Ice skating with kids

[Hopscotch88]

DS(nearly 5) is nagging to go ice skating at a winter wonderland this year.
We are also going to Laplanduk where there is skating.

Neither DH or I have ever been and neither of us are confident in our ability. We also have a DD 2

Can a 2 year old skate?
Should we book a few practices in the ice rink (1hr away) before we go just for us or the 4 of us or should we look for lessons?

I want them to enjoy it and not be put off by my lack of confidence!

They have penguin helpers!! Doubt your 2 yo would manage one tbh. My 8 yo isn't that keen on skating but pre teens were...

You could try a session at the ice rink. The one near us have these kind of skating zimmer frames for kids, but they look like like penguins so are quite fun! I don't know if they do them for adults too but I wish they did. I wouldn't bother with lessons tbh, especially if you have to drive an hour each way.
Your DS might decide he's not really that bothered after one session.

Penguin helpers - so that's what they're called!

The children are normally far more inclined to throw themselves into it than adults
Yes use the penguins/polarbears/seals-you may need to book them in advance, but they're great for getting their confidence going.

I don’t think a 2 yr old can skate even with a penguin. So would need to be one of you taking the 4 yr old.

The penguins are about the height of a 4 yr old iirc and have handles on each side to hold. So work well for a 4-8 yr old.

4 is quite little and she may spend a lot of time on the ice so waterproof trousers would be a good idea. Also waterproof gloves.

Definitely recommend a practice here before your trip away. Doesn’t need to be a lesson I think, just a practice session.

Whoops, he not she.

2 yo can skate if walking well. They usually get flat skates with two blades that strap over shoes and there are pushers, some of which may have seats so they can rest and you push. Make sure they have decent gloves and waterproof trousers ideally padded.