Getting Out: 10 Ways To Get In on the Olympic Action
Jessica Rotundo, GoLocalProv Contributor
Getting Out: 10 Ways To Get In on the Olympic Action
Just because you may not be the next Apolo Anton Ohno or Shaun White doesn’t mean you can’t get off your couch and into the Olympic spirit. Whether you want to hone your own skills and prepare yourself for the 2018 games or want to find a cozy place to watch others win the gold, you don’t need to travel all the way to Russia to take part in this longstanding tradition.
Rhode Island Olympic Activities
McGreevy’s Boston
Named “America’s First Sports Bar,” McGreevy’s Boston is a great spot if you’re looking for someplace warm to watch the Winter Olympics. McGreevy’s Boston will be showing the games from February 7th until the 23rd on 16 HD TVs so you won’t miss any of the action. There is also a full bar and great food, so you’ll have everything you need to cheer on the USA team.
McGreevy’s Boston, 911 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 0221.
The Providence Rink
Don’t want to leave all of the fun to the athletes? The Providence Rink at the Bank of America City Center offers private and public ice skating lessons that can have you well on your way to becoming the next Michelle Kwan. Whether you want to take one lesson or multiple lessons a week, lessons are offered to individuals of all ages and skill levels. The rink also offers public skating and has college student discounts every Wednesday night. Call 401-331-5544 to schedule your lesson.
The Providence Rink, Waterplace Park, Providence, RI, 02903.
Natural Science Center
If you’re looking for something different to do with your kids, the South Shore Natural Science Center’s Animalympics may be what you are looking for. From February 19th to the 21st come down to the natural science center with your children (ages 7-11) to experience a Winter Olympics in the animal kingdom. Enjoy looking at different types of animal “athletes” and learning about different species to determine which animals deserve Olympic gold.
South Shore Natural Science Center, 48 Jacob Lane, Norwell, MA, 02061.
Providence Bruins
If ice hockey is your passion but you don’t want to spend your month’s paycheck on an NHL game or an airline ticket to Sochi, feel free to let out your inner hockey fan at a Providence Bruins game. Playing until April, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a home game and cheer on your team from the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence. What’s even better is that tickets are affordable. So take a break from cheering on the USA Olympic team and be right in the middle of the action while you cheer on a local team to victory.
Dunkin Donuts Center: 1 La Salle Square, Providence, RI, 02903
Weston Ski Track
Have you ever dreamed of being a cross-country skier? Well, you have to start somewhere. The Weston Ski track offers lessons for individuals of all skill levels for adults and children. The best part, a children’s lesson starts at $20 and an adult lesson at $33. Book your lesson online and start racing down those slopes.
Disney on Ice
Okay, so when you think Olympics you usually don’t think Disney on Ice. Many of the skaters featured in these Disney productions, however, have been former world, Olympic, and national figure skating competitors. Disney on Ice: Let’s Celebrate! will be coming to Boston’s TD Garden from February 14th until February 23rd, so take the whole family and experience some of that Disney magic while watching skilled and experienced figure skaters.
TD Garden, 100 Legends Way, Boston, MA, 02114.
Discovery Museums
On February 7th you don’t have to watch the 2014 Olympic Games opening ceremony from behind a TV screen, you can take part in your own. The Discovery Museum will allow children to make a flag from a real or imaginary country and line up for a parade around the museum. After your own ceremony you’ll have plenty of time to get back on that couch and watch the opening of the 2014 Sochi Games.
Discovery Museums, 177 Main Street, Acton, MA, 01720.
Wenham Museum
The Winter Olympic Adventure Exhibit at the Wenham Museum in Massachusetts is a great place for kids to learn all about the tradition of the Olympics while enjoying some fun and games. The exhibit, which runs from January 15th through March 30th, allows children to learn about the different countries competing in the games by looking at maps and flags from around the world. Kids can also demonstrate their creative side by designing their own Olympic mascot and can even feel like they are a part of the Olympics by playing winter sports inside the museum’s gallery.
Wenham Museum, 132 Main Street, Wenham, MA, 01984.
Newport Winter Festival
Celebrate the “winter” part of the 2014 Winter Olympics at Newport’s 26th annual winter festival. As New England’s largest winter extravaganza, the Newport festival features over 150 events including music, food, and fun for all ages. The festival runs from February 14th until the 23rd and best of all, the proceeds from the event benefit local charities, nonprofit organizations, local businesses, and community programs.
Newport Winter Festival, 28 Pelham Street, Newport, RI, 02840.
Ski Jump Competition
The Harris Hill Ski Jump Competition allows you to see an Olympic-sized ski jumping competition close to home. Come down to Harris Hill the weekend of the 15th and 16th of February to see a great competition with jumpers from the U.S., Europe, and Canada. This event also offers a festive atmosphere with food, music, and even a beer tent. Don’t miss out on these mini-Winter Olympics; purchase your tickets online or at the event.
Cedar Street, Brattleboro, VT, 05301.
