This is our weekly guest-blog post from the moms behind Red Tricycle, a site that focuses on the "lighter side" of parenting. Every week, they'll be bringing us their picks of stuff to do around the Bay Area with kids.
If you're looking for a fun family activity this holiday season (and you're not looking to head to the mountains) try a day of ice skating. Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor skating, the Bay Area has plenty of options for skaters of all skill levels. There's no better way to get ready for the holidays, so bundle up and head to some of these local ice skating rinks and have a really cool time.
Tip: Call ahead to your favorite facility to check on skate rental availability for smaller kids (some rinks rent double-blade, some rent single-blade only, and some offer a "comfort skate" that fits more like a ski boot and keeps the ankles sturdy). Also ask what days/times are best for little ones (for example, at Snoopy's Home Ice in Santa Rosa, they offer chairs for kids to use on the ice during the Puppy & Parent Practice sessions). Some rinks offer "walkers." Check with your local ice rink.