It seems like every time you save to go on a family trip, prices skyrocket. The cost of airfare is constantly rising and there is always an extra fee attached to pretty much everything you do. Remember the time when you didn’t have to pay to take your luggage on vacation? Ahhhh, those were the days.

This can all get really frustrating, and like me, you may be thinking: what has my airline done for me lately? On a trip to Denver for New Year’s Eve, I found out.

I was searching for some things we could do with the kids in Denver while waiting for the 9pm fireworks on New Year’s Eve and I came across skating at Skyline Park. This little space is tucked away in downtown Denver next to the historic Daniels and Fisher Clock Tower and near the intersection of 16th and Arapahoe streets. From November 29, 2013 – February 16, 2014 this area comes alive as a skating rink compliments of Southwest Airlines.

This is the fourth year that this family-friendly attraction has sat in the shadow of Denver’s skyscrapers for all to enjoy. Although the rink is small, it is a wonderful place for the family to enjoy the outdoors together while in the heart of a major US city. The very best part of this rink is that it is free to skate and only $2.00 per person to rent skates—you know, if you forgot to pack them for your vacation.

Not only is skating at Skyline Park truly affordable, it is the ideal way to break up your day of museum visits and brewery hopping for the younger children who need to expend some built up energy. If your children don’t know how to skate, that’s ok. Grab one of the skating aids and help them learn a new skill while you’re away from home together.

Although my son couldn’t stand still on his own two feet out on the ice—much less skate—the hour that we spent at Southwest’s skating rink was the highlight of our family’s visit to Denver. So bravo, Southwest. Bravo.

Shauna Armitage is a parenting blogger, a freelance travel writer and the co-founder of Pure Wander Magazine. Follow her on Twitter @CarpeCalamus