Ice skating is a healthy exercise and fun activity that can be experienced through out the year at an indoor rink, or inexpensively at an outdoor rink or pond during the winter months.
The variety of ice skating options available at rinks in New Jersey cover all ages and abilities.
For the casual ice skater or beginner, there are many rinks that offer public skating sessions, ice skate rentals, and lessons. For the more serious ice skater there are programs for adult and youth hockey instruction, hockey leagues, figure skating, and more.
An ice skating rink is also a great place for a kids birthday party or a private function.
While you can pop on a pair of skates and venture out on your own, to really benefit from all the sport has to offer, ice skating lessons are recommended. All of the indoor rinks listed here, and some of the winter outdoor rinks have excellent group and private instruction packages available.
Protective head gear or helmets are recommended for children under the age of seven, as well as beginning skaters. Some rinks and outdoor parks require helmets. If you do not own a bicycle helmet, you can rent or purchase a helmet from most indoor rinks or a local sporting goods store.
If you choose to skate during the winter at a neighborhood pond or lake, (many are free) please exercise caution as the ponds ice surface are often natural and un-groomed, and tend to have rough surfaces. Skating is usually permitted when the ice is five or more inches thick and notice is given to skaters under a flag system; RED - No Skating; Green - Safe to Skate.
Important: Please call ahead - Before heading off to an indoor rink or outdoor pond, please call ahead to confirm hours of operation, especially with outdoor rinks, as openings and closing times frequently change throughout the year due to special events or weather conditions.
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