Free Roller Skating with Kids Skate Free

Do you have fabulous memories of skating back in the ’80s with your friends? Our roller rink played all the good beats plus it had a disco ball (bonus!). Are you younger than me and don’t know what the heck I’m talking about? Well, lace up your old-fashioned skates or pull on some rollerblades and head to a local rink for some FREE Roller Skating with the family this summer!

Just like the Kids Bowl Free program, the Kids Skate Free program offers free sessions on weekdays. Skate rental is extra. Most centers allow kids 12 and under to participate, but some are 10 and under, so be sure to read the details once you click over to your chosen location.

**Note–last updated 2022**

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How can my kids skate free?

Here’s how to register and get your free roller skating passes:

• Find a participating roller rink near you by searching for your state at the Kids Skate Free website.
• Register for the location you prefer, and download the app.
• The passes will only be good at the center you’ve chosen and for the days and times you’ll see listed.
• Every Monday, the app will give you 2 passes per child for that week. They will automatically expire and be replaced each week.
• And take a close look at your rink’s website–the one closest to me runs this program year-round, not just in the summer, so you can skate FREE all year!

Admission is free with the Kids Pass, but you’ll still have to pay for skate rental if you don’t have your own. Keep an eye out at yard sales and Craigslist for used skates, helmets and pads, or buy your kids their own equipment at Amazon.

Roller skates or inline skates?

Generally, beginners feel more stable on traditional roller skates, compared to inline skates. But once you’re experienced, inlines are more flexible for turning and doing tricks.

Roller skates have four wheels total, 2 in front and 2 behind. Inline skates have one line of 3-5 wheels (based on the size of the skate, kid to adult).

Both inline and roller skates work equally well indoors as they do outdoors.

What safety equipment do we need?

When kids are first learning to skate–at any age–it’s a good idea to put them in protective gear. Falls can happen at any time, but especially before kids learn to balance, roll and stop themselves effectively.

• Wearing a helmet helps kids feel more comfortable and gives parents peace of mind.
• Knee pads and wrist guards are the best way to protect joints with the inevitable bumps and scrapes that can happen while skating.

All protective equipment used for roller skating can also be used for skateboarding, biking, and more. And anytime a child is skating on bumpy sidewalks and asphalt, have them wear their gear.

Looking for more free fun?

If you are looking for some other great free fun for the whole family you should check out some of my other budget friendly posts.

• Free Museum Admission for Families
• Free and Low-Cost Summer Movies for Kids
• Free Summer Reading Programs
• Free Summer Bowling
• Printable Summer Word Search
• Printable Summer Scavenger Hunt