Most indoor ice skating rinks maintain a temperature between 45 and 60 degrees, depending on the outside temperature. When you’re dressing your child for ice skating lessons or free skating at the ice rink, your first challenge will be warmth.
Skaters will get strenuous exercise, so it’s important to dress your child in thin layers that can be easily removed as their bodies heat up. Avoid dressing your child in a bulky winter coat, as heavy coats make it difficult for him to move freely. A warm turtleneck under a warm, snug-fitting sweater will keep your child warmer than a winter coat and allow them to move freely.
Many girls want to wear a skating dress. If you plan on having your daughter take lessons, then a simple skating dress and tights may be a good investment. However, if she just goes recreationally skating from time to time, this may not be an investment she wants to make.
Skinny sweatpants or zip-up wind pants are good choices for both boys and girls. Jeans don’t have much stretch, absorb moisture easily, and take a long time to dry, making them a less than optimal option for skating.
One of the most important parts of your skater’s wardrobe should be a pair of comfortable, thin, seamless socks. A sock with seams can rub against your foot and cause blisters. Because skate boots are designed to be snug, thick socks can squeeze the foot and reduce circulation, which will cause your child’s feet to get cold more quickly.
If your child is renting ice skates, bring a thicker pair of socks to wear over the thin pair to provide extra padding in case the rented rink skates don’t fit perfectly or are badly worn.
For various reasons, skaters should always wear gloves. Gloves will obviously keep a skater’s hands warm. They also provide some protection in the event of a fall on the ice or if another skater bumps into a fallen child.
A warm beanie will keep your skater’s head and ears warm. Avoid any head covering that may affect your skater’s vision. “Hoodies” or parka-like hoods should be avoided.
For the same reason, skaters should never wear scarves, which can obstruct vision or trap a skate. Many rinks prohibit any type of scarf on the ice.
Girls should always wear their hair tied or pulled back, so it doesn’t get in the eyes.
Keep your skater from wearing jewelry. Most rinks prohibit any type of jewelry, which can break and fall on the ice and trip another skater.
And finally, a note to parents of children: Children will be extremely uncomfortable if they are asked to wear white skates. If you’ve inherited a pair of white skates that fit your child well, dye them black (black shoe polish will work too, but can get messy), or cover them with black skate covers. Your child will skate with much more confidence if he “fits in” with the other kids on the rink.
If your child will be taking ice skating lessons, you can look at how the other students are dressed before the first lesson and talk to the coach about appropriate clothing for lessons.
