Ice skating birthday parties in Romford

A skating party is an easy win for most birthdays from about six upwards: an hour of falling over and laughing, then food. Romford's rink offers children's parties, and so do the other rinks within reach. Here is what to expect and what to ask.

What a rink party usually includes

• Entry to a public session (or, at some rinks, a private slot) with skate hire for each child.
• Sometimes a short coached warm-up or a party host on the ice.
• Food and drink in a party area afterwards, with a set menu.
• Extras such as skating aids, party bags or a cake slot, for a charge.

Questions to ask before booking

• What is the minimum number of children, and how many adults must skate?
• Are skating aids included for younger or nervous children?
• Is the party skating in a busy public session or on reserved ice?
• Are helmets required or available for younger guests?
• How long is the party area booked for, and can you bring your own cake?
• What happens if the session is cancelled for maintenance or an event?

Getting the age right

Under-fives can enjoy the ice but tire quickly and need an adult each. From about six, most children can manage an hour with a skating aid or the barrier, and by eight or nine most are off round the rink. Teenage parties work well at evening disco sessions, but check the age and supervision rules.

Practical tips

• Ask guests to bring gloves; a spare pack of cheap gloves saves arguments at the desk.
• Get everyone there early: lacing ten pairs of hire skates takes longer than you think.
• Long trousers and long sleeves for everyone, even in summer.
• Keep the food until after skating, not before.

Grown-up groups and functions

Rinks also take bookings for adult groups, work socials and private ice hire. Ask the rink's events or bookings team; availability is limited by the hockey and lesson timetable.