Teaching Kids to Ice Skate: 4 Parent-Approved Tips for Success

Watching your child take their first wobbly steps on ice is magical—but it can also be stressful. These tips will help them build confidence (and have fun!) from day one:​

Start with the Right Gear (Beyond Skates)​

• Helmet first: Even on indoor rinks, falls happen. A lightweight helmet protects their head without weighing them down.​

• Gloves or mittens: Cold hands = unhappy skaters. Fleece-lined gloves also protect palms during tumbles.​

• Properly fitted skates: Loose skates make balancing harder. Use our size chart to get the fit just right—snug but not tight.​

Keep Lessons Short & Playful​

Kids have short attention spans. Aim for 15–20 minute sessions, and turn practice into a game:​

• “Race” to the rink wall and back.​

• Practice gliding while holding hands (let them lead once they’re steady).​

• Celebrate small wins: “Wow, you stayed up for 5 seconds!”​

Teach Them to Fall (and Get Up) Safely​

Falling is part of learning! Show them to:​

• Bend knees and lean forward to avoid hitting their back.​

• Push up with their hands (not elbows) when standing—this builds arm strength for balance.​

Choose the Right Rink Time​

Avoid crowded sessions—beginner kids get overwhelmed by fast skaters. Early mornings or weekday afternoons are usually quieter, giving them space to practice without stress.​

Remember: Progress takes time. The goal is to make skating feel like a joy, not a chore. With patience (and the right skates!), they’ll be gliding on their own in no time.