If “Bored In The House” is now the soundtrack to your life, you’re not alone! Everyone is struggling with social distancing and Stay At Home directives, and needless to say, we are all “in the house bored.” Until we see you again at the skating rink, here are some ideas for things to do while you’re stuck at home due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Things to Do During the Stay at Home Directive

Roller Skating (Or Any Physical Activity)

Our skating rink may be closed temporarily, but if you own your own skates, you can still enjoy roller skating outdoors. To do so, you’ll need to change your wheels to outdoor wheels, which are softer and provide a smoother ride over bumpy sidewalks and paths. In contrast, indoor skate wheels are harder because the surface of the skating rink floor is already smooth and level—especially on our brand new wooden skate floor! 

Whether you skate, walk, run, or just have a family dance party in the living room, make sure to keep your body moving. Exercise is a huge mood booster and we all need a boost during these uncertain times. Check out these tips for safe outdoor exercise during coronavirus. 

Catching Up With Friends and Family

Social distancing doesn’t have to mean social isolation. Call your family and friends to check in on each other, or set up a videochat appointment with your friends to just “hang out” together, even if you’re apart. Thanks to technology, there are so many ways to connect with each other, from a distance: FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Skype, Zoom, even Netflix Party!

Clearing Your To-Do List

We all have a list of things we keep putting off, from household chores like dusting the baseboards to administrative tasks like sorting mail or shredding documents. Using this time to check some of those items off your to-do list—or even clear it altogether—may help you to feel more productive and give you a sense of relief that those tasks are no longer hanging over your head!   

Getting Creative

Now is the perfect time to unleash your creativity. Making art can be incredibly therapeutic and relaxing, and makes for a great change of pace once you’ve exhausted your Netflix queue or Amazon watchlist. Don’t worry about being good at it, just enjoy the process. You don’t have to do visual art, either; pick up your dusty old guitar or have an impromptu family “drum circle” with pots, pans, and buckets. Pretend that you’re on a reality home makeover show and rearrange your furniture. Stage a family production of your favorite Shakespeare play, or create your own unique variety show! Upcycle something from your recycling bin. Plant an herb garden in your kitchen windowsill. The options are endless! 

We hope these ideas keep you occupied while we all do our best to flatten the curve. Stay well, and we hope to see you back at Lanham Skate soon! 

We have exciting news here at Lanham Skate Center. (Drumroll please….) Check out our brand new wooden skate floor! We’re thrilled to have the new floor installed, and ever since it was completed in January, we’ve been in love—and we think you will too!

Now, if you’re an avid skater you probably already know why a quality wooden skating rink is so prized, but if not, we’ll break it down for you. 

Why do many skaters prefer wood skate floors? 

Every building material has its own pros and cons, but sometimes one material is just better for the job. That’s why maple hardwood has been a staple in skating rink flooring for so many years. Keep reading to learn why some skaters prefer wood floors. 

Wood Floors vs. Concrete Floors

Many skaters are just drawn to whichever kind of flooring they grew up skating on. However, wood skating rink flooring has some distinct advantages that concrete lacks. 

What are the benefits of wood skating rinks?

Many skaters prefer maple hardwood skating rink floors because those floors have better grip, give a smoother ride, and are extremely durable. Add to that the fact that falling down on a wooden floor typically hurts a lot less than it would on concrete, and it’s easy to see why these floors are so popular. Because the floor is made of wood, it has some bend, which tends to be A well-done wood floor can even last up to 50 years! 

Of course, wood floors are prized for their good looks, but they’re also a hit with skating rink owners because, with proper care, they can last decades. 

Why do some rinks have concrete floors?

Concrete is a much cheaper option when it comes to flooring, which is why it is popular with some rinks. The surface is slipperier, and the hardness (while it definitely makes falling more painful) allows skaters to more easily do power-intensive tricks like spins.

Any day you get to skate is a good day, so lace up those skates and let the good times roll!

