Indoor ice skating is a great way to exercise while staying out of the hot sun. 

Southwest Florida offers a chance to do so at the Fort Myers Skatium near Downtown Fort Myers. The Skatium operates programs for the Internal Skating Institute (ISI) and the United States Figure Skating Association (USFSA). Furthermore, there are certified ice and in-line hockey leagues, freestyle skating, and fun birthday packages. 

There’s also hockey and figure skating rentals (wear high socks), a hockey pro shop, a Learn to Skate USA Skating Academy, and public skating lessons, where friends and family can enjoy the experience.  

“Our Learn to Skate and Learn to Play programs are running all summer long with summer camps and regular classes—perfect for those who are looking to get into figure skating or hockey—all age groups.  Coming this fall, we will have our new Rec Hockey program running in full swing.  On top of that, we have a regular lineup of public skating and adult hockey option,” says Skatium Center Manager Heidi Haas.

Great news for the hot month of July is there are plenty of public skating and drop-in hockey sessions for every age and ability. Plus, the weight room & fitness center is open with a full array of state-of-the-art equipment. In addition to ice skating, the Skatium offers other options, including indoor soccer, volleyball, basketball, and roller hockey. And, when you need a break, there’s an arcade. The Skatium is getting a refresh this summer while they redo their ice surface in August to prepare for the upcoming ice sports season, check calendar or call for details.

“The Fort Myers Skatium is a great place to go as there is no better way to beat the heat in the summer—we’ve got everything you need to cool down from skating on our ice surface to enjoying our snack bar full of slushies, ice cold drinks, and tasty foods like pizza,” adds Haas. 

Plan for your visit: Fort Myers Skatium, 2250 Broadway, Fort Myers, 239-321-7510, cityftmyers.com/1402/Skatium.

Ann Marie O’Phelan is a SW Florida resident and a regular contributor to TOTI Media.