The magic of gliding on ice is a beloved activity shared across generations. It’s beautiful, fun and exciting with only minimal danger; tumbles are rarely harmful because one foot is always on the ground.
When I was a youngster and young mom, we couldn’t wait for winter when water in local ponds, lakes and, sometimes, even backyards, froze to become our ice rink. Then, we searched for skates or bought them for growing feet, and hunted for that long metal hook to tighten boot laces. Skating rinks were rare facilities and the few quintessential ones open to the public — such as the one at Rockefeller Center in New York, and the Redwood Empire Ice Arena (commonly known as Snoopy’s Home Ice) in Santa Rosa, California — were hard to access and famous destinations. Even ice hockey players routinely traveled to a seasonal rink, usually in a recreational park.
Synthetic ice changed that cold weather dynamic and expanded the winter-wonderland experience of ice-skating even to warm climates and to cities, such as Los Angeles. These four festive venues, though dependent on weather, are open in January 2020.
The Westfield Century City Skating Rink
With people in Dubai skiing in a shopping mall for years, it should be no surprise we can do the same. For the first season, the Westfield Century City Skating Rink made its debut on an elevated, 600-foot, synthetic skate loop on level two of the Century City shopping mall. Children 4 years old and 36 inches tall qualify for entry. Boot rentals are available.
Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square
Pershing Square in Downtown Los Angeles is amidst extraordinary architectural destinations, including The Broad Museum, Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall and Los Angeles Central Library among others. It’s where families can sashay on ice at the Bai Holiday Ice Rink Pershing Square, with views of an impressive city skyline. The outdoor ice rink is open until Jan. 20, and a portion of the ticket proceeds benefit the community through The City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.
LA Kings Holiday Ice LA Live
The annual LA Kings Holiday Ice LA Live, presented by Coca-Cola, is an outdoor ice-skating venue at L.A. LIVE’s Xbox Plaza and is an activity people enjoy before or after a sports game or concert.
Ice Presented by Plaza at Santa Monica
Downtown Santa Monica may be best known for its beachfront Strand, but at holiday time, Ice presented by The Plaza at Santa Monica adds ice skating to a community where people flock to bike, run, roller blade and skateboard. In Santa Monica, the 8,000-square-foot ice-skating rink is open until Jan. 20. And, you can find skating lessons, celebrate a birthday party and, if you go on a Sunday, enjoy free musical performances.
Read This Next
#WhereverFamily
Insta FeedMultigenerational
Mar 5, 2024Puro Sound Labs Upgrades PuroQuiet Kids Headphones
Puro Sound Labs, a manufacturer of children’s headphones, recently introduced the new PuroQuiet Plus headphones, following the success of the PuroQuiet, consistently named a top choice for kid’s headphones. The PuroQuiet Plus features a USB-C connector and comes in two new colors — purple and teal. Grab a set for your kiddos before your next round of family travel!
Sponsored Content
Travel Tips to Help Protect Your Health and Your Trip
Five Tips to Help Minimize Potential Travel Problems
Multigenerational
Mar 4, 2024Hilton’s Top Spring Break Resorts for Families
Home to leading kids’ clubs, thrilling waterparks with massive slides and educational workshops, Hilton properties lead the way for immersive, fun-filled resorts this spring break for family travelers. Not sure where to look? These six Hilton resorts promise non-stop excitement for the whole family.
Parents
Feb 22, 2024Tiny Traveler: A Safer Way to Travel with a Baby
Are your upcoming family travels taking you on a road trip? It’s not always easy trying to keep an eye on the little ones while also keeping an eye on the road, but with Tiny Traveler, parents can have peace of mind about their child's safety on the road. This safe companion monitors the kids and can even record precious moments for eternity.
Sponsored Content
Interior Upgrades Begin Rolling Out Across United Fleet
United Airlines is in the midst of a major initiative to modernize its fleet over the next several years. After first announcing the plan in 2021, planes fitted with United’s signature interior are finally beginning to appear across the airline’s narrowbody fleet of Boeing and Airbus planes. United flyers are sure to notice these enhancements from the moment they step on board: Each new or updated plane sports remodeled seats, seatback entertainment screens for everyone, Bluetooth connectivity and more, all adding up to a better experience on every journey.
Kids
Feb 22, 2024Sleep Chair for Children and Parents
Did you know March 10–16 is National Sleep Week? Parents everywhere know it’s vital for children to receive good sleep to help them grown and develop mentally and physically. Tum&Bum sleep chair helps children sleep better, especially if they experience a cough, congestion and allergies. It could also aid in sleep in an unfamiliar location on family travel.
ShareThis