When I was a young kid my family lived in Plymouth, Mass., right smack next to a cranberry bog. We’d keep a box of skates in the basement and my dad used to take my sisters and I ice skating during the winter. My mom still talks in a nostalgic tone about it.

Then, we packed up and moved to southeastern Connecticut and, lo and behold, no cranberry bogs.

Luckily for my young family now, there’s the RoseGarden Ice Arena in Norwich, which offers public open skating most days of the week. Two of my kids (and my lovely wife) have January birthdays, and the rink is a great place for a party. We’ve been a few other times, and they have taken to it fast. You’d almost think they grew up next to a cranberry bog.

Adult admission for public skate is $12 and $8 for children, military members and seniors. The price does not include skate rental, which will cost $7 if you don’t have your own. You can also rent a bar or seal for $7 to help you stay upright if you don’t want to hug the side boards.

For more information, including schedules, hours and more, visit rosegardenicearena.com.

— Owen Poole