Skate into Seattle’s Best Roller Rinks for Families
by Allison Sutcliffe
Skate through the unpredictability of the rainiest season in recent years with a retro good time when you take the family roller skating. These nearby Seattle-area roller skating rinks offer everything you need to convince your kids you were cool…once. From classic skate spots that’ll bring you back to your youth, to those featuring game nights and plenty of extras (hello, bowling!), we’ve mapped out Seattle-area roller rinks to check out the next time you want to maximize family fun time.
The Classic Skate Spot
Southgate Roller Rink Locals love this rink located in White Center. It's got a reputation as "Seattle's Friendly Rink," and is sure to please any skate enthusiast. Weekends are dedicated to families which means you're guaranteed family-friendly music, games and an awesome time. In addition to open skate times, Southgate Roller Rink also offers a learn to skate class for all ages for $17 every Sunday from 11 a.m. to noon. The best part? The Family Skate session, immediately following the class, is included in the fee.
Open skate session times and prices are as follows: Fri., 6-8 p.m. Family Skate, $12 Sat., 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m, $12 Sun., noon-4:30 p.m., $12
Rental Fees: Roller skate rentals are free with admission; $4.50 for premium upgraded skates.
The Best Spot for Beginners
Pattison's West If you're looking for an affordable, fun and safe place the whole family will enjoy, Pattison's West is for you. Providing family fun and entertainment to children, teens, and adults for over 30 years, this place is huge and not only offers a fab rink with a DJ, but a snack bar, arcade and hourly games with prizes. If you're new to roller skating (or just need a tune up), there's a beginners class on Fridays, from 11 to 11:30 a.m. for just $15. Then it's time to put your newly learned skills to the test at the following skate session that's included in the price.
Open skate session times and prices are as follows: Wed. & Fri., 4:30-7 p.m. Family Skate, $11 Sat., 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. (three different sessions), Family Skate, $11 Sun., 1:30-7 p.m. (two different sessions), Family Skate, $11
34222 Pacific Hwy. S. Federal Way, WA 98003 253-838-7442 Online:pattisonswest.com
Rental Fees: Regular skate rental is $2; Interested in trying inline skates or quads? Add $2-$3 to the regular skate session pricing.
Everett Skate Deck Home of the Jet City Roller Girls Roller Derby, Everett Skate Deck has been in business for over 50 years and it's easy to see why they are a family favorite. They really have it all covered between the rink complete with a mirrored disco ball and DJs playing your favorite tunes, to the inflatable toys, arcade games, concession stand and big screen TVs. If you've got a crew of newbie skaters, beginner skate classes are offered on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-noon for $60. The price includes four classes along with roller skate rentals. The first class starts on the first Saturday of every month.
Open skate session times and prices are as follows: Thu., 6-9 p.m., Family Night, $12 Fri., 5:30-8:30 p.m. Open Skate (All Ages), $12 Sat. & Sun., 1-8 p.m. (three different sessions), Open Skate (All Ages), $12
Prices include skate rentals. Save $2 on admission when you bring your own.
Best Spot to Skate & Scooter Too
Allison Sutcliffe
Skateworld Tacoma With an eye on safety, Skateworld Tacoma (formerly Rollin' 253) is all about getting families out and being active. They make it easy for everyone in the family to take part, even if skating isn't their thing. Rent a scooter (they offer everything from toddler-sized scooters to scooters big kids can use) for reluctant skaters and let them follow along. Or encourage a shaky skater with a Skate Mate ($5) and a glowing roller skate necklace. Add in Skate School ($20) on Saturdays, from 9 to 10 a.m. and you've got everything your kids need to learn to skate.
Open skate session times and prices are as follows: Tue. & Thu., 5-8 p.m., Public Skate, $15 Fri., 6-10 p.m. Public Skate, $15 Sat., 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Public Skate, $15 Sun., noon-6 p.m.. Public Skate, $15
Lynnwood Bowl & Skate What could be better than a place that offers a bowling alley, a roller skating rink and full-service concession stand? Not much in our book which is why we think Lynnwood Bowl & Skate is an amazing choice for some fab family bonding. When your kid crew gets tired of skating, hit the lanes for a game of bowling and order up the kid's sampler platter.
Open skate session times and prices are as follows: Mon. & Tue., 6-8 p.m., Open Skate (All Ages),$10 Wed., 6-9 p.m., Open Skate (All Ages), $10 Fri., 7:30 p.m.-midnight, Open Skate (All Ages), $13 Sat., noon-midnight, Open Skate (All Ages), $13 Sun., noon-10 p.m., Open Skate (All Ages), $13 Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-noon, Beginner Skate Lessons (includes Open Skate session that follows) $20
6210 200th St. S.W. Lynnwood, WA 98036 425-778-3133 Online:bowlandskate.com
Rental Fees: Admission includes quad roller skates or inline skates. You are welcome to bring your own skates as long as they are clean and in good condition.
During the school year, two of our area's community centers host Friday night skate sessions. The best part? It only costs $3-$4 per skater and includes skate rentals. Both centers follow a school schedule so there's no roller skating on holidays or during the summer.
Alki Community Center Kick off your TGIF by heading to the Alki Community Center where they offer family skate every Friday night during the school year starting in September. Kick the weekend off right with awesome games, music and some serious roller skating fun.
Open skate session times and prices are as follows: Fri., 5:45-7:45 p.m., $3
Bitter Lake Community Center After a long week, relax and have some fun at family skate night at the Bitter Lake Annex. A popular spot for families, this is a perfect place to meet up with some friends or make new ones. Family skate night takes place on Fridays during the school year.
Open skate session times and prices are as follows: Fri. 6:30-8:15 p.m., $5
Rental Fees: Roller skates are included with admission. Feel free to bring your own skates or borrow a pair from the Community Center. Toy skates are not allowed.
The Best Spot for Variety
Marysville Skate Center Step back in time with music from the '70s to current hits, and skate on a real maple hardwood floor at Marysville Skate Center. We heart their retro, glow and hot hits skate sessions, but their Sunday family special has stolen our hearts. Held on Sundays from 1-4:30 p.m., they include free cotton candy, games and prizes and at $6 a person or $20 for a family of four, it's a deal that's hard to beat.
Open skate session times and prices are as follows: Tue., 1-3 p.m., Homeschool, $5 Wed.., 6:30-9 p.m. All Ages Skate Session, $6 Fri., 5-7 p.m. Family Skate, $6/person or $20/family of 4 Sat., 1-4 p.m., Open Skate, $6 Sun., 1-4 p.m. Family Day, $6/person or $20/family of 4
