We recently celebrated our daughter’s eighth birthday at United Skates of America a roller rink circa 1972 on Columbus’s east side. At first I wasn’t sure it was going to be a success as I had never taken my kids roller skating and had not personally been on roller skates since I was a kid. However I spent most weekends growing up at the roller skating rink so when I saw an amazing Groupon for a roller skating birthday party I jumped on it without further thought.
My nerves set in once I realized I was putting eight year olds on wheels on top of a shinny glossy wooden rink when most of them had never skated before. What was I thinking?!?! Deep breath. Once we got everyone into skates, skate mates rented (they did not have these when I was younger) we were on our way to a rockin birthday celebration. What I realized is eight years olds
like being challenged and active so skating to cool Top 40 music with a giant disco ball was the perfect activity.
Besides skating each guest got 20 game tokens to use in the arcade. Every game gives tickets that the kids put towards prizes. The birthday girl got to spin the Wheel of Fortune board and won 300 tickets. Every child was able to pick out a prize which was a huge hit and could serve as the party favor. I didn’t know this so we did do a small party favor that included a water bottle because skating is hard work.
The service was fantastic! We had our own party host who handled all the details from the food and drinks to ensuring every guest had a glow necklace. Speaking of necklace’s the birthday girl got a special whistle necklace that held her 20 tokens. You are allowed to bring cake or cupcakes but no other outside food or beverages are permitted. The party package included table clothes, cups, plates and napkins. Gratuity for the party host in not included in the package.
I was surprised that the Skate Mates cost an additional $5 rental fee. Skate Mates made of PVC plastic are a tool to help you learn how to skate. These are a great way for kids to help balance while learning to push themselves around the rink. Much safer than Mom or Dad being pulled down in a million directions on the rink. Their pretty much a necessity for first time skaters and I felt they should be available free of charge.
We purchased one deluxe birthday party for up to 10 on Groupon for $79.99 ($140 value) which included:
- Skate rental
- Reserved seating with party host and paper goods
- Invitations
- Unlimited soda
- Free pass for a future skate session for each guest
- Slice of pizza or hotdog for each guest
- 20 game tokens for each guest
- Glow necklace for each guest
- DJ booth visit, souvenir cup, and Wheel of Fortune spin for the birthday child
