For most adults, indoor roller skating experiences are distant memories of a fog machine, the glow of a disco ball and the sound of a "Journey" song while wearing brown lace-up skate boots with huge orange stoppers.
Although the music and the skate styles have changed, the modern-day roller rink is more or less the same and the indoor sport is still popular with young folks today.
Bay View's Beth Eaton Knepler goes roller skating at Rollaero in Cudahy almost every weekend.
"I like it for the exercise, the latest music is always rockin' and it's a great time with my kids," says Knepler.
Most local rinks offer extended afternoon as well as evening hours during the winter vacation, along with skate lessons, birthday party packages, roller-hockey leagues, arcades, "inflatables," concession stands and skate shops, too.
Here are the few indoor roller rinks left in the Milwaukee area. Now lace 'em if ya got 'em!
Incredi-Roll Skate & Family Fun Center
10928 W. Oklahoma Ave., West Allis, (414) 545-8445
incredirollskate.com
Incredi-Roll offers skating every day of the week, with special skating times for families. Go here for the full schedule and skating specials, prices and holiday events / hours. Incredi-Roll features a bounce house, laser tag, arcade, skate shop, concessions stand, lessons, day care and more. The cost to rent skates and admission prices vary depending on day and time.
Rollaero Skate Center
5200 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Cudahy, (414) 747-1414
rollaero-mke.com
Open skating takes place various evenings and afternoons and prices range from $5 to $7. Rollaero accepts cash only and call for exact days and times. Kids 18 and under must be accompanied by a parent and sign a behavior contract and conduct code on Friday evenings. Birthday party packages and senior skating also available.
Skateland
7084 Sycamore Dr., Cedarburg, (262) 377-7522
12400 W. Custer Ave., Butler, (262) 783-5012
1931 E. Main St., Waukesha,(262) 542-7971
skate-land.com
All three of the family-owned Skateland locations offer skating in the evenings and, during winter break, in the afternoon as well. Skatelands' prices vary depending on day and time. Skaters may rent skates for $2 or may use their own upon inspection. Parents can drop off older kids or stay and watch for no extra charge. Skate shops, "bouncy houses," concessions and game rooms are also on-site. Skateland features many specials, from all-you-can-eat free pizza night to free-for-girls night to all-night skating parties. Check the website for specifics.
St. Pius X Roller Rink
2506 Wauwatosa Ave., Wauwatosa, (414) 258-9977
wauwatosacatholic.org/support-wcs/skatenight.cfm
A long-time tradition, the gym at St. Pius X hosts skate nights on many Saturdays (a schedule is at the link above). Beginner skaters get the rink from 6 to 7 p.m. and then everyone can roll from 7 until 9. Admission is $5 ($4 if you bring your own skates). Kids 16 and under must bring an adult. Pizza and other snacks/refreshments are available for sale.
