When asking yourself about something to do near me in Denver with a group of friends or family, consider
Lace 'Em Up Skating
Why Lace 'Em Up Skating is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Lace 'Em Up Skating is a vibrant community hub for skaters of all ages and abilities located at Big Bear Ice Arena in Denver. Specializing in comprehensive Learn to Skate lessons, this business blends passion with professional coaching, making it a fantastic place to meet friends and develop skating skills. Whether you're a true beginner just lacing up for the first time or an advanced skater looking to sharpen your skills, Lace 'Em Up offers tailored classes that cater to every level, from Snowplow Sam for the youngest beginners to advanced figure skating and hockey skills. The group lessons are held four days a week and offer a nurturing environment for learning, socializing, and building confidence on ice. Beyond lessons, their seasonal skating camps provide a fun and engaging experience during school breaks, including free skate rentals and a curriculum that covers both on and off-ice skills. For those seeking more tailored instruction, private lessons and advanced skating academy sessions help skaters refine specific techniques and prepare for competitions or recreational enjoyment. Highlights include flexible lesson packages, certification after skill tests, and a supportive atmosphere fueled by coaches dedicated to sharing their love of skating and fostering a lifelong passion among participants. The facility’s central location in Denver makes it a convenient and enjoyable meeting place for families and friends who want to share memorable moments on ice.
Here's what people think of Lace 'Em Up Skating
As of recent, Lace 'Em Up Skating holds a 4.8-star rating based on 11 reviews.
Customer reviews consistently praise Lace 'Em Up Skating for its professional and passionate coaching staff, the inclusivity of its programs, and the positive atmosphere created for skaters ranging in skill level. Many users highlight the quality of instruction, noting that the coaches are knowledgeable and approachable, which helps beginners feel comfortable and motivated. Positive feedback often mentions the well-structured lesson format, the certification system that marks progress, and how the camps add an enjoyable, social dimension to the skating experience. Reviewers also appreciate the flexibility of lesson packages and the availability of private lessons for personalized progress. On the other hand, some negative reviews mention issues such as limited scheduling availability or occasional class overcrowding, which can affect individual attention. A few reviews express desire for more extensive off-ice training options or more flexible cancellation policies. Despite these minor critiques, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly favorable, with a high rating reflecting strong customer satisfaction. In summary, the reviews portray Lace 'Em Up Skating as a welcoming and well-run skating center that effectively balances instruction quality and community spirit, making it a top choice for those seeking to learn or improve skating skills in Denver.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Payal Singh
I wanted to learn the basics of ice skating so I could enjoy it with my boyfriend, who is now my husband. I discovered Lace’Em Up Skating School and took a couple of lessons, and it was the best experience of my life! Thanks to Jill’s incredible coaching, I can now share this beautiful sport with my husband, who loves skating too. Jill is amazing! We hit it off immediately and became great friends because Jill is just that awesome. Over the years, we’ve stayed in touch and even spend holidays together—it’s been such a blessing to have her in our lives!
Silvia Gramegna
Such an amazing school for ice skating. My daughter recently switched to this place and she is so much happier. All the instructors are passionate and kind besides extremely knowledgeable. They teach ice skating in a fun and stimulating way. There is music while the skate and classes last 45 min which is just the right amount of time. Plenty of parking spots. A true gem in Denver for everyone who wants to learn skating while having fun!
Amber Hale
Jill is an excellent ice skating teacher and is very dedicated to her student’s success! She always greets us with a smile on her face and she hold fun events and camps for her students. I can’t recommend Lace Em Up Skating enough😍
Helen Vignery
Highly attentive, gentle and engaging. My 5yr old is less than a handful of lessons in and already gained so much confidence, while having fun! Counting sleeps for the next lesson after every time we go. Thanks to Jill and her Wonderful team of coaches!
