by Debbie Robus

Created on: October 11, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

If "the livin' is easy" in summertime, life can be a challenge for kids who live in cold, snowy Grand Rapids, Michigan in the winter. But take heart, there ARE things to do with your kids in the winter, and Grand Rapids offers plenty of them.

* Learn to ice skate. Grand Rapids offers several excellent ice skating rinks, including the Patterson Ice Center at 2550 Patterson Ave. SE, the Jolly Roger Arena at 2600 Village Dr. SE, and the Kentwood Ice Arena & Pro Shop at 6230 Kalamazoo Ave. SE. The Patterson Ice Center has both NHL and Olympic Size Rinks, with a 5000-square-foot lobby overlooking both sheets. The Patterson Ice Center offers public skating, basic skills lessons, broomball, party programs, and summer skating camps, and more. For information about rink times and prices, visit

www.pattersonicecenter.com

The Jolly Roger Arena offers a "Learn to Skate" program, a concession stand, changing rooms, and a hockey league. Patrons have noted that the Jolly Roger Ice Arena is clean and well-maintained.

Owned and operated by the Kentwood Public Schools, the Kentwood Ice Arena is located on the East Kentwood Campus, behind the High school. Open skating is offered on Sundays from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., and a "lunch skate" is available on Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Skate rental is available, as well as lessons to learn to skate and/or play hockey. There are three Youth Hockey associations... the Kentwood Hockey and Skating Association (with programs for ages 4 through high school), and East Kentwood Varsity Hockey and Lowell-Caledonia Hockey, both high school programs. For more information, visit www.kentwoodicearena.com.

The Greater Grand Rapids Figure Skating Club (GGRFSC) is part of the US Figure Skating Association (USFSA) and follows its rules and regulations. All skill levels are welcome, and the club offers skaters group lessons to enhance their recreational skating experience, as well as instruction to help develop the competitive skater. For more information about the Greater Grand Rapids Figure Skating Club, visit www.ggrfsc.org.

* If you and your child would rather ski than skate, the area in and around Grand Rapids offers plenty of options for this, also. The Greater Grand Rapids Ski Club offers activities all year long - and not just for skiing. However, the Club does organize ski outings and trips, parties, and even instructional clinics. Visit www.ggrsc.orgfor more information.

Pando Winter Sports Park, located 15 minutes

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