Rainbow Rink Blog

Back to School Parties 101: 3 Tips for an A+ Event

August 8, 2019 by Writers Leave a Comment

It may feel like the peak of summer when you step outside, but there’s another season on the horizon – back-to-school time! Stores are putting out backpacks, folders, and pencils, and kids are starting to realize that they don’t have many lazy days of summer left before North Tonawanda City Schools are back in session. If you’re involved with your child’s school, it’s also time to start planning back-to-school parties!

Check out our tips for throwing a great school event or class party from your friends at Rainbow Roller Rink.

Don’t wait until the last minute.

You’ve probably told your kids not to wait until the last minute to work on a project or write a paper… So be a good example and plan your school event early! The sooner you make your reservation, the more likely you’ll be to get your ideal date and time. Plus, having the details finalized earlier means you can send invitations out early, so more families will be able to attend.

Make space for everyone.

One of the best things you can do for your back to school party or school fundraiser is to choose a venue and activity that everyone can enjoy – not just the students! Roller skating is a smart option because kids and adults of all ages can enjoy it, as well as playing games in our arcade. We even have a bouncy playground for the little ones, so families with younger kids won’t have to get a babysitter or miss the event all together.

Do some good.

Whether you’re getting your child’s classmates together for a class ice-breaker or planning a school-wide back-to-school party, why not pull double duty and add a fundraiser element? You could encourage families to bring canned goods for a local food bank, or raise money for a school project like new playground equipment. Our fundraiser rebate parties are a fun way to raise money for your organization, and your guests will have a blast!

Give us a call at 716.693.1100 to discuss your North Tonawanda school event today!

Roller Party Themes for the Teen in Your Life

July 25, 2019 by Writers Leave a Comment

The best things about roller skating birthday parties is that they are fun for people of all ages and they never go out of style. However, there are definitely some things you can switch up to make a roller party for your teen really cool. The best way to do this? A game-changing theme. Here are our suggestions:

Glow in the Dark

Roller skating rinks are the perfect place to have glow in the dark parties. Have your teen and their friends dress in white or neon colors and hand out glow sticks as party favors to make for an extra “lit” party! At Rainbow Roller Rink, we have black lights that will cause all the colors to pop when the lights go out, making for a really cool, glow in the dark setting.

Rock N’ Roll

One of our personal favorite themes is good ol’ rock n’ roll. Get your party guests to wear their favorite rock band t-shirts and ripped jeans, and maybe even request your favorite rock songs to the deejay booth. Here’s a Spotify playlist with some great picks. We can’t imagine anything more fun than celebrating your birthday by dressing up like your favorite band member and roller skating with your friends to your favorite ACDC song.

90s Kids

This theme is super fun and easy because a lot of 90s fads have made a return in popular culture and style recently. Between scrunchies, denim, and crop tops that have been in stores the past few years, it should be relatively simple for your guests to dress up like characters from Full House or Saved By the Bell in order to make this theme super cute.

Finding Your Match: 3 Tips for Choosing the Right R oller Skates

July 11, 2019 by Writers Leave a Comment

If you love to skate, it just makes sense to buy your own skates at some point. But with so many options these days, deciding what type of skate to buy can be a bit challenging! Fortunately you’ve come to the right place. Learn which type of roller skate is best for you from our friendly pro shop at Rainbow Roller Rink in North Tonawanda, NY.

Quads or Inlines?

The first question you need to answer for yourself is whether you want quad (classic skate style with 4 wheels set 2 side-by-side in the front and back) or inline skates (aka “rollerblades”) in which 4 wheels are set in a line, making them more similar to an ice skate. If you’re new to skating, you may find quads easier to learn on, but if your heart is set on inlines, don’t be afraid to choose those! Ultimately, whether to choose quad or inline skates is up to you and you’re sure to have fun with your new skates no matter what.

What type of skating are you planning to do?

Another important factor when choosing roller skates is how you’ll be using them. If you plan to mostly skate outdoors or want to participate in roller hockey or speed skating, you might want to go with inline skates. If you want to participate in roller derby or jam skating, you should choose quad skates.

What style of boot is right for you?

If you decide to go with quad skates, your next decision will be whether to opt for a high top or low top boot. A high top gives more ankle stability, which is especially important if you’re interested in artistic skating. However, the most popular skates right now seem to be low top skates. These skates provide more maneuverability and many people like that they feel more like a sneaker. They are also the standard if you plan to jam skate or play roller derby.

No matter what type of skates you choose, we hope you’ll come visit us at Rainbow Roller Rink for good times, good music, and good skating! Check out our skate catalogs – Riedell and Southeast Skate – and give us a call at 716-693-1100 to place your order.

Which Skating Style is for You?

June 27, 2019 by Writers Leave a Comment

Artistic skater performing on skating rink

Roller skating is known as a fun activity for kids and adults, but what many people don’t know is that there are actually many different activities that all fall under the umbrella of roller skating. Read on to learn about the different forms of skating and find out what type of skating strikes your fancy. You can always improve your skating skills at Rainbow Roller Rink in North Tonawanda!

