Looking for fun family activities in Northern New Jersey? Ice skating at Montclair State University Ice Arena in Little Falls offers an unforgettable experience for families with children of all ages. Whether you’re searching for weekend activities, kids’ sports programs, or a new family tradition, MSU Arena’s Learn to Skate program provides exceptional value and a welcoming, community-first atmosphere that sets it apart from other local attractions.

A Grassroots to Champions Arena

What makes Montclair State Arena truly unique? We’re proud to be known as a “grassroots to champions” facility—many skaters have started with us as absolute beginners in our Learn to Skate program and have gone on to compete at the National Championships. In fact, our Skating Director, Deana Sroka, shares, “My own daughter came through our program and reached the Nationals!” This legacy is part of what makes every success story here so special.

Why Families Love MSU Ice Arena  

Located at 1 Arena Drive in Little Falls, MSU Arena is more than just an ice rink—it’s a home for families from Passaic County and beyond. “We are all part of a big family here, and we can accommodate flexible schedules,” Sroka explains. This philosophy is at the heart of every program, ensuring the welcoming, dedicated environment where champions and lifelong skating memories are made.

From the First Step to the Podium

At MSU Ice Arena, the journey begins with My Tot and Me classes for the tiniest skaters and can progress all the way to elite competition. Each coach and team member is genuinely passionate about making skating fun, safe, and supportive for every athlete—no matter their goals.

What Makes MSU Arena Different from Other Ice Rinks?

If you’ve visited other ice skating facilities in New Jersey, you’ll immediately notice the difference at MSU Arena. “Our small coach-to-student ratio and our friendly, knowledgeable staff set us above the rest,” explains Sroka.

Patient, Passionate Instructors

The teaching approach here focuses on making skating fun and accessible. Instructors use toys, games, and stickers to keep each class enjoyable, especially for nervous or hesitant children. “It’s not a job to us… it’s our passion,” Sroka shares, highlighting the dedication that makes this program truly special.

Real Families, Real Champions

The proof is in our skating families. Over the years, countless kids (and their parents!) have discovered a love of skating through MSU Arena, with some advancing all the way to the national stage, just as Deana’s daughter did. That blend of fun, flexibility, and opportunity is why so many choose to call our arena home.

Your First Visit: What to Expect

Planning your family’s first ice skating adventure? Here’s exactly what happens when you arrive at MSU Ice Arena:

1. Check in at the front desk and receive your Learn to Skate pass
2. Get rental skates at the rental counter (rental skates are available for all ages, including young children)
3. Get dressed in the comfortable changing area
4. Meet your instructor at the rink entrance—they’ll guide children to their appropriate class
5. Have fun! Parents can watch from the comfortable stands overlooking the ice or from the upstairs balcony

What to Bring

• Hockey helmet or bike helmet (required for all skaters under age 12)
• Warm, comfortable clothing in layers that don’t restrict movement
• Positive attitude and readiness to have fun!

Safety First: Building Confidence on Ice

For parents worried about falls and injuries, MSU Arena has comprehensive safety measures in place:

• Helmets required for all skaters under 12 years old
• Walker trainers provided for skaters with limited or no experience
• Proper falling technique taught in every class—instructors make it a game so kids learn to fall safely and get back up confidently

“We teach them how to fall down and stand up properly so they have the knowledge and will feel confident when it happens,” Sroka explains. This proactive approach transforms a common fear into an empowering skill.

The Benefits: More Than Just a Fun Activity

Ice skating offers unique advantages compared to other kids’ activities in Northern New Jersey:

Physical and Mental Development

Children build confidence and strength as they master new skills on the ice. The progression from tentative first steps to gliding independently creates a powerful sense of accomplishment that transfers to other areas of life.

Exceptional Value

MSU Arena’s Learn to Skate classes are competitively priced, and each session includes 6 public skate passes that never expire—allowing your family to practice together outside of class time. This added value makes skating more affordable than many comparable activities like trampoline parks, climbing gyms, or dance studios.

Whole Family Participation

Unlike many children’s activities where parents just watch from the sidelines, ice skating is something the entire family can enjoy together. Weekend public skating sessions provide opportunities for quality family time in a fun, active setting.

Flexible Options for Every Family

MSU Arena understands that modern families have busy schedules:

Try Before You Commit

• Free observation: Come watch a class from the stands at no charge
• Single session trial: Try a class for just $37 before enrolling in a full session
• Walk-ons welcome: “Just show up and let us take care of the rest,” encourages Sroka

Scheduling That Works

The arena offers flexible scheduling options to accommodate work schedules, school commitments, and other activities. Whether you prefer weekday evenings or weekend mornings, there’s likely a class time that fits your family’s routine.

Beyond Learn to Skate: Growing With Your Child

As children progress through the Learn to Skate levels, multiple pathways open up:

• Recreational skating for continued fun and fitness
• Figure skating programs for those interested in artistic expression
• Hockey programs for aspiring players
• Public skating sessions to practice skills and enjoy family time

The inclusive atmosphere ensures that whether your child dreams of competitive skating or simply wants a fun weekend activity, they’ll find their place at MSU Arena.

Compare: Ice Skating vs. Other Family Activities

When deciding how to spend your family time and budget, consider what ice skating at MSU Arena offers compared to other popular options:

• Trampoline Parks: Similar pricing but limited skill development; ice skating builds lifelong abilities
• Bowling: Fun but passive; skating provides cardiovascular exercise and strength building
• Movie Theater: Expensive for families; skating offers more active engagement and better value with included public skate passes
• Indoor Play Spaces: Age-limited; ice skating grows with your child from toddler through teen years and beyond

Getting Started is Easy

Ready to give your family the gift of ice skating? Here’s how to begin:

Contact Information:

Address: 1 Arena Drive, Little Falls, NJ 07424
Main Number: 973-746-7744
Skating Director Direct Line: 973-655-5807

Next Steps:

1. Visit us online to learn about current Learn to Skate class schedules
2. Consider starting with the Saturday My Tot and Me class for younger children
3. Take advantage of the trial class option
4. Bring your helmet and dress in warm, comfortable layers
5. Arrive ready to become part of the MSU Arena family!

A Family Tradition Waiting to Happen

Ice skating at Montclair State University Arena isn’t just another weekend activity—it’s an opportunity to create lasting family memories, build your children’s confidence, and join a welcoming community of skating families in Northern New Jersey.

From that first tentative step on the ice to gliding confidently across the rink, the journey is one your family will cherish. And with passionate instructors like Deana Sroka and her team, you’re not just signing up for lessons—you’re joining a family that truly cares about your experience.

Looking for the perfect family activity in Little Falls, NJ? Visit MSU Ice Arena and discover why families throughout Northern New Jersey have made ice skating their favorite weekend tradition.

Ready to start your family’s ice skating journey? Visit us online for more information on our Learn to Skate Program and our Public Skating Schedule.