Ice skating certificate

With lockdown 2.0 underway in England, there’s not a lot of things you can do with the kids. If you are after some idea, you can check out my post on things to do during lockdown here. However, hopefully when things reopen, you can plan a visit the Planet Ice in Gillingham for some ice skating. 

Date Visited: October half-term, 2020

Location: Gillingham Business Park, Ambley Rd, Gillingham ME8 0PU

Getting There: Easiest by car as it’s located in between Gillingham and Rainham train stations, which may require a taxi or Uber to get to.

Cost: Varies depending the length and duration of the lessons.   

  Ice skating penguin

Review

Cara has had a couple of goes ice skating during the previous winters and thoroughly enjoyed it. In order to build her confidence on the ice, and to burn time during the half-term, we enrolled her into a few days of 30 minute lessons. Not the closest, but it was off to Planet Ice in Gillingham. 

Due to Covid, lessons were booked ahead in limited numbers. There’s plenty of space to utilise. Now I’m no ice skater, so have no idea what was being taught. From what I saw, given the short timeframe, it was the basics of moving forward, stopping, and going backwards. The teachers are very patient and helpful, and Cara enjoyed herself. There were a few falls along the way which ended in a couple of bruises, but that’s all part of learning to become an ice skater! Make sure they’re dressed comfortably and maybe something that’s waterproof in case they fall over. 

At the end of Cara’s three days, she got a nice little progression certificate. There are longer lesson plans available, between 5 and 6 weeks where the kids can develop more skills. Perhaps once lockdown is lifted, we might pop back for a few more ice skating lessons next school holidays. 

Ice skating lesson  Ice skating certificate

More details: https://planet-ice.co.uk/locations/gillingham/

Ratings:

Burn Time: 2 out of 5 – they’re only short lessons so not too taxing on them. 
Value: 3.5 out of 5 – 
not an essential skill to obtain, but still good to learn! Your child may become the next Torvill or Dean.
Overall: 3.5 out of 5 –
it’s something different and keeps them active as opposed to screen time.

Have you been ice skating recently, or enjoyed Planet Ice? Let us know in the comments section below!