Everything You Need to Know About… Ice Skating at Life Science Centre
It wouldn’t be Christmas in Newcastle without a whirl around the ice rink at Life
Life Science Centre’s ice rink is a quintessential part of Christmas in the Toon and its return is always a sure sign that the festive season has begun.
This year, the ice rink is taking over Times Square from early November 2024 through to early January 2025 and it’s set to host a few fun special events too including a Taylor Swift-themed skating sesh and a silent disco.
So that you don’t miss out on all the skating fun, we’ve gathered up all the info you need to make the most of the ice rink this winter. Happy skating!
When is Life Science Centre’s ice rink open?
The ice rink will be in place at Times Square from Saturday 9th November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025 but is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. It’s open from 9:30am until late daily apart from Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve when it closes at 5:30pm.
What special ice rink events are happening?
The ice rink is hosting several special events throughout the festive season, beginning with the Sam Fender-themed Seventeen Going Skating night on Wednesday 20th November and followed by the Taylor Swift-themed Skate It Off on Friday 22nd November. There’s a Silent Disco on Ice happening on Monday 25th November and Tuesday 26th November and an ice rink karaoke with Skate and Sing on Tuesday 3rd December. With three sessions on each date, there are plenty of opportunities to have even more fun on the ice!
There’ll also be a relaxed skating session at 9:30am on Sunday 24th November with lower-level lighting and noise for people with sensory needs.
How long do ice skating sessions last?
Sessions last approximately one hour with around 45 minutes on the ice and 15 minutes for getting your skates fitted.
Is there an age limit?
There is no age limit and all walking-age children are welcome to have a go on the ice rink. Skating aids are also available to hire for £5 for kids below 1.2 metres in height.
Children under 9, however, must be accompanied by an adult on the ice and kids aged between 10 and 12 must have an adult watching from the side. Children aged 13 and over can skate without an adult.
The Silent Disco on Ice is only suitable for kids 13 and over though they must be accompanied by an adult throughout the event.
How much are tickets?
Tickets cost £15 for adults/18+, £13.50 for kids aged 10 and over and £11.50 for kids aged 9 and under but different prices apply at peak Christmas times (Saturday 21st December to Tuesday 24th December) and for the Silent Disco on Ice. Those who book online for sessions between Saturday 9th and Friday 15th November can get 20% off tickets with the discount code EARLYBIRD.
Family tickets for four are available to book for £46 and carers who bring proof can skate for free. Life Science Centre visitors with an annual membership can enjoy a discount.
Discounted rates are also available for groups of 20 or more or exclusive hire of the rink – perfect for a unique birthday party or Christmas work do. Email [email protected] for more information.
Do I need to book?
Due to the popularity of Life Science Centre’s ice rink, booking is definitely recommended and absolutely essential for busier, peak times to avoid disappointment. To book your slot, visit the Life Science Centre website.
Is the ice rink wheelchair accessible?
It is, but Life Science Centre recommends that wheelchair users visit during quieter times (early weekend sessions). Electric wheelchairs must also be turned off while on the ice and carers must accompany wheelchair users on foot. Call the Life Science Centre team on 0191 243 8210 for more information.
Can I bring my own skates?
You certainly can, but full ticket prices will still apply.
Life Science Centre’s ice rink is open at Times Square from Saturday 9th November 2024 to Sunday 5th January 2025. For more information and to book, visit www.life.org.uk/whats-on/event/ice-skating/.
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