Cassi Mahlum
One of the best programs I have found. 1 hour long lessons with coaches who care about the sport and making sure that everyone learning is having fun. My son picks his schedule for skating and chooses to skate 6 days a week with Lace'em Up Skating. He is also part of the competition team and absolutely loves it. I have even picked up skating again after years and have made friends with other moms who have kids who skate.
How to reach Lace 'Em Up Skating
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Why Lace 'Em Up Skating may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at this place with your friends? Lace 'Em Up Skating is more than just an ice skating school—it’s a vibrant community hub where friends and family can gather to share memorable experiences on the ice. Whether you and your friends are seasoned skaters or stepping onto the ice for the first time, this Denver-based skating school offers an inviting atmosphere that's perfect for socializing and making new memories. The warmth and enthusiasm of the instructors coupled with personalized lessons tailored to all skill levels create an environment that encourages group participation and fun. Everyone from youngsters to adults can find their pace, ensuring that no one is left behind, which makes it ideal for groups with varying skating experiences. Beyond the technical learning, Lace 'Em Up Skating fosters a sense of camaraderie as skaters encourage each other, cheer on progress, and share the joy of skating together. The venue itself is welcoming and designed to support group meetups, making it a fantastic choice for birthdays, casual hangouts, or team-building events. This combination of expert coaching, supportive community, and a cozy social setting makes Lace 'Em Up Skating the perfect place to rally your friends for a day full of activity and laughter.
What activities does Lace 'Em Up Skating offer that make it ideal for group meetups? Lace 'Em Up Skating specializes in providing a range of skating lessons and sessions suitable for diverse ages and skill levels, making it easy for groups to find the perfect activity. Their core offering is the "Learn to Skate" program, which is structured around 60-minute lessons available multiple days a week. These group lessons are designed to accommodate beginners as well as advanced skaters, offering foundational skills for ice skating enthusiasts who want to improve or simply enjoy recreational skating. The programmable flexibility allows groups to sign up for sessions that fit their schedule, whether on a drop-in basis or as part of a longer commitment. Besides group sessions, private lessons are available for those who want focused coaching, which can be arranged for parties or special group classes, adding a personalized touch to any gathering. The school also supports specialized skills like hockey skating and figure skating, appealing to varied interests within a group. The mixture of structured lessons and open social skating time ensures that every person can engage at their level while still enjoying the collective spirit of the group.
Why is Lace 'Em Up Skating the perfect environment for all ages and abilities? One of the standout features of Lace 'Em Up Skating is its inclusivity and commitment to accommodating skaters ranging from very young beginners starting at age three to adults continuing or renewing their skating journeys. The curriculum follows a nationally recognized Learn to Skate USA program, endorsed by major skating bodies such as USA Hockey and US Figure Skating, ensuring high-quality instruction. Classes are segmented into levels from Snowplow Sam for the youngest beginners to advanced pre-freeskate levels, which makes it easy for diverse groups to find appropriate instruction without feeling overwhelmed or bored. Additionally, adult classes designed specifically for older beginners or experienced skaters who want to improve create a welcoming space for families or friend groups spanning generations. Instructors are trained to work patiently and attentively, customizing feedback and encouragement for each skater’s progress, which encourages confidence-building and skill mastery. The result is a supportive environment where everyone feels included, no matter their starting point, making Lace 'Em Up especially suitable for mixed-age group meetups or family outings.
How do the facilities and location enhance the meetup experience at Lace 'Em Up Skating? Located at the Big Bear Ice Arena in Denver, Lace 'Em Up Skating benefits from a modern and accessible facility designed to accommodate group activities seamlessly. The venue provides a clean, safe, and friendly space where groups can enjoy skating together without overcrowding or discomfort. The arena is spacious enough to handle multiple lessons and free skate sessions simultaneously, allowing groups to break off into smaller skill-based clusters if needed but still remain close enough for shared social interaction. Spectators and guests can also comfortably watch the action, making it easy for family and friends not skating at the moment to stay involved. The location itself is conveniently situated within Denver, making it easy to gather everyone without long commutes. Ample parking and nearby amenities add to the convenience, turning a skating visit into a full-day event that can include dining and other entertainment in the area. The overall facility experience is tailored to keep groups relaxed and entertained, with the experts at Lace 'Em Up handling the technical challenges while guests focus on enjoyment and togetherness.
