Whether you’re 5, 85, or any age in between, roller skating is a groovy and nostalgic way to get out and about and have a good time. The thrill of rushing around the rink to the most popular songs with all your friends is a joy that never gets old! In a city like New York, you’ve got plenty of options, as well, with plenty of fine rinks and disco parties to choose from. Before the weather starts getting even colder, it’s time to get your last roller skating outings in before winter. Here are the best spots to go roller skating rinks in NYC to get that last skate in!
1. Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace at Rockefeller Center
Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace has a history that goes back to 1979 and is one of our favorite spots go roller skating in NYC. Situated at The Rink at Rockefeller Center, Flipper’s philosophy is that roller skating is for everyone – to bring people together, and to let them feel free!
Over the last few decades, Flipper’s has hosted some of the biggest names in roller skating history – even being regarded as one of the biggest forces behind the modern roller skating boom. Nowadays, you can catch DJ sets, live music performances, concerts, roller boogie nights and skating lessons all while rollin’ around one of the most famous rinks around.
Where: 600 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center
2. The Standard Plaza
Grab your skates and head to The Roller Rink at The Standard, High Line, a brand-new seasonal activation on The Standard Plaza. The 1960’s Mod-inspired rink is welcoming skaters and non-skaters alike to their bright white skating rink. Plus, their plaza restaurant (complete with turf and playful seating) will also be open, serving tasty bites such as Disco Fries (ranch waffle fries, white cheddar, chicken gravy), Fried Chicken, The Standard Hot Dog, and Nachos. Cocktails can also be sipped from a wearable drink pouch, allowing for hands-free fun as you cruise around the rink.
There is also weekly programming and events, including silent-skate nights, disco parties, burlesque, drag shows and designated kids- and adult-only skate hours!
Where: 848 Washington at 13th St
3. The Roller Wave
This Alicia Keys-approved roller disco is currently popped up in Atlantic Terminal Mall in Brooklyn through Sunday, June 4. The Black-owned roller rink is here to celebrate black culture and the evolution evolution of roller skating! You can expect all sorts of things alongside the rink, including DJs spinning live music, delicious food and drinks, a live podcast space, an arcade, a VIP section, and so much more!
Where: 625 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn
4. Roller Rock at The Rockaway Hotel
Glide on the retro roller link at The Rockaway Hotel, which comes complete with a checkerboard floor & dazzling disco ball! Groove to some beats and enjoy all sorts of activities, like DJ performances, open skate sessions, designated hours for family skating, and even themed nights such as Throwback Skate, Disco Skate, Country Skate, and more! Skate rentals are available and you must be at least 10 years old to skate. Read more here.
Where: The Rockaway Hotel + Spa – 108-10 Rockaway Beach Drive, Queens
5. Pier 2 at Brooklyn Bridge Park
With the tagline “clean, fun, friendly, and safe,” Pier 2 at Brooklyn Bridge Park has an environment suited to skaters of every style! Their array of events makes it one of the best rinks around, as they’re constantly holding themed nights, public skates, and even free admission skates. This spot is also perfect for children since you can host kids’ birthday parties, field trips, and even fundraisers for schools here. Be sure to check their socials to see what events are coming up!
Where: Pier 2 at 334 Furman St, Brooklyn Bridge Park
6. LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park
If you’re looking for a whole day of fun, you’ve got to check out LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park, which offers not only a roller rink, but also bike and boat rentals, the Blustone cafe and bar, and even a splash pad for keeping cool in the warmer months. If you’re just here for the skating, though, you’ll still find some of the best around!
The Lefrak Center hosts specialty roller dance nights with food, drinks for all ages, and plenty of DJ-hosted music to keep the fun going all night. This summer (each Friday night from 7 – 10 pm on April 28 through October 27) you can attend Lola Star’s Dreamland Roller Disco, a themed, dress up, immersive roller skating experience that will transport you into a retro roller disco “dreamland.”
Where: 171 East Dr, Brooklyn
7. Riverbank State Park
Riverbank State Park typically holds an ice rink, but during the warmer months it transitions into one of our favorite spots to go roller skating in NYC. Riverbank itself is special, being the only park of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. With 28 acres of multi-level landscaped recreation based on Japanese urban rooftop design, the leisure space here rises 69 feet above the Hudson, with plenty of activities to enjoy! The 2023 season begins April 29!
Where: 679 Riverside Dr, Harlem
8. SKATEROBICS
As the name suggests, SKATEROBICS makes roller skating hip, fit, and accessible to all! Whether you’re learning the fundamentals or are at the advanced skating level, these high-energy experiences will sure have you pumped up and smiling throughout. The reason why we love their classes though is because the instructors are the best in the city, and teach classes in a way that’s judgment-free and catered to all skill levels. The staff here will even go above and beyond to applaud you when you fall – and of course help you get right back on your feet to try again.
Where: St Albans Memorial Park, Merrick Blvd and Sayers Ave, Queens
9. United Skates of America at Atlas Park
United Skates of America at Atlas Park is a program hosted by the same roller skate enthusiasts at Pier 2. Events here are aimed at families with children, and offer plenty of themed skates your kids will love. From Stranger Things to Anime Skate Night, there’s sure to be something to get every member of your family ready to roll! In addition to their organized events, you can throw some of your own too, including birthdays, school outings, and even corporate events for some unique team building.
Where: 80-00 Cooper Ave, Glendale, NY
10. Rollerjam USA
If you still need one more idea, Rollerjam USA doubles as both a roller rink and “the hottest party place on Staten Island,” With millions of skaters, thousands of birthday parties, and thousands of camps and schools, there’s no lack of skating expertise here! Events here are carefully curated for each age group, skill level, and interest, ensuring you’ll always be able to find your skating tribe.
Where: 236 Richmond Valley Road, Staten Island