7 Reasons You Should Sign Your Kids Up for Ice Skating Lessons

This post is sponsored by Learn to Skate USA. For our sponsored post policy, click here.

It’s kind of crazy to say this — because, wow, is it really mid-October? — BUT THE WINTER OLYMPICS ARE JUST AROUND THE CORNER.

And, obviously, we’re excited.

I mean, really excited.

The Olympics are always so inspiring for the whole family. And now that Gwen is a bit older, I cannot wait to watch it with her. (No doubt, we’ll be playing pretend Olympics in the living room … )

But, what if it didn’t have to be pretend? What if your kiddos (and, hey, even you if you want!) could actually hit the ice? On skates? Year-round? With some skill?

Ice skating lessons aren’t always top of mind for parents when they’re looking to get their kiddos into a new activity or sport, but here are seven reasons why they totally and absolutely should be.

Photo courtesy of Learn to Skate USA

7 Reasons You Should Sign Your Kids Up for Ice Skating Lessons

1. Skating is FUN. If you’ve ever hit the rink, you know this to be true. Sure, the ice is slippery, but it gives the littles a chance to go fast and slide on the ice, alongside Learn to Skate USA’s world-class, certified instructors (safety first!) who teach skating skills through games and activities in group classes designed to keep kids active and engaged as they improve. And while they just might help you to develop the next Olympic champion, lessons are really about instilling a lifelong love of the ice, which is pretty rad.

2. Kids learn about way more than just skating. Talk about life lessons on the rink! They’re learning how to get up when they fall, how to set goals and work toward them, how to work hard and take direction, and how practice makes perfect.

3. Although they do learn a lot about skating. Learn to Skate USA’s lessons are goal-oriented and personalized, so they have something for everyone from first steps on the ice to mastering advanced techniques. (Triple Salchow, anyone?) Participants even get a skater record book when they register so they can chart their progress and put stickers beside the skills they pass in their evaluations after each session.

4. They build relationships that transcend the rink. It’s not just about what you’re doing on the ice — it’s about who you’re doing it with. In addition to skating skills, kids who learn to ice skate have the opportunity to meet people with a shared interest (often from very different backgrounds) and build friendships that transcend the rink.

Photo courtesy of Learn to Skate USA

5. It keeps ’em fit, healthy and feeling good — inside and out. With solid skill development based upon the ABCs of basic athleticism (agility, balance, coordination and speed), there’s no doubt that lessons are awesome at getting kiddos active and fit. This also helps them to feel good inside. Head on over to Learn To Skate USA’s Facebook page or on Twitter with #LearnToSkateUSA to see exactly what we’re talking about. We mean, THIS is kinda everything.

6. The programming is solid and reputable. No matter where you want to go on the ice, Learn to Skate USA is the place to start. It’s the only skating program in the world endorsed by U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey and US Speedskating, with support from Special Olympics, the Professional Skaters Association and the U.S. Ice Rink Association. Your kiddos are in good hands.

7. When you sign up, you get even more cool stuff. When you become a member of Learn to Skate USA you become part of a community … with perks. Your annual $16 fee gets you a member card, copy of Learn to Skate USA The Magazine, secondary sport accident insurance, a parent handbook and skater record book, and the ability for your child to participate in lessons, performances, competitions, games, races and other activities associated with Learn to Skate USA.

How to Learn More and Sign Up for Ice Skating Lessons in Your Area

Photo courtesy of Learn to Skate USA

Ready to sign your kiddo up or learn more? Head on over to LearnToSkateUSA.com now. There you can sign up to be a member of Learn to Skate USA and find a rink/program in your area through an interactive map. You can even browse its curriculum to see where your child (or you!) could start and what they’ll learn. It couldn’t be easier!

The only question left is, why wouldn’t you and your fam hit the ice? You never know. You might just have a future Olympian on your hands! —Jenn