Winter Olympics 2026: try curling, skiing and skating with kids in the UK
The Winter Olympics are the perfect excuse to try winter sports with kids in the UK, from indoor real-snow slopes and family skating sessions to beginner curling and the Scottish ski centres. The Milano Cortina Games run from 6 to 22 February 2026, overlapping with February half-term in most of England. Here's why kids love it, which ages each sport suits, where to go, and what to pack.
Why winter sports with kids are such fun
Watching athletes on TV makes children want to have a go, and winter sports are fun, fast and a little bit daring. Team GB's curling success in recent Winter Olympics has made the sport popular with families, and skating and skiing are classic winter treats.
You don't need mountains: indoor snow centres and ice rinks across the UK make it easy to try, whatever the weather.
Winter sports are also great for confidence. Children learn to balance, fall safely and get back up again, and they see progress quickly: by the end of a first lesson, most beginners can glide on skates or snowplough down a gentle slope. Curling adds teamwork and tactics, which older kids love once they've watched the Olympic matches.
Which ages winter sports suit
Skating suits the youngest, skiing works from about four with lessons, and curling is best from around eight.
| Sport | Toddlers (2–3) | Pre-schoolers (4–5) | Kids (6–9) | Kids (10+) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ice skating | with skate aids | yes | yes | yes |
| Indoor skiing and snowboarding | snow play only | lessons | lessons | lessons and slopes |
| Curling | no | no | junior taster sessions | yes |
| Scottish ski slopes | snow play | lessons | lessons | yes |
8 places to try winter sports with distance and difficulty
Indoor snow centres and ice rinks are open year-round, while Scottish ski slopes depend on the snow. Check opening hours, conditions and prices on the official website before you go.
| Place | Area | Activity | Difficulty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Snow Centre | Hemel Hempstead and Manchester | indoor real-snow skiing | easy to moderate | £££ |
| Snozone | Milton Keynes | indoor skiing | easy to moderate | £££ |
| National Ice Centre | Nottingham | ice skating | easy | ££ |
| Alexandra Palace | London | ice skating | easy | ££ |
| Scottish Curling | Scotland | curling clubs and try-it sessions | moderate | ££ |
| British Curling | UK-wide | curling information | moderate | ££ |
| Cairngorm Mountain | Aviemore | skiing and snow play | moderate | £££ |
| Glenshee Ski Centre | Braemar | skiing and snow play | moderate | £££ |
Price per child per session: £ = under about £10, ££ = about £10–£25, £££ = over £25. Rough guide only, prices change.
Find winter sports and attractions on the Kid.ooo map
Indoor snow. The Snow Centre has real-snow slopes for lessons and snow play in Hemel Hempstead and Manchester (the former Chill Factore), and Snozone in Milton Keynes offers lessons for all ages.
Ice skating. The National Ice Centre in Nottingham is the home of British ice sports, with family sessions. In London, the rink at Alexandra Palace has public skating and lessons.
Curling. Scotland is the birthplace of curling. Scottish Curling lists clubs and try-curling sessions, and British Curling has information on the sport and the national teams.
Real mountains. When there's snow, Cairngorm Mountain near Aviemore and Glenshee Ski Centre offer skiing and sledging, with a mountain railway at Cairngorm.
Safety and kit
Warm layers, gloves and helmets for beginners are essential.
- Clothing: waterproof trousers, a warm jacket, thermal layers and two pairs of gloves.
- Helmets: recommended for skiing and beginner skating; many centres provide them.
- Lessons: book a beginner lesson rather than learning on your own.
- Breaks: cold tires children quickly, so plan short sessions with warm-up breaks.
- Mountain safety: check weather, road and avalanche information in Scotland.
Snacks and stops on the way
Pack a flask of hot chocolate, energy snacks and a full change of dry clothes. Snow centres and rinks have cafés, but a picnic in the car is cheaper. On the drive to the Highlands, Tebay Services and other farm shop stops are great breaks; see our motorway farm shop stops guide.
Find kid-friendly cafés near your snow day on the Kid.ooo map.
Parent tip: watch, then try
Watch an Olympic event together in the morning, then try the sport in the afternoon. It turns TV time into an adventure and helps children understand the skills involved. For more half-term ideas, see our February half-term breaks and winter walks with kids.
For family travel and foodie ideas, take a look at @abbyteh on Instagram.
Find nearby trails and playgrounds in Kid.ooo
Kid.ooo is a free family days out map where parents share ice rinks, snow centres, playgrounds and cafés. Use it to find things to do with kids near me this winter, and playgrounds near me for a run-around after skating.
Find playgrounds and winter activities on the Kid.ooo map
Missing your favourite ice rink or snow centre? Add it to Kid.ooo and help other families try winter sports.
Frequently asked questions
When are the 2026 Winter Olympics?
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics run from 6 to 22 February 2026 in northern Italy. Events like curling, skiing and figure skating are shown on UK television.
What age can children start skiing?
Many indoor snow centres offer lessons from about four, with fun sessions for younger children on the beginner slope. Lessons are the safest way to start, with helmets usually provided.
Can children try curling in the UK?
Yes, many curling clubs and ice rinks run beginner and junior sessions, especially in Scotland. Scottish Curling and British Curling list clubs and try-it events.
Is ice skating good for young kids?
Yes, many rinks run sessions for families and toddlers, with skate aids such as penguins for little ones. Gloves, warm layers and helmets for beginners are a good idea.
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