Think how you felt the last time you sat working in a desk for six hours. Was your back stiff? Did your head feel fuzzy? After a long day at school kids feel the same way that parents do after work, especially with recess and PE time being cut in many schools. In fact, students spend an average of just 26 minutes at recess, if their school even offers it. That’s less than half the recommended amount of daily exercise.  Even if schools offer recess to students, it can be taken away for bad behavior or missed assignments, which cuts into active time even more and can actually lead to worsened behavior problems. 

How can parents increase the time their kids spend exercising? That’s where Rainbow Skateland in Lockport, NY comes in!

Check out our schedule; we have after-school skate sessions most days of the week. Bring your kids to Rainbow between school and home to let them work off some of that extra energy and clear their heads before starting homework, chores, and other evening activities. Roller skating is a great way to get exercise and have fun at the same time.

According to research, most kids simply don’t get enough physical activity in their day-to-day life. The habits we learn as children impact us through our lives–teach your kids to value exercise now and they’ll continue to do so as they grow up, leading healthier, happier lives. Plus, skating is an all-ages activity, so parents can join in at Rainbow Skateland!

Did you know October is National Roller Skating Month? At Rainbow Skateland we’re totally excited to celebrate. Since roller skates debuted at a party in 1760, they’ve been super popular–almost 40 million people skate every year! Roller skating is a great activity for kids, families, adults, and everyone in between. Check out all the benefits of skating!

• It Helps Your Mood. Exercise has been shown to decrease symptoms of anxiety, depression, and even attention problems, plus reduce stress. Exercising with friends while listening to great music in a fun environment like Rainbow Skateland means you’ll feel that much better!
• It Helps your Brain. Learning a new skill is a great way to keep your mind fresh. There’s even evidence that learning new things can help prevent dementia.
• It’s a Great Workout! Roller skating offers a cardio workout similar to jogging. Skating is good for the lungs, heart, legs, and the muscles of the core, which are so important for posture and preventing back pain. Plus, skating is easier on your joints than running or walking, because it’s so low-impact. Your knees especially will appreciate that!
• It’s Fun! Sometimes fun is the only excuse you need. Get together with your family for a special bonding night, or invite friends for an adult-only skate session to revisit fun memories from childhood! Check out our schedule to see what times work best for your group.

Whatever your reason for celebrating National Roller Skating Month, we hope you’ll do it with us at Rainbow Skateland in Lockport, NY!

Owning your own roller skates is a great way to have fun and get exercise, but they can be a big investment! At Rainbow Skateland in Lockport, NY, we want you to get the most out of your skate purchase. Check out these tips for roller skate maintenance,

• The Inside. The inside of roller skate boots can easily become damp, whether from spills, puddles, or just foot sweat. Wipe down your skates inside and out every time you take them off, unlace them, and leave them to air dry naturally. Don’t put your skates near a heating source to dry them–this can damage them.
• The Toe-Stop. If your skates come with an adjustable toe-stop, experiment to see what position works best for you. Even if your toe-stop isn’t adjustable it can become loose, so check periodically to make sure it’s secure.
• The Wheels. Your wheels should spin freely, without obstruction. If not, check to see if they are dirty, gunky, worn, or even chipped or cracked. Dirty wheels can be removed, cleaned, and then put back on. Just like on a car, wheels in bad condition mean your skates won’t perform as well. They can also be dangerous, so broken or very worn wheels should be replaced.

• The Underside. The “truck” is the metal piece that holds the wheel axles. Most skaters will want their skates’ trucks to be tight and secure, so don’t forget to adjust them if needed. Even advanced skaters who loosen theirs for more mobility should check them regularly to make sure they aren’t too loose.

If you have an issue or problem you can’t fix, come see us at the Rainbow Skateland Pro Shop. We love to talk skating!

Since the new school year has already begun, has your group started thinking about fall fundraising events? Now is the time, and the place is Rainbow Skateland in Lockport, NY, where we put the FUN in fundraising.

Hosting a Fundraiser Rebate Party is easy for your organizers, fun for your guests, and profitable for your organization. It’s also simple. Guests pay the regular skate session admission price, which includes skate rental, and your group gets a $2 rebate for each admission. It’s that easy! No need to worry about percentages of profits, setting up, cleaning up, or figuring out entertainment or activities–just contact us to book your date, bring all your friends and family, and enjoy the night.

