooperating outside for either bike riding, or sledding and ice skating outdoors. We even were able to visit with friends and other family members who showed up at the rink. With the music pumping in on the sound system, we skated along talking, visiting, trying new tricks--and trying to hold onto the side rails(!), not even realizing that we were getting in some exercise. There were even large industrial paint buckets that when, propped upside down, made great helpers for the young, new skaters. The kids could put both hands on those and then skate around, or sit down upon them for a little break. My kids used to use those when they were young. It's a great way to include as many age groups as possible in a family ice skating outing. 
