As a kid, you couldn't wait for winter. The possibility of a blizzard closing school kept you going. You laughed in the face of winter, fearless of icy fingers and frosty breath. Now, it's a different story. As a grown-up, you need all the relief possible from the stress of the woeful ways of winter. There is a great solution just in your grasp ... go ice skating downtown!

The small town feel of outdoor skating at Red Arrow Park on Water Street at State, contrasts beautifully with the downtown hustle and bustle atmosphere. The rink at Red Arrow is the picture of small-town America. Couples glide by, holding hands, blissfully unaware of the world surrounding them. Children, awkwardly bundled into snow pants and mittens, giggle under the watchful eyes of parents holding steaming cups of hot beverages from the Starbucks.

Traffic, both pedestrian and automotive, can sometimes distracs from the setting, making it impossible to forget that you are, in fact, playing in downtown Milwaukee. Accelerating buses can drown the sound of laughter and people en route to the Water Street strip will occasionally stop to watch or chat. However, downtown is not just a distraction, it also provides a sophisticated atmosphere. Holiday decorations add a tranquil glow, providing a fitting ambience for skating and on-lookers are a friendly audience.

Ice skating! It's cheaper than a vacation, more sensible than quitting your job, and easier than falling off a log. So, grab your shapeless winter coat, wrap your face in your softest scarf and pull on your silliest stocking cap to glide into the icy warmth of a fun winter frolic.

At Red Arrow Park Ice Rink, located at 920 N. Water St., the skating is free when you bring your own skates. But, if you need skates, you can rent them for $4 per pair. The park also has a Starbucks to keep skaters warm, happy and full of coffee.

The rink is open at 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., Monday through Thursday, although skate rental doesn't begin until 2 p.m. The rink is open until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and until 6 p.m. on Sundays, The rink can be reached by calling (414) 289-8791.