Kids grow fast and seasonal gear subsequently has a short window of use, so I was thrilled to find these Bladerunner adjustable ice skates (also available in blue) for Laurel. Sturdy and (according to Laurel) comfortable, the skates are available in three size brackets, each adjustable across four sizes, which means we’ll get at least two, maybe even three, seasons out of them. Super fabulous.Kids grow fast and seasonal gear subsequently has a short window of use, so I was thrilled to find these Bladerunner adjustable ice skates (also available in blue) for Laurel. Sturdy and (according to Laurel) comfortable, the skates are available in three size brackets, each adjustable across four sizes, which means we’ll get at least two, maybe even three, seasons out of them. Super fabulous.
I've recently had the honor and pleasure of conducting some really lovely interviews, and last week I sat down for a one-on-two chat with 2006 Olympic silver medalists Tanith Belbin & Ben Agosto before they led a skating clinic at the Simoni Arena in Cambridge. Read on for my interview, in which I talk with this personable duo about everything from competitions, to shows, to tips for skating safely with kids, to important advice for parents who are enrolling their kids in any types of lessons, to why Boston ranks among Tanith’s favorite cities. (Visit Pop Discourse for additional personal photos.)
After posting about Boston area skating rinks and the lack of media buzz in advance of the recent US Nationals, I was offered the wonderful opportunity to chat with Kimmie Meissner, national and world figure skating champion, member of the 2006 Olympic team, and 2010 Olympic contender. Read on for my interview with Kimmie, where we talk about everything from competitions, to shows (she’ll be in Boston in April for Stars on Ice), to the amazing family that has kept her grounded, to tips for skating safely with kids.
I’ve recently had my mind on ice skating (in fact, just this morning I posted at Pop Discourse about the lack of buzz over the impending national figure skating championships), and similarly, Laurel has been asking to hit the ice. Fortunately, my talented friend Melissa Massello (founder of the excellent budget lifestyle resource Shoestring Magazine) stepped right up with advice on local, affordable rink time. Thanks, Melissa!
Today, Kate reports on a clever way for kids to learn to skate, in the comfort of their own shoes:
“I grew up ice skating at the Metropolitan District Commission rink in Brighton, and I can still remember the clamor of the lobby/changing area, the sense of unlimited possibility found by stepping gingerly onto the ice, and the taste of the watery hot chocolate (mini-marshmallows and all) sold at the snack bar.
Winter days in Boston don’t get more picturesque than today, where the snow falls light and pretty, and brushing off your car takes mere minutes.
All the better to leave you with time to bundle up and get your skating groove on at The Rink at The Charles Hotel. Located on the plaza side that opens out into Harvard Square, until early March the rink is open from 2pm - 8pm on weekdays and 10am - 8pm on weekends. Skate rentals are $5 and skating fees are $5 for adults and $3 for children under 12 years old.
And after cutting your figures, be sure to reward yourself with a decadent hot chocolate at L.A. Burdick’s on Brattle Street.
The Rink at The Charles Hotel, One Bennett Street, Cambridge; Tel: 617-234-8008
The underground parking rates at Boston Common Garage are well worth the fun of Frog Pond and Frog Pond Park. In the winter Frog Pond is a famous skating rink; in the summer, the pond is a place for kids to cool off. The Frog Pond spray pool and wading program is open daily from 11 am to 6 pm (free of charge) until Labor Day. Call 617-635-2120 for updated information.
Before or after dipping in the pond, check out the awesome Frog Pond Park two steps away. This terrific playground has lots of cool structures to explore, including what my yummy niece called the “frog potty” (frog sculpture holding a life preserver).