Northbrook Park District Offers Free Ice Skating Lesson

Dozens of young children can experience the excitement of ice skating for the first time during the Try Skating for Free event from the Northbrook Park District on Saturday, August 23. Children, ages 3 and older, can attend one of two classes at the Northbrook Sports Center to see if they are ready for figure skating or hockey lessons.

The program is an introduction to a typical entry-level class, so it is only for children who have not skated before. They will learn to lace skates and practice the correct way to get up after falling. Professional instructors and student teachers will help the kids onto the ice and teach basic skating skills. The beginning skaters will be grouped by age.

"A skater's dream begins with the first lesson," said Laila Schlesinger, Leisure Services Supervisor with the Northbrook Park District. "We hope they try their first lesson with us!"

Students also will learn about opportunities the Park District Skating School offers, including the chance to skate in the award-winning Northbrook-On-Ice production in May.

The free classes are from 10-10:30am and 10:45-11:15am. Families can sign up at nbparks.org, the Northbrook Sports Center or the Leisure Center, and registration is first-come, first-served, as space is limited.

"Some of the children are apprehensive when they first go onto the ice, but when it's time to leave, they want to stay longer," Schlesinger added.

For more information, call the Northbrook Sports Center at 847-291-2993 or visit nbparks.org.