7 Best Ice Skating Party Ideas: Themes, Games, and Memories
What do you do when you love parties and ice skating?
You combine them to create an ice skating party.
Ice skating is not limited to figure skating or hockey.
It's a hobby enjoyed by millions worldwide.
And with this popularity comes the opportunity to be innovative with ice skating, such as hosting your own ice party. .
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Ice skating parties have a unique charm that brings people together, gliding on the frozen surface while dancing, connecting with family or friends, and having memorable experiences.
An ice skating party should be more than music and balloons on a rink.
The magic of an ice skating party lies not only in the act of skating itself but also in the creativity that goes into planning the event.
If you don't consider yourself a creative party planner or need inspiration, you're in luck.
We have some ice skating party ideas and games that will help you change this from a run-of-the-mill ice skating outing to a beautiful experience.
Choosing the Perfect Theme
Throwing a party on ice is a great idea that is always well-received.
It allows kids to experience a new skill for the first time or enjoy an existing hobby in a new way.
Parties on ice for adults are also fun, bringing back fond memories, improving team building, or creating unique experiences, which have been in demand since the pandemic.
But you can't stop there.
Choosing a theme adds another layer that enhances the overall experience.
A well-chosen theme transforms the rink or ice skating space in terms of decorations and helps you (the organizer) have clear goals regarding set-up costs and games, bringing out your maximum creativity.
A themed party sparks the imagination of every attendee, making the event truly unforgettable.
If you need some ice skating party ideas, try these five to take your event to the next level.
1. Winter Wonderland Extravaganza
When we think about ice skating, we think about winter.
The twinkling lights.
The snow-capped trees.
The white flowers and frosted pinecones.
Winter Wonderland is a common theme around the holidays and can be a great opener for your ice skating party.
Whether indoors or outdoors, the goal is to create a feeling of ice, winter, and joy.
Use lots of white, silver, and blue balloons, Christmas lights, snowflake ornaments, and trees to add a cozy winter flair to your party.
Encourage your partygoers to dress in white or in chic winter clothing.
They can also bring their own pair of skates or prepare to rent skates to enjoy the fun and games on the ice.
2. Your Favorite Ice Skating Movie, Re-imagined
Have you seen The Mighty Ducks, I Tonya, or The Cutting Edge?
These are some of the best ice skating movies of all time.
Movie-themed parties are all the rage, so why not bring it to the ice?
Have partygoers dress up as their favorite ice or ice skating movie characters for a disco on the rink.
Transform the surroundings with movie posters, props from iconic movies, popcorn, and movie decor.
For an added touch, get a projector and play one or two of your favorite movies for everyone to enjoy, and give prizes to the best-dressed guest.
3. Disney on Ice
For decades, Disney has held shows with some of their iconic characters performing incredible feats on the ice.
Disney on ice is a famous traveling show that attracts thousands of people across the country.
If you're throwing a party for kids, consider a Disney-themed party.
Kids can come dressed as their favorite characters and enjoy ice skating at the rink, Disney games, and themed food.
This idea isn't limited to kids! Adults who grew up watching Disney movies and shows will love a Disney on Ice party.
Get cutouts of Disney characters, red and blue balloons, lights, and other Disney props to make it an unforgettable event.
4. Superhero Skaters Bash
Superheroes unite! For kids and adults alike, superheroes are characters we all look up to.
Encourage attendees to channel their inner superheroes by dressing up as their favorite characters.
Choose some of the classic superheroes, like Superman and Spiderman, or consider some of the recent additions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe or DC Universe.
Tip: Set up heroic decorations and props while including some superhero trivia and games.
Give prizes for the best costume, and enjoy skaters with capes gliding on the ice and capes blowing in the wind.
A superhero theme brings fun, excitement, and innovation as partygoers need to create gadgets, helmets, and other props to look like their favorite heroes.
5. Engaging Ice Skating Games
What's a party without games?
You can put a 'cool' twist on some of your favorite party games or make up a few of your own.