Fundraiser Rebate Parties are available three days a week: Monday and Friday for the after school skate session beginning at 4:00, or Saturday for the evening skate session. Whichever day you pick, your guests will have a blast and your organization will profit. Whether you’re raising money for your school, PTA/PTO, sports team, after school club, or any other group, Rainbow Skateland is your best bet.

Bake sales donuts, and car washes may be more traditional fundraisers, and many schools turn to catalog sales, shifting the burden of raising funds to individual parents and students. Hosting your event at Rainbow Skateland means nobody has to go door-to-door, cart boxes of stuff, or even stay to clean up afterwards. Spaces fill up fast, so contact us today and let’s start planning your school’s event!

Are your kids getting enough exercise? According to guidelines, kids ages 6 and over need about one hour of physical activity a day! That can be hard to come by, with school and extracurricular activities taking up so much time, but we have good news: roller skating isn’t just a fun way to spend some time with family, it’s also a great source of exercise! Check out all the health benefits of roller skating: 

• Cardio. Roller skating is comparable to jogging in terms of an aerobic workout, with about half as much impact on the joints. Increasing your heart rate through aerobic exercise will strengthen it, just like any muscle, so that it can work more efficiently. Cardio exercise also increases oxygen flow to the brain!
• Muscle Strength. Did you know roller skating uses most of the muscles of your body? It strengthens your legs, your arms (when you use them for balance), and your core–the muscles of your abdomen and back which are so important for balance and posture. It’s especially good for the legs. Plus, since it’s so low-impact, it causes fewer injuries than most organized sports.
• Burning Calories. Depending on how vigorously you do it, roller skating can burn up to 600 calories per hour!
• Boosting Mood. Hanging around with friends and family, listening to great music, and getting some exercise are all a ticket to feeling happier, which is good for your body and your brain.

At Rainbow Skateland in Lockport, NY we understand the health benefits of roller skating. We also have great weekly specials to make it more affordable! Bring your family and join us for some active fun!

Are you looking for the greatest kids birthday parties at the best price? Look no further than Rainbow Skateland in Lockport, NY!

When you host a birthday party at Rainbow Skateland, we handle all the details: setup, cleanup, activities, food and drinks, place settings, a dedicated Party Coach, and even invitations. All you have to worry about is the guest list, the birthday cake, and the guest of honor. Our affordable party packages include admission and skate rental, plus a free return admission for the birthday child. After that, your party can be as simple or as elaborate as you’d like! Do you want your guests to spend some time playing mini golf or lazer tag? Would they enjoy tokens for our arcade games, or maybe some time in the bounce house? Our party add-ons are as affordable as they are fun.

If you want to really take a birthday to the next level, consider our super popular glow party option! When you select this upgrade, which can be added to either a Deluxe or Teen Party, we turn off the lights for your party and turn up the glow. Not only will we supply your guests with all the glow necklaces and bracelets they can handle, but the plates, cups, plasticware, and centerpieces will also glow!

At Rainbow Skateland, we’ve been doing this a long time, and we’re the best at it. Parties are available during any open session except Friday night; we also offer private parties for groups of 50 of more. Call us today and let’s get started planning the greatest birthday party yet!

Roller skating is a fun, safe way for the whole family to enjoy getting some exercise. But what if you don’t know how to skate? Don’t panic, it’s not as hard as it looks! Rainbow Skateland in Lockport, NY welcomes skaters of all ability levels, including people who have never worn a roller skate before. Here are some tips to get you started.

• Relax! The first step is to take a few deep breaths and shake out your shoulders. Roller skating in a rink is safer than outside, because our skate floor is carefully maintained to keep it smooth and level. Remember, our friendly, knowledgeable staff are here to help you have a great time. If you have questions, ask! 
• Safety First. Make sure you get the right size skates, and that they are laced properly. Ask for help from a staff member if you’re not sure. Wear comfortable clothing that doesn’t drag the floor. While a helmet, knee pads, and elbow guards are not required at Rainbow Skateland, you should wear safety gear if it makes you feel more comfortable.
• Assume the Position. Once you’re laced into your skates, stand with feet about shoulder-width apart, bend your knees, and squat. Act like you’re sitting in a chair.
• Lean Forward. Your instinct will be to lean back to keep from falling, but this is the opposite of what you want to do. Leaning forward will give you more control and better balance.

