Lace up and let your little ones loose for some classic fun (and fitness!). Roller skating is as popular as ever at these seven rockin’ Bay Area roller rinks. Never tried it? No worries—most locations offer lessons, skate rentals and snacks. Throw in some lights, music, games and even a little mini golf and you’ve got the perfect way to spend a day.
San Francisco
Skatin’ Place
If you’re not ready to roll with indoor crowds yet, this outdoor skating area in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is where you'll want to get your groove on. Skaters have been frequenting this outdoor funscape since the disco days of the late 70s. Bring your own skates if you have them or rent some in the small shop across from the park entrance on Fulton Street (between 6th and 7th Avenue). The area to the north of the “glide lane” is reserved for inexperienced skaters and small children.
6th Avenue and Kennedy Drive
Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, CA
Online: skatingplace.htm
Church of 8 Wheels
Only in San Francisco can you spread “rolligion” by skating in a church. Kids of all ages can join the Tuesday Night Roller Disco (4:00 to 5:30 p.m.) and the Friday Night Roll Out (5:00 to 6:30 p.m.). 60-minute group lessons are available on Saturdays and prearranged private lessons are also available upon contact (see website for details).
554 Fillmore St.
San Francisco, CA
Online: churchof8wheels.com
East Bay
Paradise Skate
With pre-registration, kids can skate for free at Paradise Skate (see website for details). For those looking to advance their skills, there’s a four-week Super Skater Program where skaters will learn things like backwards skating, crossovers, jumps and spins. Educators will love the STEM field trip which involves an hour of STEM-related education and two hours of physical fitness on the rink.
1210 West 10th St.
Antioch, CA
Online: paradiseskate.com
NEW!! Aloha Roller Rink in Emeryville
Offering roller skating, rentals, an arcade, snack bar and eventually birthday parties, it will be a rollin' good time at Aloha's newest East Bay location
5625 Bay St.
Emeryville
Online: aloharollerrink.com
The Golden Skate
At The Golden Skate, you’ll find public skate times throughout the week as well as plenty of time slots for private birthday parties. Lessons are offered on Saturday afternoons and the rink has a variety of games as well as Old Western-themed seating areas. On your marks, get set, skate!
2701 Hooper Drive
San Ramon, CA
Online: thegoldenskate.com
South Bay
Aloha Roller Rink
Located next to the Eastridge Mall, Aloha is now open for public skating everyday except Mondays. Lessons are available for ages 6 and up on Saturdays and indoor mini golf, an arcade and snack bar add to the fun. Want the party to come to you? Aloha has a mobile skate rental trailer with 250 pairs of skates ready to be delivered to the smooth surface of your choice.
2190 Eastridge Loop, Suite 1402
San Jose, CA
Online: aloharollerrink.com
Santa Cruz Roller Palladium
Open since the 1950s, the Santa Cruz Roller Palladium is a mellow change of pace from the busy boardwalk. The summer schedule features a Tiny Tots session every Wednesday from 11:15 to 12:30 p.m. for kids 8 and younger. A $3.50 admission fee includes a warm-up, instruction, games and quad skate rental.
1606 Seabright Ave
Santa Cruz, CA
Online: santacruzrollerpalladium.com
North Bay
Cal Skate of Rohnert Park
Open daily for public skating, Cal Skate features an arcade, snack bar, disco lights and more. Private and group lessons are available as well as bookings for birthday parties. During lessons on Monday and Thursday mornings, parents and guardians are allowed to walk on the floor to assist with younger beginners. Do you have a child who is more racer than casual roller? Try the inline speed skating classes on Wednesday afternoons.
6100 Commerce Blvd
Rohnert Park, CA
Online: calskate.com
—Julie Honan Johnston
featured photo: iStock
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