Roller rinks and ice rinks are popular places for birthday parties. The activity is built in, the space is big enough for a crowd, and most rinks have a party room or tables set aside for groups. The directory lists 1,601 rinks whose reviews or own website mention birthday parties. Every rink runs its parties differently, though, so the most useful thing you can do is ask good questions before you book.
How rink parties usually work
Most rinks sell party packages that you book ahead. A package is a bundle of things the rink takes care of for a set group size. Depending on the rink, it can include some mix of:
- admission for a set number of skaters;
- skate rental for each skater;
- time in a party room or at a reserved table;
- food and drinks, often pizza and soda;
- plates, cups, napkins and table setup;
- a party host who helps run the room;
- extras such as arcade play, a birthday announcement or a gift for the birthday child.
The typical party happens during a public session. Guests skate with everyone else for part of the time, then gather in the party room or at the tables for food, cake and presents. Some rinks also rent out the whole rink for a private event, which suits large groups.
Packages, group sizes and what’s included vary a lot from rink to rink, and they change. The rink’s website usually has the current details, and a phone call clears up the rest.
Roller party or ice party?
Both work well. A few differences to think about:
- Roller rinks are warm inside and often have music, lights and games during public sessions, which gives a party a built-in soundtrack.
- Ice rinks are cold, so guests need warm layers and gloves. Party time may depend on the public skate schedule, since ice rinks also host hockey and figure skating.
- For very young guests, ask about skate aids, the frames small kids can push around while they learn. Many rinks of both kinds have them.
Not sure which your crowd will like? Read roller skating vs ice skating.
Questions to ask before you book
- What exactly is included? Admission, skate rental, food, drinks, paper goods, a host, party room time.
- How many guests does the package cover, and is there a minimum or maximum?
- How are adults counted? Ask whether parents who don’t skate need admission and whether they count toward the guest total.
- How is the time split? How long is the party room or table yours, and when do guests skate?
- Is it during a public session or private? Public sessions are lively but busier.
- What can you bring? Cake, other food, decorations, candles. Ask about outside food rules.
- What are the deposit and cancellation rules? Ask how rescheduling works if the birthday child gets sick.
- Are waivers required, and can guests sign online ahead of time?
- Are there skate aids or helmets for young or nervous skaters?
- What should guests bring? Socks are a common requirement for rental skates.
Get it in writing. Keep the confirmation email or booking page that lists what’s included, the date and time, the guest count and the cancellation terms.
When to book
Book as early as you can. Weekends and school holidays tend to fill first, and a rink may only have a few party rooms or tables to give out. If your date is flexible, ask which slots are easier to get. A weekday party can be quieter on the floor, which helps if many guests are new to skating.
Invitations and headcount
A good invitation saves you questions later. Include:
- the rink’s name and address, and whether it’s roller or ice;
- start and end times, and when to arrive;
- what to wear, including socks, and warm layers and gloves for ice (link guests to what to wear skating);
- a helmet if their child has one;
- the waiver link, if the rink has one;
- an RSVP date that comes before the rink’s final headcount deadline.
Ask the rink when it needs your final number and what happens if more or fewer guests show up. Plan for a little wiggle room either way.
Waivers
Skating has some risk of falls, so many rinks ask every skater to sign a liability waiver, with a parent or guardian signing for children. If the rink has an online waiver, put the link in the invitation and ask parents to fill it out before the day. Bring a list of expected guests so check-in is quick. If a child arrives without a signed waiver, their parent may need to be there to sign, so let families know ahead of time.
On the day
- Arrive early to check in, set up and confirm the headcount.
- Get skates on first. Fitting a group into rental skates takes longer than you expect. Help small children lace up snugly.
- Watch the new skaters. Point nervous guests toward the wall, skate aids or a grown-up’s hand.
- Follow the rink’s rules on the floor and in the party area. Floor guards and party hosts are there to help.
- Leave room for skating. Kids often want to get back on the floor after cake, so plan presents at home if time is tight.
Find a party rink
Browse rinks with birthday parties, where each listing shows the review sentence or website that mentions them. You can also start from roller skating rinks or ice skating rinks in your state. For an adult birthday, look at rinks with adult skate nights.
Common questions
- How far ahead should I book a rink birthday party?
- As early as you can, especially for weekends and school holidays, when party rooms and time slots fill first. Weekday or less popular slots are often easier to get on short notice. Ask the rink how far ahead it takes bookings.
- Do parents have to skate?
- Usually not. Many rinks have seating where adults can watch, and some let adults who aren’t skating in for free or at a lower rate. Ask how non-skating adults are counted before you send invitations.
- Can we bring our own cake?
- Some rinks allow an outside birthday cake even when other outside food isn’t allowed, but policies vary. Ask what you can bring, whether the rink provides plates and candles, and whether there’s a fee for bringing your own.
- Does every guest need a waiver?
- Many rinks ask for a signed waiver for each skater, signed by a parent or guardian for children. Some have an online form you can share with the invitation. Ask the rink so nobody is stuck at the door on the day.