I have been going to Pasadena to ice skate for a long time now. It's cheap to get in and you can rent figure or hockey skates. I always just bring my own hockey skates because it lessens the ick factor. I'll usually drag along a few friends who have never skated. Sometimes there is a line to get in and I've gone when it was pretty empty as well, just depends on when you go I guess. There are people of all levels skating so you won't feel self conscious if you're just learning. I bring along light gloves when I go because my hands usually get a little cold.
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