Freestyle skating – Many folks of all ages enjoy freestyle skating, which is what you’ll see at most skating rinks, as well as on neighborhood sidewalks, in parks, and anywhere else suitable for rolling. Check out our schedule to see when to join us for open skating!
Jam skating – Have you ever seen a skater or group of skaters performing moves similar to breakdancing? If so, you’ve seen jam skating! This offshoot of freestyle skating grew out of the roller disco days, but has continued to evolve over the years. It now incorporates gymnastics, dance, and skating into one highly entertaining and creative discipline, with competitions in several states pitting jam skaters against each other in “battles” similar to dance battles. If you love to bust a move on the dance floor (or skating rink) jam skating might be the right activity for you! To get started, you’ll want to use low-cut quad speed skates, which afford more flexibility for all the fancy footwork you’ll be doing.
Artistic skating – Artistic skating is very similar to figure (ice) skating. There are several areas of artistic skating similar to ice skating, with individual and couples competitions, figures, dance, and synchronized groups. Quad skates are traditionally worn for artistic skating, but some competitors opt for inline skates.
Speed skating – This type of skating is just what it sounds like! Speed skating is a sport in which players race each other around a track. The skates used are typically low cut to allow for range of movement. Inline speed skating is most common, but there are competitions for both inline and quad skaters.
Aggressive inline skating – This action sport has more similarities to skateboarding and BMX than most roller skating activities. If you have a daredevil streak, this type of skating is for you! Just remember to wear protective skating gear along with those aggressive inline skates, which feature smaller wheels and other design tweaks to make them sturdier for doing tricks on vert ramps or street obstacles.
Roller derby – Roller derby has had a resurgence in recent years, with people all over the country participating in this fast-paced contact sport. Two teams of 5 roller skate counter-clockwise around a track, with a designated player (“the jammer”) attempting to lap the other team’s jammer.

Need a new pair of skates to get you started in your new roller skating discipline? Check out our pro shop, and be sure to come visit us for skating in a fun and friendly atmosphere!

7 Parts of a Skate You Should Know

June 5, 2019 by Writers Leave a Comment

If you love to skate, sooner or later you’re likely to want your own pair of skates instead of renting them. It’s important to know the parts of your skates so you can keep them in good working condition and get the longest possible life out of them. Read on to learn the basics of skate anatomy from your friends at Rainbow Roller Rink in North Tonawanda!

The Parts of a Roller Skate

(Keep in mind that these are the parts of a typical quad skate; inline or other specialty skates have some differences.)

Skate boot – The boot is the shoe-like part of the skate that you put your foot in. Typically made of leather (real or synthetic) for durability, the boot supports and protects your foot.
Plate – The boot is mounted to the plate, a durable metal platform that attaches to all of the other parts of the skate.
Trucks – Also known as Kingpins, the trucks are part of the plate, allowing you to attach the wheels.
Wheels – You can’t have a skate without wheels! Roller skate wheels come in many varieties, with different sizes, hardness levels, grips, and styles to fit different needs, like indoor skating vs outdoor skating, speed skating vs roller dancing, and so on.
Toe stop or toe plug – Toe stops are large rubber pieces that attach to the front (toe) of the skate, allowing for quick and easy stops. However, they tend to be rather bulky and some skaters (especially jam skaters) find that they get in the way. In that case, toe plugs can be installed. They are smaller and not intended to help you stop, but will protect the floor if the toe of your skate comes into contact with it.
Tongue – just like in a sneaker, the tongue of a skate boot allows for adjustable lacing and may have more or less padding depending on the type of skate.
Bearings – The bearings fit between the skate wheels and axels, allowing them to roll smoothly. They are available in 8 mm and 7 mm sizes.

If you need parts for your skates, or advice on what type of parts to order, call our Pro Shop today! We’re happy to answer any questions you may have to keep you rolling. Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date on skating events in Tonawanda!

Fun Group Workout Ideas That Don’t Feel Like Exercise

May 16, 2019 by Writers Leave a Comment

Working out and getting into shape can be tough, but it’s always more fun with a friend! Working out with friends or in a fitness class can make a huge difference when it comes to your exercise routine. You’re less likely to get bored, you have other people helping you stay accountable, and you can look forward to socializing – it’s just more fun to workout with a group!

With that in mind, here are some fun, North Tonawanda group exercises for you and your friends to try this summer:

Salsa in the Park – Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for Salsa in the Park! Held every Monday in Delaware Park, this is a wonderful way for couples to learn a new skill and get in some exercise.
Sign up for a Yoga Class – A yoga class is a wonderful, low impact workout option that tones, increases flexibility, and improves circulatory health. It’s also a great options for groups!
Join a Fun Run or 5k, 10k, or Half Marathon – There are lots of great nearby races that would make a great group workout. Races are also great for helping you to set a fitness goal to work towards.
Skate with Friends – Roller skating is inherently social, and skating burns about the same number of calories as jogging (but is lower impact. So roll and bounce and dance off some calories to great tunes in a festive atmosphere.

So make plans to shake up your North Tonawanda exercise routine at our North Tonawanda skating center! And don’t forget to check out our hours and upcoming North Tonawanda special events.

