As the coldest temperatures of the year approach this month, it may be tempting to stay indoors and drink hot chocolate rather than go out on a new adventure. However, the dead of winter may actually provide the perfect ambiance for certain activities which can keep you active even in the cold. A perfect cold-weather event is ice skating which can be an exciting, active way to take advantage of the weather. Several local indoor ice-skating rinks currently offer flexible free skating hours, making it the perfect activity to do any night of the week.
For those looking to try something new or those looking to improve their skills, many local ice rinks are open for certain times throughout the week for the public. The Lancaster Ice Rink hosts public skate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 12:00-1:30 p.m., with a Saturday night skate open from 8:15-10:15 p.m. Prices are fairly cheap, with a $10 admissions fee plus a $5 skate rental fee on Saturdays. In total, the price for the Lancaster Ice Rink makes for an easy, college-friendly activity for a group of friends or a date night! The location is fairly close to Elizabethtown, making for convenient travel and the ability to revisit the ice rink multiple weeks or days in a row.
The Klick Lewis Arena in Annville, Pa. is another relatively close ice rink which offers cheap admission fees and multiple public skate times. Due to the current volume of events scheduled at the rink, the website suggests calling ahead or visiting their website to double-check public skate times, as they vary day-to-day. On weekends, the arena offers afternoon and evening public skate sessions, with evening skates being lit with colorful, disco-style lights. Fees at Klick Lewis Arena are slightly cheaper than the Lancaster Ice Rink, with an $8 admission fee plus a $3 skate rental fee. In addition to the ice skating rink, the lobby of the arena also sells snacks and drinks at the KLA Café. While prices are generally cheaper and the arena has the added benefit of food and drink offerings, it may be more difficult to gather a group of friends with the current public skate schedule offered by the arena. However, for those who can find a group willing to go on a spontaneous adventure, the Klick Lewis Arena is a great option!
No matter which ice skating rink you choose, it’s important to keep several things in mind. For one, it is recommended you dress in layers when you arrive at the rink, as temperatures at this time of year are generally at their coldest. Many rinks don’t allow food, drink or cell phones on the ice, so be sure to carefully consider which items you’d like to bring before heading out (though storage space is provided at most ice skating rinks). For those trying out ice skating for the first time, it can be intimidating—keep in mind public skate during the week is likely less busy than during the weekend! However, with friends, ice skating can prove to be a fun, memorable adventure and may even spark a new passion in those who give it a try!
Finally, it is important to be mindful that for many local ice rinks, the current public skate times and availability only occurs at certain times of year. The Lancaster Ice Rink, for example, is open from January until April 13. Therefore, for those interested in taking advantage of this activity, it’s important to try it soon! Ice skating can be a great way to bond with friends, get active and beat those midwinter blues with an exciting new hobby.
