Learn to skate
Where Confidence and Fun Take the Ice
Learn to Skate at the Woodman’s Center
Lessons learned on the ice are lessons for life. Through the Learn to Skate USA program, skaters of all ages build skills, confidence, and a love for movement—whether skaters dream of figure skating, playing hockey, or just want to glide for fun.
Our classes are designed for both kids and adults, from total beginners to those looking to improve their technique. Every session promotes health, focus, and fun, all while laying the foundation for future skating success—on or off the ice.
Join us and discover how learning to skate opens doors to joy, growth, and new opportunities.
Big Benefits On and Off the Ice
Why Join Learn to Skate USA?
When you sign up for Learn to Skate at the Woodman’s Center, you’re getting more than just a skating lesson—you’re joining a program that builds skills, confidence, and community.
Each class includes 30 minutes of professional instruction with a certified coach, plus 30 minutes of open practice time to reinforce what you’ve learned and skate rentals are included!
We also offer make-up lessons during the current session, so your child never has to miss a chance to grow. And every participant receives 5 FREE public skating passes valid for their current session*—the perfect way to keep practicing and having fun.
Led by experienced instructors in a supportive environment, skaters not only gain new skills—they make new friends, too!
Each Skater must be registered with and obtain a Learn to Skate USA Membership.
*Free Public Skating passes expire at the end of session and do not roll-over
Upcoming Session
FALL SESSION: October 4 - December 7
- *No sessions October 11, 12 & November 29, 30
- SATURDAY: 9am - 10am
- SUNDAY: 12pm - 1pm
Price:
- 8-Week Session: $150 | one class per week
- Learn to Skate USA Membership runs annually: July 1–June 30. All students must have registered for a Learn to Skate USA membership before their first class.
Drop-IN
- Want to try a class? No Problem! We offer drop-in classes. Just come in and join us.
Price:
- $25 per class
Refund Policy
- Refunds aren’t available once the first class has taken place. Please note, we reserve the right to cancel or combine classes with low enrollment.
We’re still hard at work getting the Woodman’s Center ready to welcome you! At this time, registration is available online only.
Skating Class Attire
- Skaters are encouraged to wear layers of comfortable, flexible clothing like knit pants to stay warm and move easily. Snow pants are also suitable. We recommend bringing a hat, gloves, and a warm coat. For beginner skaters, wearing a helmet is strongly encouraged for added safety.
Essential for All Participants
Learn to Skate USA Membership
All skaters participating in our Learn to Skate programs at the Woodman’s Center must register with Learn to Skate USA, the official national program backed by U.S. Figure Skating, USA Hockey, and US Speedskating.
Membership runs annually from July 1 to June 30 and is required for all first-time and returning skaters. Registration must be completed before attending your first class.
This $20 annual membership connects skaters to a nationwide community and includes:
Sport-appropriate progress record and achievement badges
Access to skill-based resources and parent guides
Learn to Skate USA magazine (digital)
Secondary sports accident insurance
Recognition and advancement tracking through the national curriculum
Whether your goal is recreational fun or competitive skating, Learn to Skate USA gives you the foundation, structure, and support to succeed.
Build Skills, Confidence, and a Love for Skating
Get your little one started on the ice! Our Snowplow Sam 2–4 classes are the perfect way to introduce preschoolers to skating in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.
Class Overview
Designed for children ages 3 to 6, Snowplow Sam 1–4 builds confidence through engaging activities and age-appropriate games. These beginner sessions help young skaters develop balance, coordination, and basic skating skills.
Build a Solid Foundation for Skating Success
Ready to take your skating to the next level? Our Basic Skills 1–6 classes are ideal for beginners and developing skaters of all ages, whether you’re learning for fun, fitness, figure skating, or hockey.
Class Overview
The Basic Skills 1–6 program helps skaters master core skating techniques such as balance, gliding, stopping, turning, and crossovers. Skaters progress through structured levels at their own pace in a positive, inclusive setting.
It’s Never Too Late to Learn to Skate
Whether you’re stepping on the ice for the first time or looking to fine-tune your skills, our Teen–Adult 1–6 classes are designed just for you. Skaters aged 17 and up will find a welcoming environment focused on fun, fitness, and personal progress.
Class Overview
Build the Skating Skills Every Hockey Player Needs
Get ready to take your skating to the next level with our Hockey 2-4 classes! Designed for kids who have completed Snowplow Sam 4 or Basic 2, these classes are the perfect introduction to hockey-specific skating techniques—no stick or puck required.
Class Overview
Hockey 2-4 focuses on the essential skills young players need for success on the ice: hockey stance, knee bend, balance, forward and backward strides, and controlled stops and turns.
Build Skills, Confidence, and Figure Skating Techniques
Free Skate levels focus on refining techniques and building confidence on the ice. Skaters work on more advanced skills, including:
- Skating Skills: Forward stroking on circles, consecutive edges, and back outside three-turns.
- Spins: Learning upright spins and other spin variations.
- Jumps: Introduction to jumps like the toe loop and other basic jump elements.
Advancement
Skaters progress through the levels after demonstrating mastery of required skills, building a strong foundation for future skating pursuits.
Specialized Paths
Once Free Skate levels are complete, skaters can choose to pursue recreational or competitive figure skating paths, continuing their growth and love for the sport.
In essence, Free Skate levels help skaters develop advanced techniques while fostering confidence, balance, and a lifelong love of skating.
Build the Foundation Before You Pick Up a Stick
Strong Skaters Make Great Players
Our Learn to Skate USA program endorsed by USA Hockey is the ideal starting point for aspiring hockey players. Before diving into gameplay, young athletes will develop core skating skills like balance, agility, forward and backward strides, stops, and turns.
Learning to skate with control and confidence is essential to success in hockey. By focusing on fundamentals first, skaters set themselves up for stronger performance, safer play, and faster development once they begin hockey-specific training.
Whether your child dreams of playing competitively or just wants to enjoy the sport recreationally, this program lays the groundwork for a lifelong love of the game.
Skate, Play, and Party at the Woodman’s Center
Your Celebration, Your Style
Unleash your inner skater at Woodman’s Center’s top-tier ice rink, where figure skating dreams come to life. Come skate with us and glide gracefully at one of the Midwest’s premier ice facilities.
We make it easy to plan a party that suits your group—whether it’s a kid’s dream day, an adult get-together, or something in between. We’ll handle the setup so you can focus on having a great time.
Sharpen Skills, Build Confidence, Embrace the Ice
Where Confidence and Skills Go Hand in Hand
Whether you’re stepping onto the ice for the first time or building on existing skills, our coaches are here to answer questions, offer guidance, and celebrate every milestone.
Creating Strong Foundations — On and Off the Ice
Meet our Skating Director
