According to the International Roller Skating Organization, roller skating is one of the most inexpensive activities for the entire family. Whether entertaining a family of five or dropping off older kids with a few dollars, skating is enjoyed at an affordable price. Admission and skate rental fees have remained low, with the average skating center charging less than $3 for skate rental and $3 to $6 for adult admission.
Roller skating facts to whet your wheels:
- Roller skating provides a first experience in independent socialization for kids. In consumer surveys, skating has been voted the best place to date "without dating" and the best first date.
- To cater to each age group, skating centers play age-appropriate music and typically schedule skating sessions at appropriate times for different groups. For example, Friday evening may be teen night, while Saturday afternoon is family skate for all ages.
- Because the environment is family friendly and full of youth, skating centers provide an attractive place for young adults to land their first job.
- 2004 NBA Slam Dunk champion Fred Jones credits roller skating with his incredible vertical leap. According to Jones, he developed strong leg muscles and learned some of the acrobatics from his days on roller skates.
- Olympic gold medal speed skater Derek Para started his career on roller skates before switching to ice skates to compete in the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Olympic speed skater Apollo Ono also began competing in quad skates before switching to ice blades to compete in the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.
Visit www.RollerSkating.org to find a skating center near you, then take the family out for a fast-paced - and inexpensive - afternoon of old-fashioned fun.