That’s How We Roll: Where to Skate, Scoot & Board

by Kelley GardinerOctober 25, 2015

Zoooom—there they go, through the kitchen, grabbing a snack, barely stopping on the way. If your kids feel the need for speed, Portland offers plenty of places to roll and pedal rain or shine. Grab your skates, bikes, boards, and scooters, because we found a bunch of fun places where your kids will have a wheel-y fun time.

photo: Oaks Park by Christmas w/a K via flickr

Oaks Park
Portland’s first name on wheels is the rink at Oaks Park, where anyone who can walk can strap on a pair of skates and get rolling. For your littlest bruisers, check out the preschool skate during the school year on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. Parents of infants, this is the time for you to get your roll on: Strollers with clean and dry wheels are welcome on the skating floor during this special time. For school-age kids, shoot the duck at after-school sessions, Saturday morning kids-only sessions, or sign up for skating lessons. Cost: $6.25-$7.50, skate rental $1.75-$5.

7805 SE Oaks Park Way
503-233-5777, ext. 111
Online: oakspark.com

photo: Gresham Skate World skates by Riley P. via Yelp

Gresham Skate World
Cheap skate, kids’ skate, family skate, tiny tots … Gresham Skate World has a time for all kinds of east side families to enjoy a roll on the hardwood. You’ll find the classic 80’s skating experience here, so get ready for red light green light, song requests from the DJ booth, and maybe even a little gum underneath the benches. Just like you remember! “Skate Fun Club” members get birthday passes and other discounts. Get rolling for $2.75-8, and watch the website for coupons.

1220 NE Kelly Ave.
Gresham
503-667-6543
Online: greshamskateworld.com

photo: Mt. Scott Community Center rink by Robert L. via Yelp

Mt. Scott Community Center
Yes, Mt. Scott Community Center has a rink, complete with rental skates, tucked away in the basement. It’s not exactly a ritzy skating experience, but it’s a sweet and non-intimidating place to get your skate on…unless you’re intimidated by pillars in the middle of the skating floor. Don’t worry, parents. They’re pretty easy to avoid, and padded, too. Skating times are limited, but super affordable for families: $4-5 for admission, plus $1 for skate rental. Enter the rink via a separate entrance in the rear (east side) of the building.

5530 SE 72nd Ave.
Portland
503-823-3183
Online: portlandoregon.gov

photo: The Lumberyard by Andre J. via Yelp

The Lumberyard
This indoor bike park has taken off with plenty of loyal BMX, mountain bikers and balance-bike-riding toddler fans. Scooters are allowed downstairs in the “grind” area, too. Check out the “Six and Under Shred” times on Mondays and Fridays when Portland Public Schools are in session, when little shredders can get in for just $8. Bike and helmet rental is extra, if applicable. All riders are required to wear helmets, and skaters under 12 need parental supervision. Try it out for $8-25, plus rental fees.

2700 NE 82nd Ave.
503-252-2453
Online: lumberyardmtb.com

photo: Commonweath Skateboarding by Catherine C. via Yelp

Commonwealth Skateboarding
Ever walked down SE 20th and wondered what the heck was going on in this little bitty storefront? Wonder no more: It’s a small skatepark, and you and your kids are invited. There are open sessions, times just for kids, and even Skate Like a Girl sessions on Sundays, a donation-based class with separate sessions for ages 7 & under, and 7 & up. All minors are required to wear helmets. And hey, mom and dad, there’s even an “olds” session for us fogies 21 & over, in case those teens just get in the way of your awesomeness. Admission for most sessions is $7-10.

1425 SE 20th Ave.
503-208-2080
Online: commonwealthskateboarding.com

photo: courtesy of Kevaland

D-Block Indoor Skatepark
A skate park that doesn’t discriminate: BMX, board, blade, scoot, or roller skate your way through, so any little ones can try out tricks on their wheels of choice. Learn to “drop in,” grind, and catch some air. Beginners might be interested in small group lessons from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday mornings, covering park safety as well as basic moves. You’ll find the park in Kevaland’s Clackamas Business Center Building, Building D. Helmets are required, and other safety gear is recommended. $10 admission on weekdays, $15 on weekends.

8921 SE Jannsen Rd.
Clackamas
503-654-1785
Online: kevaland.com

Notes: Safety first! If safety gear is recommended or offered, it’s never a bad idea.

How does your family like to roll? Let us know in the Comments!

—Kelley Gardiner

What Now? Christmas Day Delights in the District

by rtvictoriamasonOctober 22, 2015

After all the egg nog has been drunk, the carols have been sung and the presents unwrapped you want to keep the festive spirit going, but what to do? Never fear, we have compiled a list of things to do in the District on Christmas day after Santa Claus has already come to town…and eaten all of your cookies.

