Can you believe that we’re already in the year 2020? If you were born before 2000, you probably feel like the 1980s are still 20 years ago! While we may have grown up, established careers, homes, and even families of our own, it’s still a crazy feeling to be living in the 2020s. 

As you reflect on New Year’s resolutions and plans for not only the year, but the coming decade, don’t forget one very important thing: Make time for traditions. 

Family traditions are the source of so many happy memories, and no matter how old we get or how far from home we may travel, those traditions can help us feel at home again. So what traditions do you share with your kids? If you’re looking for ways to make memories and get closer as a family, check out these ideas for family traditions 

Family Traditions to Start With Your Kids

Helping Hands

One of the best traditions you can pass on to your kids is a legacy of serving others. There are so many ways to give back to the people around you and teach your kids compassion, from mowing an elderly neighbor’s lawn, to the way you treat homeless people, to helping out in your kids’ classrooms. While empathy and compassion are important to focus on every day, you can also turn lending a helping hand into a family tradition that you and your kids will cherish. Choose a day once a month, quarter, or year to be family service day. Take the whole family to volunteer or give back in some way, for example: 

• Adopt a road, beach, or pond and (safely) pick up trash. You don’t have to officially adopt a highway. Just start taking care of the land around you and take pride in keeping it clean and safe to the best of your abilities. 
• Volunteer at a food bank or soup kitchen, sorting food donations, preparing food, or serving food to people who need it. 
• If your kids are old enough, consider working on a Habitat for Humanity house or some kind of community building project. They’ll learn valuable building skills and you’ll all feel a sense of pride knowing that you built something together. 

Family Fun Night 

Life can get so busy, and it’s important to make time for the people who mean the most. Set aside a day every week or month to have guaranteed family hangouts. Our Family Skate session every Saturday is a great way to spend some time bonding with your kids while having a blast! 

Birthday Bashes

Birthdays are extra special when you have a family tradition (or several) to go along with them! Some fun birthday traditions include: 

• Birthday time capsules – Each family member gets a shoe box or other small container, and every year on their birthday they add an item or two to remind them of the last year. When your kids are 18, the whole family can look through and see what they were into when they were dinosaur-obsessed at 6 or going through a goth phase at 14. 
• Movie night – Have a family movie night and let the birthday kid pick the movie and a snack. 

An awesome birthday party – You never forget those really cool childhood birthday parties, especially when your parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends are there. At Rainbow Skateland, we throw the best birthday parties in Lockport! 

It’s cold, wet, and dreary outside, and your kids are going stir crazy. You know that Netflix and Disney+ are only going to keep them distracted for so long, and then what? You need the cure for cabin fever and you need it NOW. Fortunately there’s plenty of winter fun to be had if you know where to look. Check out these things to do in Lockport, New York during the winter, and get ready to make some memories with your family.

Winter Activities in Lockport

It can be hard to make yourself get up and be active when it’s cold and wet outside, but once you do, you’ll be glad! Indoor activities allow you (and especially your kids) to burn off some of that pent-up energy and stretch your legs. 

Go Roller Skating (And More!)

Visit us at Rainbow Skateland for an afternoon that’s not just fun, but also active! Roller skating is a great workout for all ages, with health benefits ranging from aerobic conditioning to stronger leg and core muscles. Learning to skate gives your kids a physical activity they can enjoy for the rest of their lives, and can help them develop their balance and agility skills. 

In addition to roller skating, we also have an inflatable indoor playground—the Bounce Zone—for kids up to 54” tall, plus an arcade and Lasertron laser tag! There’s no better place to spend a cold, rainy day in Lockport than having a blast and making memories at Rainbow Skateland. 

Test Your Skills at Rock Climbing

Another great indoor activity near Lockport is rock climbing. Indoor rock climbing gyms are an exciting, challenging, and adventurous way to get moving during the harsh New York winter. Kids as young as 7 can learn to climb, so if you have a kid that loves to scale anything she can get her hands on, rock climbing might be just what your family needs. 

Between roller skating and rock climbing, you and your kids will get a fantastic strength-building workout for your upper body, lower body, and especially your core! 

Check Out Buffalo’s Museums

Lockport, Buffalo, and Niagara County are rich with history, and we have some great museums to explore when you want to get out of the house without being out in the cold. Pick one of the Buffalo history museums to explore with your kids, and learn about our area’s history from the Underground Railroad and the steel industry to frontier life and the Erie Canal. 

In addition to some wonderful history museums dedicated to a number of topics, there’s also the Buffalo Museum of Science and the Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State. 

No matter what you get up to this winter, we hope you have a fun time doing it! What are your favorite winter activities in Lockport and Niagara County?

If you’re in charge of planning the celebrations at your office, congratulations, and good luck! You have the honor and responsibility of planning a fantastic event, which is great if it’s a success, and not-so-great if the party flops. You’ve got a lot on the line, but don’t worry—we’re here to help. Read on for some corporate holiday party ideas and tips from the group event experts at Rainbow Skateland in Lockport. 

Corporate Holiday Parties

Company holiday parties serve several purposes; showing appreciation for your employees’ hard work, giving everyone a chance to unwind before moving into a new year, and recognizing individuals or teams for their contributions, just to name a few. However, the company holiday party is also a perfect opportunity for team building. If you’re going to invest all that time and money into throwing a party, you might as well incorporate some team building activities while you have everyone together. 

Holiday Team Building Activities

There are plenty of fun ways to put a holiday twist on team building. Consider some of these team building activities for your corporate event. 

