Start with a public skating session at The Ice Station in GrandWest, Goodwood. Select the date on the rink's calendar, check the total with skate hire and leave time to get fitted before the session. For a family with small children, ask about the mini rink separately. If anyone wants coaching, make that a separate enquiry before choosing the date.

Pick an actual public session on the calendar

The Ice Station calendar displays session times, prices and events by date. The arena is also used for figure skating, ice hockey and competitions. A day when the complex is open may have a different public skating schedule. The rink's contact page says hours can vary during school holidays.

Check the time slot on your chosen day and ask whether you should book ahead or buy a ticket at the rink. Confirm admission, skate hire, any different rate for watching and the size you need. GrandWest lists prices from R75. Treat that as the venue's published starting figure and use the rink's current date-specific price for your budget. For a group, add up skaters, spectators and hire before comparing the outing with another indoor activity.

Arrange arrival around the session, with time for parking or drop-off, finding the rink and putting on the skates. If you're using it as a wet-weather backup, check the public session before rearranging the day's transport. A day with an event at GrandWest may need more arrival time.

Decide which rink your group will use

The operator describes the main ice surface as 60 m by 30 m and open to the public during scheduled sessions. It separately advertises a mini rink with hire for children no taller than 1.3 m. GrandWest describes that smaller rink as for children under five. Ask the rink which age and height conditions both apply, and confirm supervision and available skate sizes before bringing a young child.

For a family with teenagers, the main public session is the option to investigate. If your party will split between the main rink, the mini rink and watching, agree beforehand who is staying with each child and where you will meet. Ask the operator what a spectator ticket covers if part of the group wants to stay rinkside.

Allow time for fitting or arrange a lesson

Bring socks and ask staff to check the fit before you go onto the ice. If your preferred size is uncertain, contact the rink with the relevant shoe sizes and ask what it can supply. For visitors bringing their own skates, confirm the current admission price and equipment policy for that session.

A public session gives you shared ice time. If a first-timer wants individual instruction, the rink advertises private coaching by appointment, subject to ice availability, and provides a separate learn-to-skate contact. Ask which format works for a once-off holiday visit and who to book through. General supervision by marshals and a booked lesson serve different purposes.

Gloved hands tying the laces of a white ice skate — Illustration of skate preparation. Photo by Pavel Danilyuk, Pexels License.

Pack for the ice and read the house rules

Choose warm layers you can move in. The operator's public-session rules recommend gloves and prohibit hoods, scarves and baseball caps on the ice. They also prohibit phone use on the ice and require written permission for photography. Check the current rules if you planned to film the outing. Listen to the marshals and leave the ice when the session ends so staff can resurface it.

The rink is inside the GrandWest entertainment complex in Goodwood. Use the venue map for the rink and agree where you will meet your ride afterwards. For a separate outing on wheels, our family roller-skating guide covers Rollercade in Sunningdale, with its own booking and hire arrangements.

For the False Bay leg of your holiday, check Aqua Terra availability in Simon's Town. Aqua Terra welcomes guests aged 12 and older.

Aqua Terra editorial review, 3 November 2026. Featured image illustrates ice skating in Toronto, 31 December 2011. Photo by Benson Kua, CC BY-SA 2.0. Image may be resized or cropped for display.