All skating activities at Lanham Skate Center are suspended, as of March 16, 2020, due to State of Maryland’s regulation on the Coronavirus pandemic. For the safety of our community, the closure of entertainment facilities has been mandated throughout Maryland State.

Please take the recommended precautions to keep you and your families safe and healthy.

We will re-open our business as soon as we are able to do so. Hope to see you soon soon!

Your child’s birthday is the same time every year… So why wait until the last minute to plan their birthday party? Here at Lanham Skate Center, we’ve been helping families make birthday memories for years, so don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to learn how to throw a roller skating birthday party for your kid with this easy-peasy checklist. 

A Kid’s Birthday Party Planning Checklist

6 Weeks Before the Party

• Decide on a budget for your event. Don’t feel the need to break the bank—you can throw your child a great party without throwing your budget to the wind. (For instance, our party packages start as low as $169 for 10 guests plus the birthday child!) 
• Make a guest list so you have an idea of the gathering size. Keep your child’s temperament (and your own) in mind when deciding how big the group should be. Some kids love a blow-out party with their entire extended family, soccer team, neighbors, and class, while quieter kids might prefer just a handful of their closest friends and immediate family. 
• Choose a date and reserve a party venue.

One Month Before the Party

• Send out invitations. When you book a birthday party with us at Lanham Skate Center, we provide free invitations! Just give us a call and let us know when you want to swing by and pick them up. Many parents these days are also just as happy to receive an e-vite. After all, you can’t lose an email… And you can easily add the event to your phone calendar. 
• If buying a cake, place your order with the bakery. 

3 Weeks Before the Party

• Order/purchase balloons and other decorations, themed tableware, piñatas, etc.

2 Weeks Before the Party

• Call anyone who was invited but hasn’t RSVPed for a final head count. 

3 Days Before the Party

• Assemble goodie bags if you’re having them.
• Locate and charge your camera if applicable, as well as an extra battery, SD card, etc. 

The Day Before the Party

• Pick up the cake from the bakery, or bake the birthday cake. 
• Wrap birthday gifts. 
• Pack a clipboard with pen and paper or a notepad with the party supplies, so you can record who gave what gift. 
• Make sure the birthday kid goes to bed on time (or even a little early) so they’ll be well-rested for their party.

We’d love to help you make your child’s birthday in Lanham, Maryland a total blast that everyone will remember for years to come. Our roller skating birthday parties are available on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and require a non-refundable reservation fee of $75 to hold your spot. 
Give us a call at 301-577-1733 to learn more about our birthday party packages.

Plenty of parents these days are worried about their kids’ sedentary lifestyles, but while it’s easy to blame video games and TV, the reality is a little more complicated. One study found that for many kids, environmental and social factors were the main contributors to sedentary behavior, with some children in the study even agreeing with the statement, “I sit because there is nobody to play with.” 

If you’re concerned about the effects of a sedentary lifestyle and are looking for ways to get kids active, you’re in luck! The answer may be a lot easier (and more fun) than you think. 

Ways to Help Kids Get More Exercise

At Lanham Skate Center, we make it fun, easy, and affordable to get off the couch and move your body—for kids, teens, and adults, too! Instead of telling your kids what not to do—don’t play so many video games, don’t watch so much TV, don’t spend so much time on your phone—give them positive alternatives that feel like a treat, not a chore.   

Playdates

One great example of providing positive alternatives is to arrange a playdate for your kids and their friends at the skating rink, rather than at your house. They’ll love the freedom of zooming around the rink, racing, dancing, and playing games. In fact, they’ll have so much fun they won’t even realize that they just got a great cardio workout! 

Lessons

If your kids don’t know how to skate or want to learn to improve their skating skills, our roller skating lessons are a surefire hit. Classes are offered Tuesdays and Saturdays here at our Lanham, Maryland skating rink, led by qualified instructors certified by The Society of Roller Skating Teachers of America and USA Roller Sports Coaches. If your kids progress beyond basic skills and want to learn more, we offer more advanced classes as well!