What You Need to Know Before Buying New Skates

May 3, 2019 by Writers Leave a Comment

Are you in the market for a brand new pair of skates? If so, then you’ll definitely want to keep these guidelines and tips in mind during your search:

What Kind of Skate is Right for You? – There are many different kinds of skates, and you need to decide what style of skate is right for you. Do you want to speed skate, or is rhythm or jam skating more your speed? You could even consider an artistic skate.
There Are Price Points for Every Budget – Skates can be expensive, but they don’t have to be. There are plenty of wonderful beginner options that won’t break the bank!
You Can Express Yourself – There are so many options now in the colors and finish of skate boots, wheels, and laces. Plus there are all the other fun accessories you can add to your skates like charms or even lights!
You Can Customize Your Skates – The ball bearings, wheels, and even the tightness of your trucks will all affect how your personal pair of skates handle. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
Buying Skates for Children – If you’re buying for a child, remember that there are lots of great skates for kids too! There are even adjustable skates for growing kids.

If you’re interested in buying skates, our North Tonawanda skating center can help! Our pro shop has experts ready to help you find the perfect skate for you, no matter your skating style, budget, or even personal style! Contact us today at (716) 693-1100!

Kid-Friendly Games To Play at the Skating Rink

April 25, 2019 by Writers Leave a Comment

Summer is just around the corner and school lets out at the end of June. That means parents all over North Tonawanda, NY are looking for ways to keep their kids entertained. Outdoor activities are great, but at some point you’re going to want to get out of the sun and away from the bugs.

That means you need an indoor North Tonawanda activity that’s air-conditioned and doesn’t involve 8 hours of vegging out on the couch. We’ve got you covered. Here are a few of our many kid-friendly games to play at our North Tonawanda skating center:

- Skee Ball – Sure, getting the ball in the top scoring holes can be quite a challenge, but little ones won’t really know or care what their score is – they’ll just be excited to land a toss. As kids get older, they can practice hand-eye coordination learning to aim for those winning targets.

- Air Hockey – So long as your little ones are tall enough (or are with an adult willing to hold them up for a little boost), they’ll love air hockey.
- Hoops – Little ballers can live out their hoop dreams with this arcade version of basketball! This game is always a popular choice among kids.

Of course, our arcade isn’t the only place to play – everything is more fun on skates. And if you’re kids somehow manage to get tired of skating, other attractions like our exciting Bounce Zone are the perfect way to get out of the heat and have a little summer fun. Be sure to check out our North Tonawanda special events for even more summer fun!

Roller Skating: What to Wear (and What Not to Wear!)

April 3, 2019 by Writers Leave a Comment

When it comes to roller skating, it is important to make sure you’re dressing the part. Here is what you should (and should not) wear while roller skating.

What to Wear While Roller Skating

The name of the game here is comfort and mobility. You want to wear comfortable clothing with plenty of give like shorts, sweatpants, or athletic pants. If you do decide to go with jeans, make sure they are very well broken in.

You also need to wear socks, but just any old pair won’t do the trick. For skating, thick, tall socks are best. Ideally your socks should come up at least as high as the cut of your skate boots to prevent blisters. Finally, wear protective gear. A helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards are always a good idea.

What Not to Wear While Roller Skating

Don’t wear anything restrictive. Jeans are generally a little too stiff and will hamper your movements. Short or tight dresses or skirts should also be avoided as they are too restrictive. Whatever you wear, you’ll need to be able to freely bend your knees. Of course, you also don’t want to wear clothing so loose that it can get caught in your skates. Make sure that none of your clothes (including drawstrings) come close to touching the ground.

You should also consider potential hazards if you do fall. Big buckles, lots of zippers, or anything else metal on your clothing should be avoided as these can become potential hazards that can make a small fall much more likely to hurt.

So put on your best skating outfit and come on down to our North Tonawanda skating center. And don’t forget to check out our upcoming North Tonawanda special events calendar.

Which Style of Skate is Right for You?

March 28, 2019 by Writers Leave a Comment

Looking to buy a pair of quad skates but not sure which type of skate is right for you? Then you’ve come to the right place! Here’s a guide to help to decide between the different styles of styles of skates:

- Artistic Skates – These skates have high boots and an incredibly strong sole plate. While the high boots could provide some welcomed ankle support and stability, these skates are really made for jumping and landing (moves typical in dance, precision, and synchronized skating).

- Jam Skates – Jam skates are very low cut with a lightweight build and are great for the quick and agile movements typical of the Jam skating style. However, these skate have a dance plug in place of a toe stop, so they’re really only for skaters very comfortable on skates who are looking for more mobility.

- Rhythm Skates – This is another skate style without a toe break. However, unlike jam skates, rhythm skates have high boots for more ankle support.
- Speed Skates – As the name implies, speed skates are made for speed. The boot sits at about the ankle and is shaped a little more like a shoe than other skates on this list. These skates have relatively little padding and are very lightweight.

Once you’ve decided on your ideal skate, let our pro shop help you buy skates in North Tonawanda. And if you already have your skates, check out our upcoming North Tonawanda special events and make plans to visit our North Tonawanda skating center today!