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Throwback pastimes are having a moment. During the pandemic, picnics became booming businesses. Typewriters are in vogue.
And roller skates were globally sold out for months last summer.
Plenty of skating already happens on Philly’s streets and playgrounds in neighborhoods around the city. This season, there’s more places catering to the nostalgic fun — and if skates are still sold out, many locations offer the option to rent a pair of wheels.
From Dilworth Park’s hula hoops to dance parties in the far Northeast, here’s a list of indoor and outdoor rinks to get your skate on in Philadelphia.
Blue Cross RiverRink Summerfest at Penn’s Landing
The Delaware River waterfront rink at is now in summer mode. Along with skates, the neon-lit complex also has a Ferris wheel, carnival games, boardwalk-style snacks, and food from Chickie’s and Pete’s. Summerfest runs through Sept. 26.
Admission: $5
Skate rental: $10
Hours: 5 to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday
Timed tickets? Yes, find them here
More info: delawareriverwaterfront.com
Rothman Orthopaedics Roller Rink at Dilworth Park
The colorful, retro-styled pop-up rink next to City Hall comes with a with a black and white checkered skate floor under a rainbow of hula hoops. It’s open through July 11.
Admission: $8 for kids 10 and under; $20 for adults
Skate rental: $5
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 11 a.m. to 11:15 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 8:45 p.m. Sunday
Timed tickets? Yes, find them here
More info: centercityphila.org
Rolling Thunder Skating Center
This indoor Mayfair rink is open year round, decked out with that traditional wood floor we all know and love. tiny rollercoaster ride for the kiddos You can ret, offers private party options and has a. Head there for open family skate on the weekends or for themed nights like Monday’s Dollar Day and Wacky Wednesday during the week. You can also rent the space for
Admission: $1 to $10, depending on day and time
Skate rental: $4
Hours: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday: 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday; 12:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday
Timed tickets? Nope
More info: rollingthunderskating.com
Philly SkatePlex
Far north on Roosevelt Boulevard, past the Northeast Philadelphia Airport, is the rink formerly known as Palace Roller Skating Center. Just before the pandemic, it hosted a grand reopening and rebranding, and now it’s finally hopping again. The floor is open for adult skate as late as 2 a.m. on Saturdays. You can also find drop-in skate lessons, games, and a character-themed family skate on Monday.
Admission: $2 to $10, depending on day and time
Skate rental: $4
Hours: Varies by day of the week
Timed tickets? Nope
More info: phillyskateplex.com
Jump To It
At this South Philly spot, you can skate and…yes, jump. A whole section of the floor is full of colorful bouncy houses. Walk-ins are welcome, or you can reserve one of three bouncy party rooms alongside the rink and jump center.
Admission: $7 Monday to Thursday; $10 Friday to Sunday
Skate rental: $5 for kids; $7 for adults
Hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Timed tickets? Nope
More info: skatenjump.com
Laura Sims Skate House
The four-decade-old, city-operated skate house in West Philadelphia will open for roller skating sessions in July. Details will be posted online.
