Winter offers many opportunities for active leisure. It's also the time of winter holidays, when there's even more time for fun. Sledging, skiing, ice skating and building snowmen are loved by both children and parents. Although winter can be unpredictable this year, it's worth not giving up winter fun, as some of it can still be planned regardless.

A family trip to the ice rink - how to prepare?

It's worth planning activities for the holidays or a winter weekend, and a trip to the ice rink is certainly a good choice. It's even better if the whole family can take part. See how to dress for the ice rink so nothing catches you off guard.

What to wear for ice skating? Comfortable clothing for the ice rink

Ice skating attire doesn't have to be the most fashionable or from the latest collections, but it must be comfortable. There's nothing worse than a nice but completely impractical outfit at the ice rink. We suggest what to wear at the ice rink to feel comfortable and have fun.

Jacket for ice skating

Ice skating clothing doesn't have to be chosen specifically for this activity. As a jacket for ice skating, an ordinary sports jacket that we wear daily in winter will work fine. However, it's important that it be a more relaxed model with a sporty character. A beautiful wool coat or a nice-looking fitted short jacket probably won't work well for this activity.

Trousers for ice skating

Trousers for children's ice skating must allow freedom of movement, so they need to be either looser models or styles that fit closely to the body. Tracksuit bottoms work well, preferably insulated ones. Another option is skating gaiters. They provide comfort of movement, but we recommend this model for more experienced skaters. Which trousers should you choose for beginner children? In this case, it's worth choosing softshell trousers, which provide not only warmth and comfort but also better protection against moisture and quick soaking. Children who are just learning may fall much more often, so trousers that protect against moisture can prove very useful in this case.

Sweatshirt for ice skating

The outfit for the ice rink is also what we wear under the jacket. For many activities, children's tracksuit sweatshirts work well. They are comfortable to wear, and the looser fit allows for all kinds of movement. Under the sweatshirt, you can pair a classic T-shirt or thermal underwear, depending on the temperature. However, it's worth remembering not to dress too warmly. Dressing in layers is good practice. You can shed a layer at any time if it gets too hot.

Ice skating accessories

The right outfit for children and adults is the basis of successful fun at the ice rink, but it's also worth including other accessories. You mustn't forget the helmet, especially in the case of children. This item is essential and shouldn't be skipped. Safety on skates is very important. Another accessory that can be useful, but isn't necessary, is knee pads. This is something that beginners will especially appreciate. Knees after a fall on the ice can really hurt.

Ice rink outfit for children and adults

The clothing we've suggested will be useful not only for children. These are universal tips on how to dress for ice skating. Parents can use them too. However, for the ice rink outfit to be complete, you should pair it with gloves and hats and neck warmers. We suggest warm gloves and merino wool hats, which have thermoregulating properties, so they'll be useful when it starts to get warm after a longer skating session. Of course, the ice rink outfit must be adapted to the place you're going to. The earlier tips were more geared towards an outdoor ice rink, where lower temperatures depend on the weather.

Are you also going bowling? See: What to wear for bowling? Outfits for the bowling alley

How to dress for an indoor ice rink?

Ice skating clothing for an indoor ice rink must take into account that it's not as cold there as outside. In this case, softshell clothing may be enough, both a jacket and shorts. Gaiters will also work well. If it's warm enough, you can skip the hat. It's important to keep an eye on yourself and your children and see if you're getting too hot. In such situations, it's easy to catch a cold.