Is roller skating making a comeback? The smooth and speedy spin of the wheels, the catchy tunes turned all the way up, exciting foot races, neon lights, and late weekend nights are making us nostalgic for our youth. Maybe you were like me and never ventured too far from the wall. Or, maybe you made carefree laps around the rink like you owned the place. Either way, skating is becoming popular again thanks to social media, and we are here for it! And this time, we can bring our kids along! There are 5 skating rinks across Birmingham, making this a perfect afternoon activity to beat the heat in the summer!
Funtime Skate Center
3508 Decatur Hwy
Fultondale, AL 35068
Funtime Skate Center is a family-focused skating rink with many activities to enjoy, such as skate races, arcade games, and a Cosmic Light and Sound Show on Friday and Saturday nights. Funtime also participates in a Kids Skate Free Program for children under age 9. Their rink floor is marked for beginner vs. experienced skaters so your little ones are a bit separated from the more advanced speedy skaters. They have a cafe and also have options for booking a birthday party. Check out their website for hours and pricing, as it varies.
Skates 280
7043 Meadowlark Drive
Birmingham, AL 35242
Their catch phrase is “It’s cool and shady at Skates 280!” At Skates 280, you can host birthday parties and also enjoy a late night adult skate. They are open Friday-Sunday and you can skate for $12. If you do not have your own skates, rentals are $5. If you arrive at 6pm or later, you can skate for $7 and rent skates for $3.
Roller Motion Skate Center
2474 Morgan Road
Bessemer, AL 35022
Roller Motion Skate Center is a newly renovated 15,000 square foot facility. Their neon lit state-of-the-art skating rink is open for parties and group events on Monday-Wednesday, or you can skate on your own Thursday-Saturday. Their hours and prices vary depending on the day, so be sure to check out their website before you go.
Trussville Playstation
411 Waterson Lane
Trussville, AL 35173
Trussville Playstation is one of the state’s largest skating rink. Skating is not all they have to offer! Enjoy arcade games, laser tag, and go karts. This is the perfect place for a family night of fun! Check their website for hours and pricing. They have weekly events such as Wassup Wednesday, Christian Music Night, Beginner Skate Lessons, and Family Fun Night.
City Walk Skating Park
875 24th Street North
Birmingham, AL 35203
If you have your own set of skates, rollerblades, or even a skate board, head downtown to the City Walk Skating Park and enjoy skating in the outdoors. City Walk has the largest skate park in Central Alabama with 58,000 square feet of skate-able area. At this park you will find a pump track, street course, bowls both for beginners and more advanced skaters, and quarter pipe areas. Admission is free, but you do have to check in and sign a waiver. Check their website for hours.
So tell us, when you take your kids skating, how many times will you fall? The good news is, many skating rinks do not charge parents to be on the rink helping their kids! Have fun this summer teaching your kids to enjoy one of your great pastimes!
