Learning to Rollerskate at Skate and Play

I can’t tell who is about to have more fun: myself, bathed in the nostalgia of quad roller skates and disco ball lighting, or my kids, age 12 and 7, about to start lessons for the first time.

We are at Skate and Play - formerly 4Wheelies, an indoor rollerskating rink, arcade, and (newly) restaurant/lounge in west Ottawa. The location is a good one (1101 Baxter Road), with lots of free parking; it’s right off the highway at Pinecrest.

If that wasn’t cool enough, The Exit Lounge, a sleek retro space splashed with teals and golds, sits adjacent to the rink, providing patrons with après-skate meals or just drinks at the bar. The day menu is family-friendly and has decent pricing; the night menu steps things up a bit from pizza and burgers and includes elevated dishes like salmon, lamb chops, and tomahawk steak. Good for a date night too, it seems!

During the shutdown of 2020, I was lucky enough to come by some quad roller skates for my family. We moved the furniture in our tiny living room and spent hours going back and forth between rooms. We also found underground parking garages with smooth concrete floors to frequent. 

I’ll say definitively: Skate & Play’s space is way better.

With lots of space to observe (either standing or seated on benches), parents can spread out and watch their kids at either end of the rink. Notably absent during lessons is the rocking music and flashing lights of their open skate times, which is probably for the best. The kids work hard in their hour, taking breaks when needed and being gently encouraged by the instructors. There is lots of one-on-one time for each kid. And the last ten minutes of class are dubbed ‘recess,’ where the kids can free-skate to music and practice the skills they learned in class.

If you’re not sure you want to commit to buying roller skates ahead of time (which run anywhere from $80-$300+), that’s ok - Skate & Play houses hundreds of pairs of skates of all sizes. Even my giant footed husband (size 13) fits into rental skates. Everyone under 12 must have a helmet at least, and most people bring elbow, knee, and wrist pads, too. During lessons there were a few minor falls; which are unavoidable when you’re learning new skills. I was glad I had purchased a set of pads on Amazon for each kid.

Overall, the six weeks of classes was a big win. My kids learned and practiced new skills and left the rink feeling empowered and excited for more. Both kids had an equally good time, despite the big difference in their ages. Activities like roller skating seem to even the playing field on age. We struggle to find activities that suit both a pre-teen and a kid, and this one hits it out of the park.

TL/DR:

Skate & Play, with its gorgeous hardwood rink, kind instructors, and varied amenities, is a great option for an afternoon of fun or a pack of lessons. If you’ve never skated before or you’re wobbly, lessons are the place to start.

Age range: all ages, including adults

Experience level: None needed, all experience levels welcome

Cost: $150 for 6 weeks - next round starts in September

Location: West Ottawa (address) - in the old Ottawa Citizen building behind Ikea. 

Class types: Beginner or Intermediate level for kids and adults

For parents: Free parking, lots of seats to hang out and watch your kid. No water fountain - bring a big water bottle.

High points: Free parking, lots of seating, multiple things to do if you or your kids get bored/tired easily.

Low points: no water fountains, no helmet or other equipment rental, no rollerblades allowed. Definite potential for injury but with the right equipment the risk decreases.

Contacts:

Skate & Play https://skate-play.com/

Exit Lounge  https://ottawaexitlounge.com/

Jen is a Mum of 4 and an Ottawa business owner living in the National Capital. She received a complimentary 6 week class pass, but all views are her own.