Ice Adventures for All Ages at Planet Ice Bristol

As a child, I remember going Ice-skating and loving the whole experience. The cool air against my face as I sped around the rink, laughing with friends, holding hands with the boy I liked by convincing him I couldn't skate well and needed the help.

And so, when the boys were young I wanted them to feel confident on the Ice and experience the same excitement I did (and still do if I'm honest) when Ice-skating. With the Ice Rink in Frogmore Street, Bristol closing in 2012, we had to wait until winter each year when the temporary Ice-rinks were set up at different venues, like The Mall at Cribbs Causeway or (what was) Cadbury Garden Centre in Congresbury, to get them on the Ice. B

ut they always enjoyed it, whether they were using the support 'Penguins' to steady them or were being brave and trying it for themselves, teetering around the outside of the rink. Then, at the end of 2021, Planet Ice in Bristol opened it doors for public skating sessions and now we go regularly.

Stepping out on the ice for the first time can be daunting and scary. The fear of falling and hurting yourself, or for many, the fear of looking foolish. But we've all been there at some point. So why not cast fear aside and take part in a family friendly activity that is active, affordable, and guaranteed to create unforgettable memories? Planet Ice Bristol is one of Bristol’s coolest (literally!) attractions and an absolute must-visit for families with kids of all ages.

❄️ What to Expect: Public Ice Skating Fun

Planet Ice Bristol offers public skating sessions that are perfect for beginners, teens, adults, and even the tiniest tots (younger children get special discounted pricing). These sessions are great for:

• First time skaters — the ice rink staff are friendly and the atmosphere is welcoming to nervous newbies.

• Experienced family skaters — groove around the rink together and enjoy a fun challenge.

• Long visits — most families spend a couple of hours on the ice, so it’s a great place to plan a good chunk of your day (you can take a break in the café if you need refreshments).

  
  

There’s also ice skate hire available, so you don’t need to bring your own blades to enjoy the session — just wrap up warm and get ready to glide (or wobble!) across the ice.

📅 Tip: Book your session online in advance for the best prices — especially during weekends, school holidays and peak times.

⛸️ Learn to Skate: Lessons for All Ages

Want to take it a step further than just skating around in circles?

Planet Ice offers a range of ice skating lessons, from beginner courses to more advanced coaching. Both George and William started with Learn to skate lessons. Whether your kids want to:

• Learn the basics (stopping, turning, balance)

• Progress their skills through structured classes

• Explore figure skating moves

…there’s something for everyone. Lessons are designed to be safe, fun and supportive — ideal for families who want to learn together.

If you want to go further and have a go at Ice-Hockey (which is George's sport of choice right now) then book in for Ice-Hockey excellence. Suitable for all ages and abilities (though personally I would recommend having skating lessons and progressing to at least level 2 before starting Ice-Hockey Excellence).

💡 You can also arrange private one-to-one or small group lessons where you’ll work with an experienced coach (great for quicker progress or personalised guidance).

🧊 Practice Makes Perfect: Patch Ice Sessions

For skaters who have started to master the basics and want to go further, Planet Ice runs special practice sessions called Patch Ice. These sessions give skaters a quieter, less crowded ice surface and are ideal for:

• Practising jumps, spins and routines

• Training with a coach

• Building confidence in a more focused setting

Patch sessions are available as a pay-as-you-go option or as part of a Patch Membership — especially good if you’ve got aspiring figure skaters in the family!

🍫 Refresh & Recharge: On-Site Facilities

All that skating definitely works up an appetite! Planet Ice Bristol has:

• A café area serving snacks and hot drinks

• Free parking

• Accessible facilities including toilets and spectator areasSo parents can relax and enjoy watching the action (or warm up between sessions).

  
  

❄️ Tips for a Great Visit

• Wrap up warm and wear thick socks for comfort on the ice. The Ice-Skates are renowned for being uncomfortable so thick socks are a must, unless you have your own skates.

• Check the session timetable before you go, as times can change.

• Pre-booking online can save money and secure your preferred slot.

• There are also Home-Ed sessions during the week for children home schooled, which also tend to be quieter than the public skate times.

Planet Ice Bristol is one of those family experiences that blends fun, fitness and laughter into a cool day out. Whether you’re learning together, racing around the rink, or sipping hot chocolate after a couple of hours on the ice, it’s a brilliant choice for a family day trip or even a memorable holiday outing.