Birthdays

Life is all about balance, so why not embrace it with a roller skating birthday party for your child? Our skating parties are a popular choice with parents because after the kids get hyped up on birthday cake, they can skate away some of that energy before going home! 

Family Fun

Sorry parents, but you probably guessed this was coming: It’s up to you to lead by example! Modelling healthy habits is one of the best ways to set your kids up for success, so you’ll also need to get off the couch, put your phone down, and get moving. Fortunately, roller skating is a fun and affordable way to get active with your kids, while having a blast and making memories that will last a lifetime. Make time for Family Fun Night here at Lanham Skate Center on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Thursdays of the month! Family Fun Nights last from 7 pm to 10 pm, with $5 admission and $5 skate rental. 

We hope to see you soon for active, family-friendly fun that’s (literally) good for the heart.

Many different sports have aids to help children learn the sport or hobby better. We have tee-ball to teach baseball. We have tricycles to help teach the art of riding a bike. Flag football comes before tackle football, and putt putt comes before 18 holes of golf.

Well, do you know what a skate mate is? Have you ever seen one floating around a roller rink? No, skate mates aren’t two friends learning how to skate together. They’re made of PVC piping and are shaped in a V in a 90 degree angle. They have wheels on the bottom. And they are devices that help children learn and feel comfortable roller skating.

While there are a lot of benefits to skate mates, they have become pretty controversial in the roller skating world. How controversial can roller skating get, you may ask? Well, just take a peek on Google at the great skate mate debate. Several seasoned skaters feel there is a time and place for skate mates and it is not during public skating sessions. The other side of this debate is that public skating sessions means public. This should mean any person should be able to skate or learn how to skate during this session. Some skaters view these skate mates as dangerous or hazardous to other skaters.

So what does the skate mate actually do? It helps the skater balance while learning how to coordinate and push your skates across the rink. These skate mates provide a sense of independence to the children using them. At the same time, they provide the parents freedom by not having to drag their children across the rink as the kids are slipping and sliding.

What are the positive aspects of skate mates? New skaters and families will feel more comfortable learning to skate. They’ll know that people of all skill set and ability are welcome. Skate mates help children and new skaters learn easier without having to hold on to the wall or another human. They also provide balance and center of gravity for new and improving skaters.

What are the negative aspects of skate mates? Just like new skaters without skate mates, skaters using this tool need to be aware of other skaters. Skate mates are bulky and can easily get in other skaters’ way. If used incorrectly, they can also go sliding across the rink and cause injury. That’s why it’s important for all skaters, even kids using skate mates for the first time, to understand the importance of rink safety. It’s not just about your own safety, it’s about creating a safe place for everybody who wants to skate.

Where do we fall on the great skate mate debate? We just want happy skaters around us. We also want the art of roller skating to continue to grow. We feel skate mates have a time and a place. As long as everyone around is skating respectably and responsibly, then there is no reason we can’t all skate harmoniously.

Whether you are skating for the first time, bringing your children along to test out a skate mate or dusting off your old custom skates, join us for our next event or open skate. Check out our schedule for theme nights, adult nights, open skates and lesson availability.

STOP, in the name of FUN! We know, you’re busy. With work, school, family, pets, housework, errands, bills to pay, and to-do lists to check off, you’ve been going a mile a minute for way too long. It’s time to prioritize your health and happiness and do something fun. 

Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn why you should stop putting off going to Lanham Skate Center and join us for roller skating fun that will refuel your mind and body.

Why You Need to Have Fun—For Your Own Good!

You’ve heard the saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Well, in reality it won’t just make you dull, it’s actually bad for your physical and mental health! According to researchers, working long hours (55 or more a week, opposed to the standard 40) increases your risk of stroke by 33% and your risk of heart attack by 13%. 

