Family Fun, Holiday Activities for Under $25 — A Series
Activity: Family Ice-Skating Day
Whether you are a novice skater, or a parent (or grandparent) skating pro, who is totally hyped to bring back the skills of your teen years, time on the ice is a fun way to spend an afternoon with the family!
Ice arenas can be welcoming and inclusive spaces. For new skaters, or those who are more unsteady on blades, many ice arenas offer supportive skating frames. Those who use other types of mobility devices, including wheelchairs, can join the fun! There are entire leagues for sled-hockey, and there is no reason that your child (or yourself!) should feel left out from skating. (Though, if you are unsure about the accessibility of a facility, I always recommend calling ahead to ask clarifying questions.)
From one highly COVID-conscious family to another: On the spectrum of “COVID-safe” activities, ice-skating may rank among the more safe of winter traditions. Ice arenas are large and crowds are continuously moving over the ice. There is not a lot of opportunity for people to congregate in groups while moving. Masks are still required, and the rule is generally enforced. You can also opt for outdoor skating if the idea of indoor recreation gives you the heebie-jeebies. To further ease your anxiety about crowded check-in lines and spectator bleachers, check the facility schedules for open-skate sessions during off-hours — during school hours or weekday mornings, if your family schedule allows.
(Pausing here to send a virtual hug and high-five to all the high-risk families out there feeling cut-off from the rest of the community. My family is there, too, and it can feel incredibly isolating at times. This has been a long, scary, almost-two years. Please know that you are not alone — not by a long shot — and many of us are still with you in isolation — living apart, but together in spirit.)
Looking for a good place to GET YOUR SKATE ON?! While an afternoon skate session can become quite pricey, depending on the number of skaters in the family, there are a handful of arenas in the greater Seattle area that offer more affordable and discounted session rates. Check out the list below.
Puget Sound Ice Skating Arenas with Affordable Rates & Discounts
Note: Please remember to bring a mask to wear at ice skating facilities at all times. Masks are one important way we can protect the health of our friends and neighbors and everyone around us.
Add Some Extra Fun
Want to make your day of fun on the ice a little more special? Try these ideas:
- Dress up! Santa hats, ugly sweaters or funky, knee-high socks — All of it makes for even better photos!
- Warm up after your skate-sesh! Stop at a local coffee shop on your way home for a cup of delicious hot chocolate or cider.
- Play a game of car karaoke! Take turns selecting your favorite holiday song and performing it for your car-mates. If you are a family lacking in stage fright, set up that live social media feed and broadcast your car-concert to everyone you know. Now, THAT makes for an interesting ride home!
Note: When researching activities within the stated $25 limit, costs were considered based on family participation of 1-2 adults and 2-3 children (i.e. a 2- to 5-person household). The actual cost of activities will vary based on the number of people in the family, as well as their ages and individual needs.
**********
Whitney Stohr is a Parent to Parent Coordinator at The Arc of Snohomish County. She is passionate about advocating for medically complex children and children with disabilities and their families. She is a mom and medical caregiver herself, who is energized by working closely with other parent/family caregivers. She lives with her three-year-old son Malachi and husband Jason in Lynnwood. Connect with her online at whitney@arcsno.org.