Ice Skating in Kissimmee

Forever interested in finding new things to do and new places to go, some friends suggested we join them and take the children ice skating in Kissimmee. Not the usual thing we include in our many trips to Florida, but sounded a good idea, and a great way to cool down from the August sunshine on a Saturday afternoon.

Happy to go along as a spectator while the children (age 15, 14, 13 and 8) took to the ice we set off for The Ice Factory, 2221 Partin Settlement Road, Kissimmee, Florida 34744. The rink can be easily found by heading east along the US192 until you get to Aeronautical Drive, turn right and then right again on to Partin Settlement Road.

Public skating sessions are held Tuesdays 5. 30pm to 7. 30pm, Saturday 1pm to 4pm and Sunday 1pm to 3pm. There is also a teen night on Friday 7pm to 11pm and Family fun night 7pm to 11pm on the first Saturday of the month.

Admission prices are $7 per session which includes skate rental and a slice of pizza, the teen night $10 per person, and Saturday night family session $40 for a family of five including skate rental, a slice of pizza and pitcher of drink.

While the older children had all ventured onto the ice before, for my youngest it was his first time, so he took advantage of the skate aids which are available for children under 10 years old, and was zipping around the ice in no time with help of what can only be described at a child sized Zimmer frame. Be sure to wear long trousers and a long sleeve shirt as well as quite thick socks as by the end of the session my daughter did have some ‘war wounds’ from falls onto the ice and blisters from the skates!

All the children had a great time, and the hours flew by quickly, with them only stopping for drinks. It is worth checking for special sessions as there are often themed nights at Halloween etc.

Food and drink are taken care of at the snack bar or The Rinkside Bar and Lounge (open evenings only). Here you can enjoy a full bar service and a menu including chicken wings, pizza, burgers and hot dogs while watching sports on the flat screen monitors – why not make and evening of it?

The Ice Factory has two rinks, including a 750 seat stadium and as well as ice skating they are home to ice hockey teams – you may be able to watch a match or even take in some lessons.

The children really enjoyed their day, and have already said they would like to go back next year.

The Ice Factory can be contacted on 407-933-4259 or www. icefactory. com