So, what can you do about it? It’s actually easy… Or rather, taking it easy! The best way to combat stress is to set aside time for relaxation. You don’t have to go on an expensive vacation (although that never hurts), just try to make sure you’re giving yourself some time each week to ignore work emails, turn off your phone, and enjoy life. If you need more reasons to come to Lanham Skate Center, here are some of the best!

Reasons to Go Skating at Lanham Skate Center

Your Favorite Tunes

There’s one place you can always rely on when it comes to music—the skating rink! We play the best music from the 70s, 80s, 90s 2000s, and today to ensure that everyone is having a blast on the rink. Roll, bounce, slide, and glide along with the beat for a couple hours of unbeatable fun. 

Exercise (That’s Actually Fun!)

Speaking of dancing/skating the night away, roller skating is an excellent form of exercise. You can burn a surprising amount of calories, and skating also tones and strengthens your core and legs. You won’t find a more fun way to workout! 

Making Memories

Even if you’re not concerned about your own health and stress levels, it’s important to make time for the people you care about. Roller skating is a perfect activity to help you make memories with your favorite people, whether it’s a night out with friends, a family fun afternoon with your kids, a date night with your partner, or a sibling skating reunion. Everyone from little kids to senior adults can learn to skate, so nobody feels left out! 
Convinced yet? Check out our skating schedule to see when our public skating sessions are, and come have some fun with us at Lanham Skate Center!

We’re at the start of not only a new year, but a whole new decade! If there were ever a time to make some New Year’s resolutions, it’s now. Instead of a lengthy list of overly-optimistic personal to-do items that you’re unlikely to ever complete, why not try something a little different? 

This year, try making some resolutions with your family! After all, you spend more time with them than anyone else. Plus, it always feels better to tackle a job with help instead of on your own. Check out these New Year’s resolution ideas for your family in 2020. 

Family New Year’s Resolutions

Spend more quality time together.

Families are so busy these days, which makes it hard to spend quality time together. Even when you are in the same physical space, it’s likely that you’re all absorbed in your own electronic devices, playing mobile games, Snapchatting, scrolling endlessly on Instagram, watching streaming services, and whatever else you’re addicted to checking or doing on your phone. If you’re tired of the day-to-day grind and want to make a change, make a family resolution to spend more quality time together. That means everyone needs to unplug—yes, even you, parents!  

Roller skating is the perfect way to do that. At Lanham Skate Center, you can have a fun family outing that everyone can enjoy, and it’s affordable to boot! Check out our skating sessions to find the ones that work best for your family, and set a weekly or monthly date that everyone in the family keeps clear for hangout time. You’re sure to make some priceless family memories at the skating rink. 

Be more active. 

Speaking of “unplugging” from technology, we could all stand to do less sitting and more moving! The best way to ensure everyone in your family is staying active is to plan active things to do during family time, like roller skating! 

Roller skating is a full-body workout that makes exercise so fun, you won’t want to go back to the treadmill. Your kids will be having such a blast at the skating rink that they won’t even realize how much exercise they’re getting, but you can feel good knowing that your family fun day included a healthy dose of cardiovascular exercise. 

Celebrate special moments. 

This year, give the special moments in life their due. Let’s face it, you probably won’t look back on your life and think, “Gee, I wish I would have worked more weekends.” Instead, make it a priority to be present for the soccer games, birthday parties, and other milestones. 

Our skating parties make any occasion extra special, whether you’re celebrating a birthday or having a team party.

Whatever resolutions you make in 2020, we hope to see you and your family for plenty of fun at Lanham Skate Center!

Whether you’re shopping for the holidays, a birthday, or a “just because” gift for a child, you can’t go wrong with the gift of roller skates! Gifting a pair of roller skates is so much more than just the physical object. Learn why you should buy roller skates for your kids, grandkids, nieces or nephews—and why you just might want to treat yourself to skates, too!

Reasons to Buy Kids Roller Skates

There are so many reasons to buy your kids roller skates, but these are a few of the best. Read on to learn more from the skating pros at Lanham Skate Center!

