Learn to Skate

  • Back to School: 9/14 – 11/8

  • Fall: 11/9 – 1/3

  • Winter: 1/4 – 2/28

  • Spring: 3/1 – 4/25

Pre Tot is for 3 to 4 year olds and precedes Step 1: Learn to Skate. This program helps little ones prepare for the fun skating adventures in Step 1 by offering them a smaller group setting, a more appropriate pace and activity level. For skaters with little to no formal skating instruction.

Participants will start lessons by learning how to fall down, get up and take several steps. Prior to class, please watch this video and review with your participant to help them be familiar with these first skills.

Participants must be potty trained. During class, participants must be able to independently wear face coverings, social distance and follow directions.

Children learning to Ice skate

Step 1: Learn to Skate introduces participants to ice skating in a fun, group setting and focuses on skating basics. Our award-winning programs teach skills logically and progressively in a fun and enjoyable way to help all skaters enjoy ice sports.

  • For participants in Kindergarten and higher and/or those who are potty trained and capable of independently wearing a mask, social distancing and following directions
  • No formal skating experience or instruction is required
  • Participants will need to demonstrate falling down and getting up and taking 8 steps off ice; view our instructional video here
  • A helmet, such as a bike helmet or HECC helmet, is required and must be provided by the participant; Please label the helmet with First Name, Last Initial on the front with painter’s tape before arriving
  • Wear warm, comfortable layers that allow for movement, long sleeves and pants, gloves or mittens; Young skaters should wear waterproof clothing and gloves
  • Rental skates are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are included in the class fee; Participants are welcome to bring their own skates although double blade skates are not permitted

Looking for something more advanced?
Try Step 2. Learn to Skate

See also, Teen/Adult Learn to Skate for ages 16+.

Child Learning to Skate in Hockey Helmet and Hockey Skates

Hockey Step 1: Learn to Skate introduces participants to ice skating in a fun, group setting and focuses on skating basics. Our award-winning programs teach skills logically and progressively in a fun and enjoyable way to help all skaters enjoy ice sports.

  • For participants in Kindergarten and higher and/or those who are potty trained and capable of independently wearing a mask, social distancing and following directions
  • No formal skating experience or instruction is required
  • Participants will need to demonstrate falling down and getting up and taking 8 steps off ice; view our instructional video here
  • A helmet, such as a bike helmet or HECC helmet, is required and must be provided by the participant; Please label the helmet with First Name, Last Initial on the front with painter’s tape before arriving
  • Wear warm, comfortable layers that allow for movement, long sleeves and pants, gloves or mittens; Young skaters should wear waterproof clothing and gloves
  • Rental skates are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are included in the class fee; Participants are welcome to bring their own skates although double blade skates are not permitted
3 adults with instructor learning basic skating

You’re never too old to ice skate! Skaters ages 16 and older are invited to learn to skate or enhance their skating skills in a fun and comfortable learning environment. Classes include group instruction and free time and encourage skaters to learn at their own pace. Skaters will be grouped by age and/or ability as needed.

  • For participants 16 years and older
  • No formal skating experience or instruction is required
  • Participants will need to demonstrate falling down and getting up and taking 8 steps off ice; view our instructional video here
  • A helmet, such as a bike helmet or HECC helmet, is required and must be provided by the participant; Please label the helmet with First Name, Last Initial on the front with painter’s tape before arriving
  • Wear warm, comfortable layers that allow for movement, long sleeves and pants, gloves or mittens
  • Rental skates are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are included in the class fee; Participants are welcome to bring their own skates although double blade skates are not permitted

Got the basics, but want to develop some hockey skills? Check out Adult Instructional Hockey or Women’s Skill Clinics.

Children learning to ice skate

Step 2: Learn to Skate – Tot transitions skaters to more skill-based instruction and self-directed class format. Classes are 25 minutes long and instructors continue to use games, songs and toys to keep learning fun.

Step 2: Learn to Skate – Youth focuses on skill building, coordination and balance. Classes are 40 minutes long. Instructors incorporate games and fun in a more challenging and structured way. Skill linking, props and free time are used to aid skill development.

  • For participants in Kindergarten and higher and/or those who are potty trained and capable of independently wearing a mask, social distancing and following directions
  • Completion of Step 2: Learn to Skate - Tot; Instructor recommendation required
  • Participants will need to demonstrate falling down and getting up and taking 8 steps off ice; view our instructional video here
  • A helmet, such as a bike helmet or HECC helmet, is required and must be provided by the participant; Please label the helmet with First Name, Last Initial on the front with painter’s tape before arriving
  • Wear warm, comfortable layers that allow for movement, long sleeves and pants, gloves or mittens; Young skaters should wear waterproof clothing and gloves
  • Rental skates are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are included in the class fee; Participants are welcome to bring their own skates although double blade skates are not permitted

See also, Step 1: Learn to Skate. After completing Step 2, you can move on to Step 3: Learn to Skate. Interested in hockey? Bruins FUNdamentals might be right for you.

Children learning to ice skate

Step 3: Learn to Skate Classes are 40 minutes. Instructors continue the techniques used in Step 2 to develop a solid skating foundation such as gliding, proper pushing technique, beginning edge use and more. Tools such as skill linking (chaining learned skills together), props and free time aid skill development.

  • For participants in Kindergarten and higher and/or those who are potty trained and capable of independently wearing a mask, social distancing and following directions
  • Completion of Step 2: Learn to Skate - Youth; Instructor recommendation required
  • Participants will need to demonstrate falling down and getting up and taking 8 steps off ice; view our instructional video here
  • A helmet, such as a bike helmet or HECC helmet, is required and must be provided by the participant; Please label the helmet with First Name, Last Initial on the front with painter’s tape before arriving
  • Wear warm, comfortable layers that allow for movement, long sleeves and pants, gloves or mittens; Young skaters should wear waterproof clothing and gloves
  • Rental skates are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are included in the class fee; Participants are welcome to bring their own skates although double blade skates are not permitted

Need more of the basics? Check out Step 2: Learn to Skate. Ready for more? Try our Skating Club Group Class.

All participants will need to comply with COVID Guidelines.

View Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do to prepare for class?

  • Arrive 15-20 minutes prior to the program start time.
  • Adhere to all prerequisites and equipment requirements.
  • Have the participant wear warm, comfortable layers that allow for movement. Long sleeves & pants, gloves or mittens are recommended. Little ones should wear waterproof items.
  • You are welcome to bring your own skates although double blade skates are not permitted.
  • Practice makes progress! Public skating sessions are a great way to practice and get the most out of your lessons.

Should I purchase skates?

Skate rental is included in the cost of your class. We have both recreational skates and hockey skates to try. Starting in our rental skates might be a good way to know if making a purchase would be beneficial. Program Supervisors can advise you as well. If you do purchase skates, they do not come sharpened. Be sure to leave enough time for sharpening before the first class.

What's an ISI Membership?

The Ice Sports Industry (ISI) is a trade organization that helps arenas facilitate programs. An Ice Sports Industry Membership offers many benefits. Learn more at skateisi.org.

What else I should know before registering?

Whether you're new or have skated with us before, our "General Program Information" page can answer many of your questions