With January here, winter is in full swing on Long Island, although it really does not feel like winter with no snow on the ground. One popular winter activity is ice skating. It’s popularity could be partly because of our climate that keeps the ice thick and cold all season long (when it does snow). It could also be our love of ice skating, a possible tribute to our Islanders.  Oh how I miss the NHL this season.

We are fortunate to have both outdoor and indoor ice skating rinks. Grab your skates, gloves, a warm hat, coat, and gloves and you will be all set for a session on the ice.  While many prefer to ice skate outdoors during the winter, there is no other choice but to skate in an indoors rink during the summer months. Not only is this a great way to get out of the summer heat and humidity, but ice skating also provides good exercise.  Many offer public skating hours throughout the winter and year-round, as well as skate rentals, sharpening and lessons.

Looking for frozen fun?  Here are some great local indoor ice skating rinks:

• Newbridge Ice Arena 2600 Newbridge Road, Bellmore (516) 783-6181
• Iceland 3345 Hillside Avenue, New Hyde Park (516) 746-1100
• Superior Ice Rink 270 Indian Head Road, Kings Park (631) 269-3900
• The Rinx 660 Terry Road, Hauppauge (631) 232-3266
• Dix Hills Park 575 Vanderbilt Pkwy, Dix Hills (631) 462-5883
• Iceworks 175 Underhill Blvd, Syosset  (516) 496-2277
• Andrew Stergiopoulos Ice Rink  65 Arrandale Avenue, Great Neck (516) 487-7665
• Port Washington Skating Center 70 Seaview Boulevard, Port Washington (516) 484-6800
• Cantiague Park  480 W. John Street, Hicksville (516) 571-7061
• Freeport Recreation Center Ice Rink  130 E. Merrick Road., Freeport (516) 771-4195

Let us know about your favorite place to ice skate on Long Island.com Forum.