Games keep partygoers entertained, foster competition, and create new friends and memories.
Try some of these games in your upcoming event:
Freeze skate
Who doesn't love a game of freeze tag? It's a favorite of kids on the playground.
Someone is "it," and their job is to catch the others as they run for their lives!
When you get caught, you must remain frozen in place.
Let's take this classic game to the ice.
Lace up your skates and play tag on the ice.
Choose someone to be "it" and let the other skaters scatter while it races to catch them.
Once you're caught, you stay frozen in place.
It's a great kid's game and will even be great for adults, bringing a bit of nostalgia to the party.
Musical Chairs
What are ice skating party ideas without musical chairs?
It's everyone's favorite game but on the ice.
Line up chairs next to each other but facing in opposite directions.
Have the participants skate around the chairs to the sound of their favorite tunes.
When the music stops, the players skate quickly to sit down.
The odd person out needs to leave the game.
Then a chair is removed! Repeat until the last two people are standing, battling for a single chair.
This is a classic party game with the concentration and skill of ice skating.
Gliding Competitions
How far can you go?
Gliding competitions simply gauge how far you can glide across the ice on two feet, or one foot for a more challenging experience for a given distance.
Start at one end of the rink, take 2-3 steps, then hold a gliding position, letting momentum take you as far as possible.
The person with the longest distance wins!
6. Get Curling!
Ice skating is not the only activity you can do on the ice.
Games like curling are excellent party games.
With curling, you slide large granite (or plastic) 'stones' along the ice to a target area resembling a bullseye.
The goal is to place as many stones in the center of this area, called the 'house,' while your opponent attempts to do the same, potentially blocking or knocking your stones out of the house.
Curling is a great game to spice up any Winterfest-themed party or introduce others to a cool winter sport.
You can rent curling rinks or invest in your own for future winter events.
7. Obstacle Course Challenge
What's your agility on the ice?
Test your partygoers' ice skating skills with a safe but challenging obstacle course.
Use cones, chairs, hockey sticks, and other props for participants to slalom at their own pace.
You can give prizes to the person who completes the course the fastest or to those who complete the course without knocking over any obstacles.
Obstacle courses work well on both natural and synthetic ice rinks, with synthetic ice available for skates and sock skating,
How to Create Lasting Memories
The best ice skating party ideas need many ways to make it as memorable as possible.
Creating the right theme is not enough. It should combine thoughtful planning and personal touches that resonate with guests.
To ensure an unforgettable experience for everyone:
- Think out of the box with synthetic ice: Why not set up your own backyard rink? You can use synthetic ice at your home or rented space to make the ice skating party an outdoor affair. Synthetic ice connects like puzzle pieces, allowing you to create a rink in the size and shape of your choosing.
- Consider decor and Photo Booths: All participants will want to take pictures and keep memories of an unforgettable ice skating party. Consider renting a photo booth and setting up a backdrop to take amazing pictures. Based on the theme you've chosen (superhero, for instance), you can have additional props like signs and masks to drive the theme home.
- Themed foods and drinks: Make drinks, snacks, and cakes to mimic your theme. Hot drinks and s'mores, for instance, work well in Winterfest themes.
- Themed parting gifts: Provide guests with personalized party favors like custom-designed skateguards or themed keychains.
- Get on social media: Create a unique hashtag for everyone to share on their Instagram stories, Reels, or TikTok posts. This is a great way to have partygoers connect through these shared memories on social media.
There's no limit to the decorations, food, music, and other themes to make your ice skating party idea the best, most memorable experience for you and your guests.
Nothing Cold About this Party!
These are just some of the ice skating party ideas available.
Choose the best one based on your audience, age group, and overall goals.
It's a great opportunity to introduce ice skating to those who've never skated.
More importantly, it's a great way to transport guests to a magical experience on the ice.
Setting up a party of this magnitude takes work, but the results are worth it.
Whether you're setting this party up for kids, your friends, or a work event, it's a great way to create long-lasting memories.