How to organise an ice skating party

An ice skating party needs more than a rink booking. Start by fixing the session time and guest numbers, then match skate sizes, collect dietary and contact details, and arrange food around the ice time. Most problems happen at check-in: guests arrive without the right size, coats have nowhere to go, or the schedule leaves no time to eat. Use a simple arrival plan, prepare the venue before guests arrive, and send a reminder with parking, timings and what to bring.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Reserve the venue and ice rink
2
Send invitations
3
Process registrations
4
Collect dietary requirements
5
Collect contact details
6
Set the schedule and times
2 people
7
Inventory the Skate Sizes
8
Reserve skates
9
Order catering
10
Check the shopping list
11
Do the shopping
2 people
12
Collect materials
2 people
13
Compile the music playlist
14
Check the weather forecast
15
Remind participants
16
Chill drinks
2 people
17
Prepare snacks
3 people
18
Check route and parking

Event

19
Open venue
2 people
20
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
21
Hang decorations
2 people
22
Set up the cloakroom
2 people
23
Set up the check-in desk
2 people
24
Set up music
2 people
25
Set out food and drinks
3 people
26
Receive participants
2 people
27
Hand out skates
2 people
28
Give safety instructions
2 people
29
Supervise ice skating activities
4 people
30
Serve snacks
2 people
31
Refill drinks
2 people
32
Collect waste
2 people
33
Take group photo
34
Collect skates
2 people
35
See off guests
2 people

Aftercare

36
Clear away food and drinks
3 people
37
Dismantle furniture
3 people
38
Remove decorations
2 people
39
Clean materials
3 people
40
Wash dishes
2 people
41
Take out the trash
2 people
42
Clean the venue
3 people
43
Return skates
44
Return borrowed materials
2 people
45
Collect forgotten items

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 12
Coat racksqty 2
Coat racksqty 50

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Reusable platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving bowlsqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 3
Chef's knivesqty 3
Serving plattersqty 6
Pliersqty 4

Equipment

Portable speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Phone chargersqty 2

Sports equipment

Ice skatingqty 50
Ice hockey helmetsqty 10
Skating aidsqty 4
Conesqty 12
Puckqty 4
Hockey sticksqty 8
Wristbandsqty 60

Decorations

Buntingqty 8
Balloonsqty 50
Balloon pump
Tableclothsqty 6
Name badgesqty 60

Lighting

String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 3
Spongesqty 6
Hand broomsqty 2
Vacuum cleaner

Safety

First aid kit
Flashlightsqty 3

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Confirm the rink booking and session times before sending invitations. Leave at least 30 minutes before skating for check-in, changing and handing out skates, especially for children or mixed skate sizes.
Collect each guest’s skate size with their registration, then reserve or inventory the sizes at least 7 days before the party. Keep a short list at the check-in desk so fitting does not slow down the group.
Plan food and drinks around the skating session rather than serving everything at the start. Chill drinks in advance, prepare snacks before opening, and allow at least 20 minutes for eating after skating or during a scheduled break.
Set up the cloakroom, check-in desk, tables, chairs and music before guests arrive. Put wristbands or another simple identifier at check-in, and keep extension cords and chargers away from walkways.
Send a reminder 24–48 hours beforehand with the arrival time, rink address, parking or route details, skating schedule and any clothing advice. Check the weather on the day so delays on the route do not catch the group by surprise.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I book an ice skating party?: Book the venue and ice rink at least 4–6 weeks ahead, and earlier for weekends or school holidays. Do not send invitations until the session time and capacity are confirmed.
How many drinks and snacks do I need for an ice skating party?: Plan about 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Provide at least 2 snack portions per guest, plus extra for children and anyone staying after skating.
When should guests arrive for an ice skating party?: Set check-in 30 minutes before the ice session starts. This gives guests time to register, find their skate size, store coats and put on skates without cutting into skating time.
What should guests bring to an ice skating party?: Tell guests to bring warm, flexible clothing, gloves and thick socks, and to arrive 30 minutes early. Send the reminder 24–48 hours before the party so forgotten clothing or late arrivals can be handled in time.

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