Photo: Francisco Antunes via Flickr

Memorials & Monuments
Taking the wee ones downtown to see the Washington and Lincoln Memorial can be a bit of a trek. Avoid the crowds this year and head over to them on Christmas day! There’s a plethora of parking close by and all of the daily hubbub of tourists and civil servants will be missing. Enjoy the stillness as you and the tykes take in unobstructed views of the Washington skyline and all the glory of our monuments and memorials, including Mr. Lincoln himself!

Monuments & Memorials
Various locations throughout the city
Open: Dawn-Dusk
Cost: Free
Online: nps.gov/nama

Photo: ktylerconk via Flickr

All Aboard
The U.S. Botanic Gardens might not be the first thing to come to mind but the always-free conservatory with its seasonal plant exhibits and displays pairs nicely with the Garden Railway model train exhibit aptly named ‘Pollination Station’. Blow their minds when you head to the West Gallery to show them the largest indoor decorated tree in the city.

U.S. Botanic Garden
100 Maryland Ave., SW
Christmas Hours: 10 am-5 pm
Cost: Free
Online: usbg.gov

Photo: Washington Harbour

Skate Away
Scoop up the kids and skate the day away at the Washington Harbour ice rink in Georgetown. This rink is even bigger than Rockefeller Center and boasts over 11,000 square feet of icy, skate-tastic fun for the whole family. Little ones can push penguins along to help them stay upright and in skating position while you take in the city’s sights of Roosevelt Island, the Kennedy Center and the Potomac River. The perfect cure for everyone’s cabin fever!

Washington Harbour Ice Rink
3050 K St., NW
Open: Christmas Day 12PM-10PM
Cost: $10/adults; $9/kids; $5/skate rental
Online: washingtonharbour.com

Photo: Mt. Vernon Estate

Presidential Affairs
Get into the olde tyme Christmas spirit at Mt. Vernon for an early-American Christmas. Tiny tykes with their eyes all aglow will enjoy the many themed Christmas trees, chocolate making demonstrations and holiday treats throughout the estate. A special holiday season bonus is the often-closed third floor where Martha Washington lived out her days. It is open this time of year for viewing. Get in while you can! Just be sure to purchase tickets for your visit online before you go as it does tend to sell out.

Mt. Vernon Estate
3200 Mount Vernon Hwy. (Mt. Vernon, Va)
Cost: $17/adults; $8/kids ages 6-11; free/kids under 5
Online: mountvernon.org

Photo: Richard Pyrker via flickr

Seeing Stars
You dashed through the crowds all Christmas season and now you can stop and enjoy the holiday moment and avoid the crowds. Today is the perfect day to take in a movie! Visit the multiplex and see the flick that you and the kiddos have been dying to view but just couldn’t squeeze into the frenzied holiday schedule. Nosh some popcorn with The Good Dinosaur or see the newest battle of the light sabers with Star Wars – The Force Awakens at a theatre near you.

Times and Locations vary per theater.

Do you have any cool plans for Christmas day? Tell us all about them in the comments section below.

—Victoria Mason

10 Terrific Drop-In Times Just for Toddlers

by Ashly GrzybJanuary 21, 2015

“Sorry, You’re too little”. Sound familiar? Well, now your toddler can be just the right size thanks to these special toddler-only programs and activities. Tots can explore some of the biggest places around NYC that cater to the smallest kids like the Met, LEGOLAND and the New York Hall of Science, during a safe time reserved just for them. With age-appropriate stories, games, music, art and more, you can say “yes” to your energetic tot and check out these ten terrific drop-in times just for your toddler VIP.

Photo courtesy of LeFrak Center at Lakeside

Skate with Your Pint-sized Ice Lover

Slip, slide, and glide with your tot during this toddler-only open ice skating session for ages 2-5 during Toddler Tuesdays at LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park. Avoid the crowds and let your tot go all ice crazy during this special time. Admission includes toddler skate rentals, helmet rental, snacks, and a juice box. Plus, 60 minutes of instructor-led activities will take the pressure off of you to teach your little ice princess or prince the basics (10 a.m.-11 a.m.). Admission: $15 Child (including one accompanying adult). Adult skate rental is available for an additional $6. Special Quad Pack Offer: Book four dates in advance for only $12 each.

Tues., 9:30 a.m.–12 p.m.
LeFrak Center at Lakeside, 171 East Dr., Prospect Park, Brooklyn
718-462-0010

Where do you take your kiddo for toddler-sized fun?

