Skating Stars

Skating, whether on ice or with roller blades, is great exercise and lots of fun for kids. Many ice rinks and roller skating parks will rent their facility for a party, or you can take your group and join with kids already there. 

 If you do go to a public rink, give your guests colorful stocking caps or scarves to wear that will identify them as part of your group. Before turning the kids loose on their skates, tell them you will be judging them for prizes to be awarded at the end of the party.

Let them know the categories you’ll be watching for, like prettiest spin, best partner skate, or worst wreck. If you think you will have a lot of novice skaters at your party, consider hiring some teen-age coaches to help them get their skates on and get started. They could also be available to give pointers throughout the party. 

Invitations: Use a picture of popular figure skaters on the invitation. Be sure to let guests know if they will need to wear gloves or a hat at an ice rink. Indicate whether you want them to bring their own skates, or if you will rent them at the rink.

Arrival: All the kids will need to know their shoe size if they will be renting skates. You should gather them together to introduce them to your helpers and explain the contest you’ll be having before they start to skate. 

Main Event: This type of party does not need much intervention from adults once it is underway. If you are renting a facility, you might want to bring your own CD’s to play on the sound system. Your job is to provide encouragement and take pictures. 

Refreshments: You can either buy your partygoers their snacks at the rink concession stand, or take them elsewhere to eat. They will probably be hungry after all the exercise, so consider having something pretty substantial like pizza or burgers. A warm drink might be especially appropriate if you’ve been ice-skating.