What makes the instructors and staff at Lace 'Em Up Skating exceptional for your group experience? The coaching team at Lace 'Em Up Skating is a major draw for those wanting a high-quality skating experience in a supportive environment. Led by Jill Mintz-Hodyl, an experienced professional with over 20 years dedicated to figure skating, hockey, and recreational skating education, the staff brings passion and expertise to every class. The instructors use proven teaching methods via their Learn to Skate USA curriculum, making learning structured, progressive, and confidence-building. Importantly, the coaches focus not only on technique but also on fostering a positive community spirit, encouraging camaraderie among skaters. Their ability to work with mixed-ability groups and adapt lessons in real time ensures everyone in your party receives attention and support appropriate to their skill level. Additionally, private lessons provide an opportunity for tailored coaching to meet group or individual goals such as preparing for competitions or mastering specific skills. This professional, enthusiastic guidance creates an uplifting atmosphere that enhances every skating session as a shared accomplishment.
How can Lace 'Em Up Skating accommodate special events or celebrations for groups? Lace 'Em Up Skating is well equipped to host special gatherings like birthday parties, team outings, or casual friend meetups, providing a unique and active venue that works as more than just a skating school. The facility allows groups to reserve time slots or lessons that can be customized to the occasion, with options for both group and private instruction to keep participants engaged and entertained. Their flexible scheduling means parties can pick times that suit their availability, and instructors can incorporate fun skating games and challenges tailored to the group's preferences. Because the environment promotes social interaction and fun physical activity, it naturally encourages bonding among attendees. Groups looking to celebrate milestones or simply have an active day out will find the excitement of skating combined with the guidance of professional coaches creates an event that is memorable and enjoyable for everyone involved. The opportunity for photos and shared experiences in a lively, supportive setting makes Lace 'Em Up Skating an excellent choice for group celebrations.
What advantages do group meetups gain by choosing Lace 'Em Up Skating over other recreational venues? Choosing Lace 'Em Up Skating for group gatherings offers unique advantages that go beyond casual skating. The professionally run program ensures safety and progression, reducing the stress often associated with organizing group outings to public rinks. With lessons tailored to all ages and skill levels, the entire group can participate actively rather than having some members watch from the sidelines. The learning aspect adds value by providing tangible progress and goals, which keeps the experience challenging and rewarding. The facility’s welcoming community atmosphere also encourages lasting connections among friends and families, turning a simple meetup into a repeated tradition. Moreover, the combination of licensed instruction, well-maintained facilities, and a convenient location in Denver means groups enjoy a quality outing with minimal hassle. For groups seeking both physical activity and social engagement, Lace 'Em Up Skating provides an ideal balance not always found in other recreational options.
How does Lace 'Em Up Skating foster ongoing group engagement and return visits? One of the reasons friends and families continue to choose Lace 'Em Up Skating is the ability to engage repeatedly through progressive lesson sessions and varied skating activities. Their multiple weekly class sessions spread over four-week packages or flexible drop-in options allow groups to develop skills together and set shared goals, reinforcing group cohesion. Achieving level certifications through skills tests offered regularly provides a sense of accomplishment that groups can celebrate collectively. Additionally, advanced classes and private lessons keep returning skaters challenged and motivated, encouraging long-term involvement. The instructors’ emphasis on community and fun creates an inviting atmosphere where everyone looks forward to coming back. This ongoing engagement benefits groups looking for consistent activities that build friendships and provide healthy exercise. Regular events and lesson cycles at Lace 'Em Up Skating make it a go-to spot for recurring meetups, making every session an opportunity to reconnect and enjoy skating in a supportive setting.