How To Dress Kids For Indoor Skating
I am so excited to get my kids back on the ice since the pandemic hit. In my city, it’s quite difficult to get kids enrolled in some of the more popular activities such as skating or swimming, but I did it!
So then I went searching for the answer on how to dress the kids for indoor skating since it’s been so long and I didn’t really find what I was looking for…
So maybe I can help someone else by writing out how I dressed my kids for their skating lessons.
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The Rink Dress Code
The first thing I did was look into the skating rink’s dress code. Because our lessons were hosted by the city, they did have some strict requirements for skates and helmets.
We were not allowed to have a soft boot, a moulded boot, or an adjustable boot on the ice. Hockey skates and learn to skate skates were green. Figure skating skates were also ok.
As far as helmets went, all sports besides hockey and snowboarding/skiing ones were not allowed either.
Needless to say, our skating gear cost us a bundle for three kids – but that’s A-OK. Totally worth it. And your reading my blog post helps me pay for some of these things, so THANK YOU to you!!
Protective Gear
Before anything else, safety comes first. When it comes to indoor skating, whether it’s ice skating or roller skating, protective gear is non-negotiable. I did notice a lot of the kids in our class did not have knee pads or elbow pads and wrist guards, but my kids are accident prone, so they had all the gear.
This includes knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, and a proper helmet.
For young children, especially those taking their first lessons, this safety gear is essential.
Falls are part of the learning process, and we want to ensure our little skaters are protected.
Clothes
Knowing what to wear to skating lessons was the biggest challenge – clothes are hard!
I wanted to strike that balance between being warm enough to handle the -5C ice rink temperatures, but not too warm that skating is tough because it’s too hot.
This is how I dressed all 3 of my kids ages 3-10.
- Base layer of leggings, thin socks, long-sleeved shirt. (This is what all my kids wear)
- Comfortable pants they can run in (not jeans). These will work well.
- Snow pants like these over the pants and a sweater on top of the long sleeve t shirt.
- Thin gloves like these, a helmet(all my kids have one of these) and their ice skates.
I found that the kids were quite warm in this outfit, even a little bit hot!
I did bring their winter jackets to the rink just in case they were cold during the lesson, but honestly they moved around enough that they were perfectly warm in the sweater layer – even a little bit hot!
Now to be fair, we do have warm sweaters up here in Canada, so if your sweaters are kind of thin due to your outdoor climate, you may want to double up the sweaters or grab a winter jacket, or wear a light sweater and a light jacket.
A neck warmer is also a great idea…I wouldn’t get a scarf for kids because it could unravel, but a neck warmer like this is a good idea.
For beginners, comfort is key. Think of clothes that allow freedom of movement – nothing too tight or restrictive. As kids progress, their apparel might change.
Intermediate skaters might opt for more specialized gear like Zuca exclusive designs or skate spinner for figure skaters.
Renting Skates Vs. Buying Skates For Lessons
If your kids are just starting, rental skates at the indoor rink are a good option.
They’re great for figuring out the right size and style for your child without the commitment.
But if skating becomes a regular activity, investing in their own skates can be a good idea.
We were considering renting skates too, but being in Canada we have TONS of outdoor rinks to skate on 8 months out of the year, so we may as well own them. I mean we used to own skates just a few years ago but then the pandemic hit and we outgrew the skates (and gained a kid).
Bringing Snacks For After Skating
Beyond clothing, it’s important to pack healthy snacks and water.
Skating is an energetic activity, and our little skaters need to stay hydrated and energized!
I usually bring Made Good Granola Bars (I buy in Bulk at Costco) and water for everyone. This is good enough until we get some dinner in our bellies after skating.
Other Considerations:
- Socks: Thick socks, but not overly bulky socks are best to keep your feet warm without compromising the fit of the skates.
- Clothing Style: Preferences vary, but avoid overly tight or bulky clothing that restricts movement. Skinny jeans might be too restrictive, while fleece pants or a pair of leggings offer more flexibility.
- First-Time Skaters: If it’s your first time, opt for comfortable and protective clothing. Don’t forget gloves or mittens to protect your hands.
- Skating Skills: Dress according to your skill level. Beginners might want extra padding, while experienced skaters might opt for more streamlined outfits.
- Special Features: For roller skating, luminous wheels or decorative elements like the Zuca collection can add fun to your outfit.
- Summer Months: Lighter clothing is advisable for roller skating. A light jacket or long-sleeve shirt might still be needed for indoor ice rinks.
- Winter or Cooler Climates: Layering is essential. Consider fleece pants, long sleeves, and thicker jackets.
- Dress Code: Some events might have specific dress codes (like black or white dresses for figure skating shows).
- Casual Skating: For a casual public skating session or an ice skating date, focus on comfort and warmth, but feel free to add personal style.
- Towel: You’ll want to bring a towel like this to dry off your skates after the lesson so you don’t get rust buildup and ruin your skates.
