Take a spin down memory lane and skate the night away in Cincinnati
Grab your crew socks and short shorts—it’s time for some throwback fun at the roller rink!
Old-school roller skating is back and it’s easy to see why the rink’s appeal is rolling all over social media. Whether you’re looking to shake up your usual girls’ night out, perhaps get a little closer with that special someone during “couple’s skate,” or even a special parent-kid outing, roller skating is fun, affordable and easily accessible at locations around Cincinnati.
Here are a few options that will make you want to dig out your wheels and 8-tracks—or maybe just download a curated playlist.
– Sawyer Point Outdoor Roller Rink: The largest outdoor roller-skating area is open May through October. Skate rentals are free for Cincinnati Recreation Commission members, but the $5 fee is affordable for nonmembers, as well. This rink isn’t just popular for drop-ins. The Cincinnati Roller Girls and Cincinnati Junior Roller Girls use the facility for roller derby practice. Programming is co-presented with local skating groups like the Reckless Sk8rs, HoodSk8ers and Cincy Socialights, and professional jam skaters Will Osborne and David “Smitty” Smith. Behind Montgomery Inn Boathouse, 925 Riverside Drive, Cincinnati. cincinnatiparksfoundation.org/programs/roller-skate/
– Castle Skateland: This traditional roller rink can be reserved for private parties. Weeknight specials include music from the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s on Wednesdays, Friday family nights and chart-topper music on Saturdays. Admission ranges from $4 to $10 and skate rentals are $3 to $5. The rink also offers concessions, arcade games and a skate pro shop. 980 Loveland Madeira Road, Loveland. 513-683-6666, castleskateland.com
– Beechmont Rollarena: This rink has plenty of opportunities for an evening of shuffle skate (this is an activity for the real roller-heads who are more experienced skaters). This rink specializes in party dates for school fundraisers, which sounds way more enjoyable than re-arranging cupcakes you bought at the bakery onto a plate to make them look homemade. Regular admission is $4 to $8 and rentals are $3 for regular or $5 for speed skates. 3988 Commercial Blvd., Beechmont. 513-753-6868, beechmontrollarena.com
– The Place Family Entertainment Center: If there’s one place that just might make everyone in the family happy, it might be The Place. Not only does it have a rocking roller rink, the complex also features laser tag, an arcade, bumper cars, climbing walls and a ropes course. If this place doesn’t tucker out your kids, perhaps you could use an adult beverage from the cafe? Call for package pricing for multiple activities or single-attraction rates. 3211 Lina Place, Cincinnati. 513-522 2424, theplacecincy.com
