PAGE 31 KIDZ CONNECTION theconnectionsnj.com ust thinking about it warms my soul. The perfect winter day means crisp cold air, rosy cheeks, blue sky, and lots of activity. Ice skating is just the thing. Over the past few years, our winters have not lent themselves to frozen ponds in the parks or our backyards, but that does not mean that our families have to miss out on the thrill of skating. There are plenty of places to skate nearby, regardless of the weather, and to get a great workout and create lasting memories while sharing some laughs. Skating is not just fun-it is a low-impact full-body workout that has been proven to reduce stress, help balance, and improve cardiovascular health. Start off by dressing warmly and in layers. Whether the rink is indoors or out, the temperature will be cold, and being uncomfortable can ruin the day. Be sure to invest in a helmet, especially for children. Falls are a natural part of learning, and a helmet will greatly reduce the risk of a serious injury. The right fitting skates are also essential for comfort and safety. Good ankle support is crucial. Skates that are too big can cause blisters and make balancing more difficult. Where to go? New York City is just a train ride away and always makes for a great day trip. There are lots of iconic destinations to skate in New York. The rinks at Rockefeller Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, and Wollman Rink in Central Park are all world-famous destinations with beautiful views and unforgettable experiences. They are part of New York City tradition and have been featured in countless movies, television shows, romantic proposals, and family memories. Now create your own and go! You can buy tickets to The Rink at Rocke- The Rink at Rockefeller Center online at www.rockefellercenter.com/buy-tickets. You can purchase a 60-minute skating session, a VIP skate, or the rental of an Apres Skate Chalet Apres Skate Chalet for a private group. At Bryant Park, Bryant Park, admission to skating is free, but there are fees to rent skates or for a “premium skate.” Learn more about skating at the Winter Village Winter Village in Bryant Park by visiting the website at bryantpark.org/activities/bank-of-americawinter-village-at-bryant-park. Wollman Rink Wollman Rink is a hub of winter activity. It has skating, but also hosts special events, themed skating nights, and live performances. Find out more at wollmanrinknyc.com/. If you want something closer to home, there is public skating indoors at Bridge- Bridgewater Sports Arena and at Mennan Arena in Morristown. For an outdoor experience, try Westfield Ice Rink at Gumbert Westfield Ice Rink at Gumbert Park. These rinks all offer public skates, hockey programs, and learn to skate programs if you catch the skating bug and are looking for more than just an afternoon. So do not let the weather get you down this winter. Whether it is indoors or outside, experience the joy of winter with some ice skating. This sport is not only fun but a great workout for the whole family. Now get out there and SKATE! Skating... By Joanne Kleinle FAMILY ADVENTURES J
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