The Best Places to take the kids Ice Skating in the North East 2016

T'is the season to enjoy some festive fun and what could be more fun than whizzing around on an outdoor skating rink? Now I will be honest when I say that I have never taken my children ice skating. It just scares me too much and all I can imagine is our fingers being chopped off. I actually googled how often this happens and couldn't find a definitive answer and I know I'm being silly and the chances are very slim. Perhaps this year will be the year that I actually take the kids? Or maybe I will play it safe and try a fake ice rink first. Hmmmmm we'll see.

Without further ado, here is our guide to outdoor skating rinks in the North East for 2016. Let me know if you have any favourites:

Ice Skating at Life Science Centre, Newcastle

When: Until 26 February 2017
Recommended Age: All ages. Children aged 9 and under require adult supervison. Children aged 10-12 can skate with an adult spectator.
Cost per Adult: £9
Cost per Child: Under 4's are £3 and children aged 5-17 years are £7. Family skating £25.
Real Ice?: Yes
Need to Know: Visit Science at Life Website

Pityard Skating Rink at Woodhorn, Northumberland

When: Weekends and Northumberland School Holidays until 23rd December 2016.
Recommended Age: 2 years+, all under 5's must be accompanied by an adult.
Cost per Adult: £6.50
Cost per Child: £5.50
Real Ice?: Synthetic Ice Rink
Need to Know: Visit Experience at Woodhorn Website

Ice Skating at Beamish, County Durham

When: Daily until 31st December, February Half Term and weekends from 3rd Jan - 17th Feb.
Recommended Age: All ages. Skates available from child size 10.
Cost per Adult: £5 per adult. One child goes free with every paying adult.
Cost per Child: One child goes free with every paying adult or £4.
Real Ice?: Yes
Need to Know: Visit Beamish Website

Christmas Skating Rink at Alnwick Garden, Northumberland

When: 26th & 27th November, 3rd, 4th & 10th December
Recommended Age: All ages
Cost per Adult: from £5.60 (includes Garden admission)
Cost per Child: from £3.99 (includes Garden admission)
Real Ice?: Synthetic ice
Need to Know: Visit Alnwick Garden Website

The Frost Village Ice Rink, Keel Square | Sunderland

When: Until 24th December
Recommended Age: All ages
Cost per Adult: £7.50
Cost per Child: £6.50. Family ticket available for £25.
Real Ice?: Yes
Need to Know: Visit Christmas in Sunderland Website

Mini Moos Fun Park | Durham

When: Weekends throughout December then 17th-24th December (website states rainy days only)
Recommend Ages: All ages
Cost per Adult: £9 (includes admission to farm park)
Cost per Child: £8.50 (includes admission to farm park)
Real Ice?: Synthetic ice
Need to Know: Visit Mini Moos Website


So where's best? For me, if you are already an annual pass holder, the best value has to be Beamish. £5 for one adult and child to skate on real ice is a real bargain. Then it all comes down to location I suppose - Family skating at the Frost Village in Sunderland and Life Science Centre in Newcastle are both priced at £25 and I imagine they are both as good as each other. 'Faux' skating is probably better for very small children and again, I guess it all depends on location. You could make a day of it at both Alnwick Garden, Mini Moos and Woodhorn with their various trails, activities and attractions.

Finally, I couldn't post about ice skating and not mention Whitley Bay Ice Rink. Skating here is priced at £31 per family including skate hire so more expensive than the other rinks mentioned. However it is indoors and they offer tuition, parties and more throughout the year.

Let me know if you have any recommendations for the best place to take your children ice skating in the North East. 

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