Kids Corner: The Cooler and The Ice

Want to find an activity for the whole family that involves fitness and fun? Chill out on the ice!

In North Fulton is a safe, convenient and exciting place to take the kids, or in Cumming works as well. 

At The Cooler, which has been open since 1997 and is still family-run, you can find almost everything skating-related you could possibly want on-site - for either ice or roller. Classes, hockey leagues, a pro shop, a gym, volleyball, snacks, and skate rentals are all available to make your trip simple. They even do parties, including a private party room, popcorn, drinks and paper products. And they also have group rates, if you have Scouts, a playgroup, or a church group. Information on parties and groups can be found here.

The Ice, which sticks strictly to ice skating, also offers public skate, birthday parties, hockey and skating lessons for children and adults.

The Cooler offers a full schedule of open skate hours for ice and roller, and I'll admit that I love to go for an hour of mommy time while both of my kids are in school - the ice is mostly empty and very pleasant around 11 a.m. during the week. And I've had great luck there with my preschooler, although it can get pretty fast and heavy during popular skate hours. Child sizes start at 8 for quad skates, 13 for inline skates, and 10 for ice skates. A big plus is that the roller floor is bouncy and durable, rather than the slick wooden floors I remember from my childhood.

And, I'll be honest, my daughter wanted to go there for her fourth birthday, but she couldn't stay on her skates. Luckily, ry is just around the corner and an ice cream sundae dried her tears pretty well. This year, at 5, she's skating like a pro.

If for nothing else, check out The Cooler or The Ice because who doesn't like to watch the zamboni?!

Located close to North Point Mall and Ga. 400, The Cooler is on Davis Drive, near Sam's Club and On the Border. The Ice is located on Highway 9, between Redi and Old Atlanta roads.