Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in Columbus, OH

When winter comes around, my thoughts always drift to winter sports. Skiing, sledding, and of course, ice skating. Hockey teams are in the middle of their season right now, and figure skating competitions can often be seen on TV on the weekend. Maybe your child watches the Blue Jackets and has asked about ice skating. Where do you go to skate in Columbus?

There are a couple of options for ice skating: OSU and the Chiller facilities. Ohio State's ice rink offers public skating nearly every day except Sunday. Times vary each month, so visit their website for the most up-to-date schedule. Admission is $4 per adult and $3.50 per child, with season family passes available for purchase. If you don't have your own skates, you can rent skates for $2 or look through their pro shop to buy your own. If your preschooler shows an interest in ice skating, lessons are also available. Tot skating lessons and tot hockey lessons (for ages 3-6) are held in regular sessions. The cost is $75 for seven lessons.

The other place to hit the ice in Columbus is the Chiller. Now, the Chiller isn't just one ice rink - it's a collection of five locations around town, four of which offer regular public skating. Schedules are listed on their website for each location, with times available for nearly any busy family. If you're looking for a deal, they offer a family package for $30 which includes admission and skate rental for 2 adults and 2 children. Children under 4 get their skate rental free.

Along with public skating, the Chiller has ice skating lessons for children as young as 3 years old. The 3 years old class is a parent/child class, but starting at 4 years old they can take lessons on their own. (And for those adults who aren't so steady on the ice? They have classes for you, too.)

Finally, if your child is truly in love with hockey or ice skating in general, why not have their birthday party at the Chiller? Parties include ice skating, skate rental, a table with all of the food/drinks/paperware provided, a birthday cake and ice cream for dessert, and a t-shirt for the birthday child. The cost is $15 per child (minimum of 10), and adults can skate for free.