Top Guide to Ice Skating for Kids in Lausanne City
Lausanne turns into a beautiful winter paradise for families during the cold months of the year. Finding great ice skating for kids in Lausanne city is easy and very fun for everyone. Many rinks offer special areas for young beginners to practice their skills in a safe environment. This guide helps you find the best spots for family fun throughout the winter of 2026.
Best Rinks for Ice Skating for Kids in Lausanne City
The Patinoire de la Pontaise is a favorite for many local families during the cold winter months. It offers a large outdoor area with plenty of space for everyone to enjoy the fresh air. Kids can use fun skating aids like plastic penguins to help them stay balanced on the ice. These tools help children stay upright while they learn the basics of this exciting winter sport.
Another great spot is the temporary rink located at the Place de la Louve in the center. This rink appears during the festive Lausanne Christmas market season to provide extra holiday cheer for visitors. It provides a magical atmosphere with bright lights and festive holiday music playing in the background area. Parents can enjoy a warm drink while watching their children glide across the smooth ice surface safely.
You should also consider visiting the modern Vaudoise Aréna for high-quality indoor skating fun with your family. This facility hosts professional matches but offers many public skating hours for local residents and visiting tourists. The ice quality here is excellent for kids who want to improve their skating skills very quickly. Check the official Ville de Lausanne website for the latest public opening times and schedules.
Essential Equipment and Rental Tips for Families
Most rinks in Lausanne offer affordable skate rentals for visitors of all ages and different skill levels. You can find small sizes that are perfect for toddlers and young children starting their skating journey. Be sure to check where to rent ice skates in Lausanne for the best prices and rental locations. Bringing your own skates can save you money if you plan to visit the rinks often.
Safety is the most important part of skating with young children on a busy public ice rink. Every child should wear a thick helmet to protect their head from any accidental falls or bumps. Warm and waterproof gloves are also necessary to keep small hands dry and safe from the ice. Thick socks will prevent painful blisters and keep little toes warm during long hours of outdoor play.
Dress your kids in several thin layers so they stay comfortable while moving around on the ice. They will get warm while skating but can cool down very quickly when they stop to rest. Waterproof pants are a smart choice for beginners who might fall down often while learning the basics. A light jacket allows for easy movement and keeps them protected from the cold winter wind today.
Planning Your Visit: Prices and Peak Times
Skating in Lausanne is quite affordable for families who are traveling on a strict holiday budget. Children usually pay a much lower entry fee than adults at most of the city skating venues. You can find detailed ice skating rink prices in Lausanne 2026 to help you plan your trip. Some outdoor rinks even offer free entry during specific morning hours on certain days of the week.
Arriving early in the morning is the best way to avoid the biggest crowds at popular rinks. Weekend afternoons are often the busiest times for families at the most popular city ice skating spots. Weekday mornings are much quieter and perfect for nervous first-time skaters who need more space to practice. The ice is usually freshly resurfaced right when the rinks first open for the day each morning.
Keep a close eye on the local weather forecast if you choose to visit an outdoor rink. Very sunny days can make the ice surface a bit soft and slushy for the younger skaters. Light snow adds to the magic but might slow down the skating speed for most people involved. Always check the ice skating rinks in Lausanne status before heading out with your young family.
Helpful Tips for Teaching Kids to Skate
Start by teaching your child how to fall down safely on the cold ice without getting hurt. Falling is a normal part of the learning process for every new skater regardless of their age. Show them how to get back up using their knees first to maintain their balance and control. This builds their confidence and reduces the fear of making a mistake while they are practicing skills.
Keep the first few skating sessions short to avoid tiring out the kids too early in the day. Thirty minutes of active skating is often enough for very young children who are just starting out. Take frequent breaks to enjoy some hot chocolate or a healthy snack at a nearby cozy cafe. Lausanne has many great cafes located right next to the main rinks for your family to enjoy.
Use the popular march like a penguin technique for the very first steps on the slippery ice. Encourage them to keep their knees slightly bent to help them maintain a better center of gravity. Hold their hands at first but let them try to skate solo once they feel more comfortable. Positive praise goes a long way in making the whole experience enjoyable for your children this winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ice skating for kids in Lausanne city safe for beginners?
Yes, ice skating is very safe for kids when they wear proper safety gear like helmets and gloves. Most rinks in Lausanne provide skating aids like plastic penguins to help children maintain their balance. Always supervise young children closely to ensure they stay in the designated beginner areas of the rink.
When is the best time to go ice skating in Lausanne?
The best time to visit is during weekday mornings when the rinks are less crowded and the ice is fresh. For a festive experience, visit in December during the Lausanne winter events 2026 season. Avoid weekend afternoons if you prefer a quieter environment for your children to practice their skating.
Can I rent skates for small children at the rinks?
Almost all public ice rinks in Lausanne offer a wide range of skate rentals for children and adults. You can usually find sizes starting from very small toddler dimensions to accommodate the youngest skaters in your family. Rental prices are generally affordable and include the use of the skates for the whole session.
Lausanne offers many wonderful opportunities for families to enjoy the winter season together on the ice. Ice skating for kids in Lausanne city is a truly memorable and healthy activity for all ages. Use these helpful tips to plan a safe and exciting day for your family this winter season. We hope your family has a fantastic time exploring the rinks in Switzerland during your 2026 trip!