The holidays are here and that means that a new year is also upon us. Here at Rainbow Skateland in Lockport, New York, we’ve been thinking about some resolutions for the new year. We want to share them with families who might need a little encouragement for 2018. When making New Year’s resolutions for you and the kids, it’s best to keep them simple and obtainable. Doing this makes it easy and fun to make changes for the better in the coming year! Check out a few resolutions we’re putting on our list this year.

• Eat Healthier – We’re all busy and our schedules can make it tough to eat right all the time. Luckily, eating right “all the time” isn’t what we’re after with this resolution. Changing a few snacks from sweets to fruit throughout the day can make a huge difference. Change your eating habits in small doses this year and don’t bite off more than you can chew!
• Make More Time For Fun – Life should be fun! And it shouldn’t be so hard to find fun either, but with work, raising kids and all the other responsibilities of life, it can be tricky to find time for fun. Scheduling time to do something enjoyable with your family, like a night out at the skating rink, can be a great way to make sure you set aside the time to let loose!
• Be Kind – At Rainbow Skateland, this is our favorite resolution. Kindness is contagious and if you do your best to be kind, chances are it’ll spread like wildfire. Smile more, make sure to laugh, and don’t hold onto hard feelings. These things will go a long way to making you a kinder and happier person.

These are just a few ideas that we’ve had for very doable New Year’s resolutions, but of course, it’s great to come up with a few of your own! Roll down to Rainbow and let us know what you’ve decided to do for your New Year’s resolution this year!

Roller skating doesn’t require much gear, but it’s impossible to do without one very basic piece of equipment: your skates! When you’re just starting out it can be tough to decide which kind to get. Should you try quad or inline skates? Here at Rainbow Skateland we’re skating experts; check out our roller-skate primer to see which skates are right for you.

Quad vs. Inline Skates: The Basics

• Wheels. Both types of skates have four wheels. Quad skates have two in the front and two in the back, while inline skates, funnily enough, have all their wheels in a line.

• Advantages. Quads are more stable, while inlines are faster and more maneuverable. Quads are easier for beginners, but inlines offer more ankle support. Inline skates may be easier for people who are used to ice skating, since the wheel configuration is similar to the blade.

• Uses. Quad skates are used in artistic skating and roller derby and are standard in most indoor tracks. Inline skates are used in roller hockey and speed skating and are similar to ice skates.
• Braking. Quad skates have brakes on the toe; inline skates require braking at the heel.

Of course, the only way to really know which type of skate is best for you is to try them both out! Come visit Rainbow Skateland any time we’re open to give both types of skates a go. We have a variety of options available to rent. Remember that the staff are here to help and can answer all your questions, as well as help you make sure your skates fit properly. We can’t wait to see you!

Have you ever heard someone say they wished they’d learned to do something when they were young and then go on to lament that they are “too old” now? Well, here at Rainbow Skateland in Lockport, NY, we say “Hogwash!” You’re never too old (or too young) to start experiencing the thrill of skating. We have skating programs and open sessions for every age group.

Just for the Grown Ups

Every Monday night from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., we offer Adult Night here at Rainbow Skateland. Adults 18 and over get a chance to own the rink or take a lesson without worrying about kids skating circles around you.

Have Fun with the Whole Family

Our family night is a huge hit for all ages! We offer family-friendly fun every Saturdays from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., which means it’s time to load the kids in the car and bring the family down to Rainbow Skateland for a few hours of fun!

Roller and Strollers

Every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., we’re the place for pre-school playtime! This is the perfect thing for parents with young children who want to learn how to skate, bounce around in our super fun bounce houses, and meet new friends.

These are just a few of the fun programs we offer here at Rainbow Skateland, but we offer a plenty of other awesome specialized sessions and open skating times. Check out our online schedule for a full rundown of what’s going on here in Lockport, then stop by for some fun!

Are you ready for the holidays? No, not just Thanksgiving–National Family Week! It’s coming up on November 19th through 25th. How will you be celebrating your family? Here are some ideas from Rainbow Skateland in Lockport, NY!

Holiday Shopping as a Family

Holiday shopping is a fact of life, but it doesn’t always have to be terrible! Turn this task into less of chore by making it a game. Older kids can help with budgeting, and all kids can help with keeping lists, thinking of gifts, and even playing Santa’s Helper for younger siblings. Most stores have maps available online; print one out and have kids help you plot the best route between the stores or aisles you need to visit. 

Staying Active

Consider heading outside now, before the winter is upon us and the weather turns really terrible. Lockport is home to some beautiful parks and trails, appropriate for hikers of all abilities. Your own neighborhood and backyard are also a great source of outdoor time. The important thing is to get moving and get some sunshine while there’s still sunshine to get!

Skate the Day Away

And of course, when weather woes get you down, come to Rainbow Skateland for open skate sessions or some of our other fun attractions! You’ll never have to worry about outdoor mishaps. Exercise has been shown to help boost moods and reduce stress, which is especially important as we head into the most chaotic time of the year! It can even help reduce the symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder.

No matter how you choose to celebrate your family, we hope you’ll join ours at Rainbow Skateland!

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!