And finally, don’t forget to practice. As with any activity, the more you roller skate the better you’ll get! Check out our special events or come visit Rainbow Skateland any time we’re open for open skating.

Roller skating is a great way to have fun and get exercise, and at Rainbow Skateland in Lockport, NY, kids and parents can rest easy knowing they are enjoying a safe, clean environment. But every activity comes with risks. Here are some skating safety tips to follow at any rink. 

• Use Your Eyes. Look where you’re going, even when you’re skating backwards, and be aware of objects and other skaters in your path. Keep an extra eye out for younger kids or anyone who may have fallen.
• Skate Safety. Make sure you get the right size skates. If you’re not sure, don’t guess–ask for help! Keep your skates firmly laced at all times. Again, if you need help lacing and tying skates, don’t hesitate to ask a staff member. If you notice your skates are untied, stop skating and tie them immediately. Untied laces are a huge tripping
• Follow the Rules. This means don’t throw things, push and shove, or trip other skaters. Always skate in the same direction as everyone else. Obey the Rainbow Skateland staff at all times–they are here to make sure kids and adults stay safe while having fun.
• Dress for Success. Wear comfortable clothing you can move freely in, but that does not drag the ground. NEVER skate without socks. Safety equipment like helmets and knee pads are optional at Rainbow Skateland, but don’t be afraid to wear them if you feel more comfortable!

With a little extra attention to safety, we can all make sure everyone has a good time and stays safe! Parents, feel free to contact Rainbow Skateland with any questions or concerns. We’ll see you at the rink!

With summer upon it, it’s important to pay attention to the thermostat. Here are some ways to protect yourself from heat this summer.

• Stay Hydrated – First, make sure you drink enough water! The more you sweat, the more water you lose, so the hotter it gets, the you more you need to drink. Starting the day with a big glass of water before your coffee will give you a great head start. Carrying a reusable water bottle will go a long way towards keeping you hydrated.
• Be Sun Smart – Wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30 any time you’re outside, and reapply after swimming, sweating, or being outside for several hours. Don’t forget the parts of your body you’re likely to miss, like the back of the neck and the tops of the ears. A broad-brimmed hat can help protect these areas as well. Seek the shade when the sun’s rays are most direct, usually between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. Consider switching to indoor fun activities during these times, like afternoon skating at Rainbow Skateland. 
• Dress Right – Wearing loose, light-colored clothes will help keep you cool. A sundress or loose shorts will keep you way cooler than blue jeans. Also remember that clothes made of natural fibers like cotton, linen, and even bamboo will “breathe” better than polyester and rayon, and be a lot more comfortable to wear when it’s hot outside.

Following these tips will help you stay cool outside this summer. When you’re ready to come inside, check out the great indoor attractions at Rainbow Skateland in Lockport, NY!

There’s so many awesome events at Rainbow Skateland in Lockport this summer! Escape the heat and beat the Monday blues by coming out to skate!

June 19th, 5:00 – 9:00: join us for half-priced admission with a donation of paper goods to the Niagara Community Action Program! NICAP offers emergency support and assistance to families and individuals in crisis in Niagara County. Services include food, clothing, assistance with rent, utilities, or prescription costs. NICAP also offers counseling, education, and advocacy assistance. Bring paper towels, toilet paper, etc. to donate to this great cause and get admission for just $2.50 (skate rental is not included)!

Christian Music Skate: the second Monday of every month, come out for Christian Music Skate! Enjoy skating, fellowship, and fitness with uplifting, kid-friendly music the whole family can enjoy. Admission is just $5, and includes skate rental! Christian Music Skate is great for youth groups or choir trips. 

Don’t forget that Rainbow Skateland in Lockport offers so much more than skating. Check out our 18-hole mini golf course, spend some time in our pro shop, bring the kids to the bounce zone, win tickets in our arcade and take them to the Stuff Shop, or grab some friends and challenge them to a game or two in the Laser Tron! Up to 30 people can play at once! 

Can’t make it to a special event? Join us any time we’re open for open skate hours. Rainbow Skateland always provides a safe, fun environment for active play and family fun.