Ice Skating with the Family on the Seacoast

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With the playgrounds cold and abandoned, the beaches frigid and bare — it can sometimes hard to find active, family-friendly activities on the Seacoast. In recent years, my family has made ice skating a regular activity, and it’s been a great way to meet up with friends while staying active. The Seacoast offers plenty of opportunities to get out and skate, whether you’re learning for the first time or are a seasoned pro. From organized lessons to free outdoor rinks, there’s something for everyone. Here’s all you need to know to get into ice skating with the family on the Seacoast!

I’ve enjoyed getting into ice skating with the family on the Seacoast

Choosing the Right Gear

Perhaps one of the barriers to entry is knowing what gear to get! Fortunately, learn to skate programs (see below) offer rentals as part of the program. However, if you want to take advantage of a free outdoor rink or frozen pond, you really need your own gear. In addition, I recommend having your kids wear a helmet (bike or ski helmets work great).  

  • Skate Rentals: Most learn-to-skate programs, like those mentioned below, include skate rentals in their fees, making it easy to try out the sport before investing in your own equipment. Skates tend to be either hockey skates or recreational skates.
  • Buying Skates: If you want to take advantage of free outdoor rinks, your kids will need their own skates. I found my children’s skates on Facebook Marketplace, which was an affordable way to get started.
  • Types of Skates:
    • Figure Skates: Great for beginners as they provide better ankle support and feature a toe pick for added control. I started my daughter with these but she quickly outgrew them and I’ve since switched to adjustable recreational skates (below).
    • Hockey Skates: These are lighter and designed for speed and agility, ideal for kids who are interested in hockey. Since sizing can be tricky with skates, I recommend trying these on in person at a place like Dicks Sporting Goods or Pure Hockey in Portsmouth.
    • Recreational Skates: A versatile choice for general use. I opted for adjustable K2 recreational skates for my kids, allowing them to use the same pair for multiple years.
Our family has taken advantage of public skates, lessons, and free outdoor rinks

Learn to Skate Options

If your family is new to skating, the Seacoast is home to excellent learn-to-skate programs designed to teach the basics in a fun and supportive environment. This is one of my suggestions for activities for kids who aren’t into team sports. Here are some great lesson options:

  • The Rinks at Exeter: This facility offers learn to skate programs, which are perfect for all ages and abilities. My daughter had great success in their Tots program, where she gained confidence and learned the basics of skating. Their certified instructors provide structured lessons to help kids and adults feel comfortable on the ice.
  • Rochester Recreation Department: My kids are currently enrolled in skating lessons at the Rochester Arena, and it’s been a fantastic experience. Rochester Rec offers affordable lessons for children, focusing on developing skills through play and practice.
  • Great Bay Figure Skating Club (Dover): This program emphasizes figure skating fundamentals but is also a fantastic choice for beginners. Their Learn to Skate program is welcoming and includes skate rentals for convenience.

Places to Skate on the Seacoast

We are so fortunate that there are many places to go ice skating with the family on the Seacoast. I recommend following these spots on facebook since most of these facilities use their social media to post conditions, pop up skate events, and hours. Facebooks are linked in the lists below! Also, for more detailed information about the outdoor rinks, check out Seacoast Moms previous post.

Indoor Rinks

  • Rochester Arena: A family-friendly rink offering public skate sessions throughout the week. We’ve enjoyed many family outings here, and it’s become a regular place to meet up with friends.
  • The Rinks at Exeter: Known for its well-maintained ice and regular open skate times. It’s another favorite spot for our family.
  • Dover Arena: A popular spot with affordable rates and frequent public skating hours.

Outdoor Rinks (Paid)

Free Outdoor Rinks and Ponds

We have loved the lessons at Rinks in Exeter and Rochester Arena

Final Thoughts

Ice skating on the Seacoast is a fantastic way to enjoy the winter season while creating lasting family memories. While my family is mediocre at best, ice skating with the family on the Seacoast has given us a shared family experience and a way to get out and about in winter. Whether you’re learning at a local rink or gliding across a frozen pond, the joy of skating is unmatched. Bundle up, lace up those skates, and hit the ice—the ice is waiting!

I’m not a good ice skater but I still enjoy getting out in winter. 

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