-Ashly Grzyb

Hit the (Bunny) Slopes: Top Spots for Tots to Ski, Skate, and Sled

by Ayren Jackson-CannadyDecember 23, 2014

Just because the youngest ones in your brood aren’t quite ready for black diamonds and triple axles, doesn’t mean they have to miss out on all the winter fun! Check out the spots below for smaller hills and classes just for them.

Photo: Whitetail Resort via Facebook

Snow tube here: Whitetail Resort
Head to Whitetail Resort for tyke-friendly hills and slopes. Just 90 minutes away from downtown D.C., you’ll be there and back in time for dinner. For the tiniest of tots, there’s a mild kiddie hill ($8, unlimited). But for the “I can do it myself” crowd, the snow tubing hills will not disappoint. Though a parental unit will have to ride with those under 5. Don’t worry, mom and dad actually make the tubes fly down the hill faster. There’s a lodge right next door to pick-up warm cocoa and fuel for the next round of tubing.

Open: Mon.–Thu., 4 pm-10 pm; Fri., 12 pm–10 pm; Sat.-Sun., 9 am–10 pm
Cost: One hour session ($20 midweek, $26 all other days); two hour session ($23 midweek, $29 all other days); unlimited kiddie tubing ($8)

13805 Blairs Valley Rd. (Mercersburg Pa)
717-328-9400
Online: skiwhitetail.com

Photo: sdixclifford via Creative Commons

Go sledding here: The Hill at the U.S. Capitol Building
It may not be snowing (yet!) but when it does, it’s BYOS (bring your own sled) to the hill in front of the Capitol Building! This hill is perfect for mini-lugers since it isn’t very steep. Plus, how can you beat the Capitol as the backdrop for memorable photos? To warm up afterwards, head to one of the museums on the National Mall.

Open: All the time
Cost: Free, bring your own sled

East Capitol St. NE and First St. SE (Capitol South)

Photo: Elvert Barnes via Flickr

Ice skate here: The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink
There aren’t many places where the pint-sized pirouetters can make their skating rounds amidst beautiful sculptures and topiaries. If the grown-ups don’t want to slice the ice, they can grab a warm drink from the cafe next door while supervising their brood from the sidelines. If it’s the first time for the tots on ice, consider taking the “Mom/Dad & Me” or “Snowplow Sam” classes aimed at the 3-6 year old crowd.

Open: Mon.–Thu.,10 am–9 pm; Fri.-Sat., 10 am–11 pm; Sun., 11 am–9 pm
Cost: $8/adults; $7/kids under 12; $3/skate rental; Classes, $135 for (5) 30 min sessions

6th St. and Constitution Ave., NW (Capitol Hill)
202-216-9397
Online: http://www.nga.gov/content/ngaweb/visit/ice-rink.html

Where do you take the littlest ones for some cold weather fun? Tell us in the Comments section below.

—Lisa Ng

By Land Or By Ice: 5 Kid-Friendly Skating Rinks

by rtmarniebrodersenSeptember 3, 2014

The first time you held hands while roller skating, the song was probably something by Air Supply or Olivia Newton John. These days, it might be Ariana Grande and Iggy Izalea. Regardless of whatever generation gap may be present, your kids will definitely want in on some skating fun. San Diego has a variety of kid-friendly skating rinks for both the roller and ice aficionados. Flip through the slideshow to see what’s in store for your little skaters.

Skateworld

With a DJ that plays a solid mix of classic and current music, Skateworld is all about good, clean fun for the whole family. Open skate on Saturdays is great, and the DJ intersperses the fun with games and challenges. Be prepared to laugh (and possibly be laughed at), but it's all in good fun. One word of warning, though: This place has no air conditioning. So be prepared to sweat a bit. Cool off by hopping off the rink and into the game room, or hit the snack bar to recharge. Parents will love the bottom line, as the price for open skate on the weekends is only $7/person along with a $4 skate rental.

6907 Linda Vista Rd.
San Diego, Ca 92111
858-560-9349
Online: skateworldsandiego.com

Photo credit: Amber E. via Yelp

What’s your favorite place to skate on land or ice? Tell us in the comments!

– Marnie Broderson

ML Interest Tag: skate-rental

What Now? Christmas Day Delights in the District

Related reads

10 Terrific Drop-In Times Just for Toddlers

Skate with Your Pint-sized Ice Lover

Related reads

Hit the (Bunny) Slopes: Top Spots for Tots to Ski, Skate, and Sled

Related reads

By Land Or By Ice: 5 Kid-Friendly Skating Rinks

Skateworld

Related reads