Give Fun

For the ultimate gift, don’t just wrap up the skates. Instead, consider giving your child a pair of roller skates with a gift certificate or voucher to your local skating rink. Schedule a time to take them on a fun roller skating outing to try out their new skates or sign them up for skating lessons to help them learn how to use their gift. 

At our Lanham skating rink, we offer beginner roller skating lessons taught by Certified USA Roller Sports Coaches and members of The Society of Roller Skating Teachers. Classes take place on Saturdays and Tuesdays, and students can choose to attend one or two sessions a week. If your child masters the beginner skating techniques and is excited to learn more, we also offer advanced roller skating lessons, so contact us for availability and other information. 

Give Friendship

One of the best parts of roller skating is hanging out at the skating rink with friends and family. Skating is not just a good workout, it’s also a fun social activity that keeps you interacting with others in the community. There are always fun skating events to attend, and here at Lanham Skate Center, we strive to maintain a family-friendly, inclusive environment. From school fundraisers to birthday parties to open skating sessions, your child is sure to make some great friends at the skating rink. 

Give Fitness

Roller skating is an excellent fitness activity. According to Team USA Roller Sports, 

Roller skating provides aerobic, strength, and endurance benefits.  Research shows that roller skating can provide an aerobic workout similar to running that improves cardiovascular health.  Recreational skating also causes less stress to one’s joints than an activity like running. And, skating’s low-impact quality also allows people with joint injuries or chronic joint problems to enjoy a fun and thorough workout.

Skating in an indoor skating rink allows you to get a workout no matter the weather, and with great music and a fun atmosphere, it’s easy to see why roller skating is the most fun you can have working out! 

Ready to give the gift of fun, fitness, and friendship to the special child in your life…or even yourself? Peruse our skate catalogs and give us a call at 301-577-1733 to place your order today!

As the song says, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” The holiday season is supposed to be about spending quality time with the people we care about, but it also happens to be one of the most hectic and stressful times of the year for many people. 

Everyone loves a thoughtful gift, but don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle that you forget about what’s really important—shared experiences! Research even suggests that people who spend money on experiences instead of material objects are happier and feel more fulfilled. 

If you’re looking for ways to slow down and connect with your friends and family, check out these holiday activities coming up in and around Lanham. 

Family-Friendly Holiday Events Near Lanham

ZooLights at the National Zoo

Christmas lights + the National Zoo + kids = A whole lotta holiday fun! Head to the National Zoo for a free experience walking the grounds of the zoo amid over 500,000 energy efficient lights in colorful displays that are sure to dazzle (and also look great on your Instagram). In addition to the usual light displays you may have seen in previous years, this year’s event will feature glowing animal lanterns and an interactive art installation called “Entre Les Rangs.” There will be live music, yummy seasonal snacks, and holiday shopping opportunities. ZooLights is open from 5 pm to 9 pm through January 1st. (Except for December 24th, 25th, and 31st.) 

Public Roller Skating Sessions

You’re on a skating rink blog, after all! Roller skating is a great way to stave off cabin fever when the weather is nasty and your kids need to blow off some steam. Everyone will feel better after doing something active than they would if you stayed on the couch watching yet another Christmas movie you’ve already seen. Check out our schedule to see public skating session times, and remember to follow us on Facebook to hear about special events and deals! 

Enchant Christmas

Explore the world’s largest Christmas light maze at Nationals Park, featuring a 90,000 square foot light maze and a 100-foot lighted pine tree sculpture. There will also be ice skating, a holiday artisan and makers market, and showing of some of your favorite classic Christmas movie scenes from films like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and A Charlie Brown Christmas. 

Breakfast with Santa

Brunch and holiday activities for the kiddos? What could be merrier? Breakfast with Santa at La Fontaine Bleue is coming up on December 8th from 9 am to 1 pm. Kids under 5 eat free, and there will be photo ops with Santa, crafts, games, and face painting. (Reservations are required.) 

Whatever you get up to with your family this holiday season, we hope you make some fun memories!