During the Winter Olympics in Sochi, millions of eyes have been glued to television (and computer) screens to watch Team USA claim medals in one of the most talked-about winter sports. Figure skating requires an impressive combination of balance, strength and skill, not to mention endurance during those cold hours on the ice. If the fanfare motivates the young Olympic fans in your family to try the sport themselves, whether competitively or just for fun, try out learn-to-skate and figure skating classes at these local rinks.
Dr Pepper StarCenters
The Dr Pepper StarCenters are typically less crowded than mall ice rinks and offer strong programs for serious figure skaters. Start out with the 8-week programs for beginners as young as 3 and get free skate rentals the day of your class, plus other perks.
Euless, 817/267-4233
Farmers Branch, 214/432-3131
Frisco, 214/387-5600
McKinney, 469/675-8325
Plano, 972/758-7528
drpepperstarcenter.com
Galleria Dallas
Ice Skating Center at Galleria Dallas offers lessons in four-week sessions for kids as young as 3, and all students get free admission to public sessions seven days a week. To try a class, schedule an introductory private lesson for $23 or lace up during the daily open skate hours for $10 admission and $3 skate rentals.
Dallas, 972/392-3361
galleriaiceskatingcenter.com
Allen Community Ice Rink
Sign up your little one age 3 and older for the introductory ice-skating class at this rink inside the Allen Event Center. Half-hour classes are available three days per week starting at $88 for 8 weeks. Learn to skate side-by-side with your little one during the family fun beginning ice skating class, open to all ages on Saturdays at 10:30am, and check their schedule for open skate times. On-ice harnesses are available, and admission is $5 plus a $3 skate rental.
Allen, 972/912-1097
alleneventcenter.com
Ice at the Parks
This ice rink inside the Parks at Arlington mall offers seven- and eight-week lessons for kids as young as 3. Group lessons include free public skating the day of and eight free passes to use any time. More advanced figure skaters can sign up for private one-on-one lessons starting at $40 an hour. Rink admission starts at $7, plus $3 for the skate rental. Admission is free for ages 5 and younger.
Arlington, 817/419-0095
iceattheparks.net
NYTEX Sports Centre
NYTEX, home of the Lone Star Brahmas hockey team, also offers learn-to-skate lessons for children 3 and up. An eight-week course runs at $99 and registering early gets you five free public skate passes. If your child aspires to compete, figure skating and hockey courses are available for kids starting at age 6. Check the schedule for open skate times and head out on Friday nights for $10.
North Richland Hills, 817/520-3352
nytexsports.com
Polar Ice
Polar Ice offers nine-week classes starting at $135, which includes free public sessions and skate rentals for the duration of the semester. If you and your little one would prefer to take a class together, try the lessons for parents and tots. More serious skaters are encouraged to observe coaching staff at a freestyle or public session before setting up a private lesson. Admission is $9 ($8 for ages 5 and younger) plus a $4 skate rental.
Grapevine, 972/874-1930
polaricehousegrapevine.com
Published February 2014
