Texas probably isn’t the first place that come to mind when you think about ice skating. But when summer temperatures lean toward the 100-degree F. mark, it’s is a good time to head to an indoor ice rink for some skating practice.
We headed for our favorite local all-around ice rink at the Galleria mall, 13350 Dallas Parkway (I-635 at the Dallas North Tollway).
I was surprised by how many ice skating rinks there are in North Texas (although I’m sorry to report that the rink in downtown Dallas is closed). However, several of the current rinks specialize only in hockey. And my daughter and family wanted a place to get a quick lunch and do some shopping, besides having a fun family skate.
We hadn’t been to the Galleria’s ice rink since winter break, when it was packed with skaters and the mall’s 95-foot tall Christmas tree. Things are roomier in summer without the tree. Admission is $10, plus $3 for skate rentals. Bring your own skates if you have them. If you rent skates, you must wear socks. Otherwise, no special attire is needed.
The Galleria’s ice skating rink is surrounded by tiers of shops and restaurants, making it easy to people watch. Skaters come at all levels of skill. The rink also offers lessons. Skating hours vary and are subject to change without notice, so check their website, www.galleriaiceskatingcenter.com/public-sessions/ or call 972-392-3361. The mall itself is open 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon - 6 p.m. Sunday.
The boys had never been on ice until they learned last winter at the Dallas Stars Little Rookies camp, which taught them to skate, at least as well as you can learn in four Saturday sessions. The program is free, no experience is required, and it’s open to both girls and boys ages 4-8 years. All equipment is provided.
All summer sessions of Little Rookies are filled, but fall sessions open September 20 at several ice rinks in the area. For details and registration, see http://dallasstars.com/LittleRookies/. For those already hooked on hockey, the
Richardson Ice Training Center where the boys participated is hosting a hockey equipment swap August 2. See the Little Rookies Facebook page for details.
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