Lacing up a pair of skates and circling around the rink may not seem a likely winter activity for the Central Valley, but it has become a beloved winter tradition at Modesto on Ice and is always bound to put smiles on the faces of many visitors.
Set up in the heart of downtown Modesto at 1131 11th Street (corner of 11th and K Streets), Modesto on Ice Presented by Modesto Subaru offers lots of wintertime fun from mid-November to mid-January. The rink is an outdoor tent-covered venue and it’s generally just a few degrees colder on the ice than it is outside. There are a couple fire pits and patio heaters to keep skaters and onlookers warm.
Opening day for the ice rink is Nov. 23 and it will remain open through Jan. 20, 2025. The ice rink will be open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Saturdays and 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays.
Skate sessions are priced at just $14 for skaters ages 3-12 and $18 for ages 13 and up, and the skate rentals are included in pricing. Children under 3 are not allowed to skate or be on the ice at any time. Skate sessions are 90 minutes apart. Each session includes approximately one hour and 20 minutes of skating time and about 10 minutes between sessions to clear and resurface the ice. Those just wanting to watch the skaters get free admission.
Modesto on Ice will also have passes this season. A 10-pack pass for children will be $110 and $150 for adults. A season pass will be $245 for children and $295 for adults.
This season Modesto on Ice will offer hockey lessons for different skill sets. One is learning to play and the other for skill building.
The ice rink also offers lessons for those needing to learn how to skate.
The first key to learning to ice skate is to pick the right pair of skates. The skates shouldn’t be too big or too small, You should be able to wiggle your toes. The skates also need to be laced up tightly. If you can fit your finger under the laces, it is too loose.
As much as we would all like to think that we could glide out on the ice like a seasoned pro, the truth is that you are highly likely to fall your first time on the ice. Even your twelfth time on the ice. All the skating tips suggest newcomers to ice skating practice falling. If you feel yourself falling, as best as you can try to bend your knees and squat. Try to fall sideways and put your hands in your lap.
The ice rink has a snack shack with items like the loaded hot cocoa with peppermint sprinkles, hot cider, espressos, and cup of noodles to keep skaters warm, along with other goodies and beverages. No outside food or drinks are allowed.
This season Modesto on Ice will have some special events. The first will be mascots on ice at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 5. Mascots from all over the area will be at the rink to mingle and try their skills on the ice. For this event, kids skate will be half off.
Modesto on Ice will host a New Year’s Eve party on Dec. 31. This two-hour, limited number of guests, special event includes music, party favors, photo booth, prizes, and a midnight balloon drop followed by a sparkling cider toast. Costs are $20 for children and $25 for those 13 and older. The party will start at 10:15 p.m. and wrap up at 12:15 a.m.
Other special events are in the works.
For more information about Modesto on Ice or to make a reservation visitwww.modestoonice.com.