• Split people into teams and have a candy cane relay skate race.
• Play Santa’s reindeer (aka start a conga line). Have “Santa” challenge the group by zigging and zagging.
• Build gingerbread houses as a team – you could make this competitive by judging based on best build, speed, funniest, etc. 
• Make it a charity skate-athon. Pledge a company donation based on the number of laps they can skate in a given time. 
• Create a scavenger hunt. 
• Include a food, toy, or coat drive in your event. Document how many donations are given, and make sure the team knows they made a difference together. 
• Set up a photo booth with fun holiday props and let each department or team take a group photo. 
• Organize a gift swap game. There are lots of variations to try and they’re all pretty entertaining, from Hot Potato to White Elephant to Dirty Santa. 

The best team bonding activities are ones that everyone can participate in. Roller skating is great for corporate outings because most people know how to do it and have fond memories of skating as kids. It’s good for young and old folks alike, as it’s active without being too intense. 

When you book a group event at Rainbow Skateland, we make party planning easy and fun! Our private events include music of your choice, activities, and a light show, as well as additional activities that can be added to your package, like arcade tokens, laser tag, and even the bounce zone if you’re having a family-inclusive event. 

Give us a call at 716-507-4381 to book your event, or book your party online! 

It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of life, and before you know it, another year has come and gone. But childhood—and life in general—is fleeting, so don’t forget to make time for fun with the people who are most important to you! If you’re looking for fun things to do in the area, you’re in the right place. Check out these tips for planning your next family outing in Lockport, New York. 

Save the Date(s)

The first step to planning a great outing with your family is to choose a time that works for everyone. It can be tough juggling everyone’s schedules with work, school, extracurriculars, and friends, but try to find a day when everyone can be available without missing any important activities. (And remember, for kids and teens, something like a friend’s birthday party can feel a lot more important than it might seem to an adult.) 

You might want to set a monthly or even weekly family day to ensure everyone gets some quality time together. Having a set family hangout event on your calendar is a good way to make sure you’re all taking time to rest, relax, and connect instead of just feeling like ships passing in the night. 

If you need some help managing your family’s schedule, check out this list of the best calendar apps for families. 

Choose a Crowd Pleaser

After you find a time for your family fun day, it’s time to choose what you’ll do. Try to pick something that everyone in the family can enjoy, even if your kids are far apart in age. If you’re looking for fun family activities in Lockport, come visit us at Rainbow Skateland! Our family entertainment facility has something for everyone, from roller skating and laser tag to arcade games and a kids’ bouncy playground. 

Get Moving

It’s easy to settle for “family time” spent zoning out on the couch in front of the TV, but that’s probably not the quality family time you’re looking for, and it’s certainly not the stuff of fond childhood memories. Instead, get everyone off the couch and get them moving! 

Roller skating is wonderful exercise for all ages, from little kids to seniors. Laser tag is its own brand of heart-pumping fun, and of course your energetic kiddos can tire themselves out from a jumping session on our inflatables. 

Feed on Fun Food

Once your crowd is tired out from all the skating, laser tag, and bouncing, it’s time to refuel with a family meal. Head over to concessions to grab a pizza; after all, pizza is officially The Most Fun Food Ever, right?

Document the Day

Last, but not least, make sure to snap some photos of your family having fun! And parents, don’t think you have to stay behind the camera all the time. Let your kids take pictures of you, too, or ask someone else to take a family photo. Remember, social media platforms (and the specific selfie styles they spawn) come and go, but candid photos of your family skating and enjoying each others’ company are timeless. 
We hope to see you soon at Rainbow Skateland, and we’d love to see your photos! Check in and tag us on social media so we will be sure to see your posts.

When it comes to family fun, some activities are just better than others. We’ll admit to being a little predisposed, but we still think roller skating is one of the best! There are so many reasons why roller skating is awesome, from the physical benefits (aerobic exercise, core and lower body muscle strengthening, balance and agility skills) to the social value (skating is fun, great for groups, and brings people together with music and games). 

Many of us grew up roller skating, but what about younger generations? Read on to learn how to get your kids involved in roller skating.

Introducing Kids to Roller Skating

Here at Rainbow Skateland in Lockport, NY, we love getting to share the fun of skating with newcomers. Our rental skates run from toddler size 6 up to adult size 14, so the whole family can enjoy time on the rink together. 

• Join us for Rollers & Strollers
  • This roller skating program for preschool age children takes place here at our Lockport skating rink every Tuesday from 10 am to noon from October through May. 
  • $6 admission includes skate rental, usage of skate trainers, and time in the Bounce Zone (54” maximum height)
  • Wheeled riding toys are also allowed for this event.
• Bargain Nights with Half Price Activities
  • Taking the whole family out can get expensive; fortunately we’ve got you covered with Half Price Night every Tuesday from 5-8 pm! (October – May) 
  • Enjoy skating admission for just $3, Bounce Zone admission for just $1.50, and Lasertron admission for only $3.50! 
• Learn to Skate Class
  • Help your child learn the fundamentals of roller skating at our weekly Learn to Skate Class! Skating is a skill they can enjoy for the rest of their lives, so help them start off on the right foot with basic techniques like how to glide, how to fall safely and get back up, etc. 
  • $7 admission (skate rental $3) includes entrance to Afternoon Skate session taking place afterward from noon to 4:30 pm. 
• Family of 4 Deal
  • After a long week, spending some quality time with your kids is so important for everyone’s mental health. Celebrate the weekend and your time together with our 7:30 pm to 10 pm Family Skate. 
  • $48 admission  includes arcade games, skate rentals, 1 pizza, 1 pitcher of soda, and use of the Bounce Zone for kids under 54 inches tall. 

Ready to let the good times roll with your kiddos? We hope to see you at one of our fun, family-friendly Lockport events soon!

Raise your hand if you love Halloween! Arguably one of the most fun holidays on the calendar, Halloween is a great excuse to eat candy, dress up, and have a scary good time with friends. Why not celebrate with a spooky costume skating party for your friends and family this year?  Read on to learn 5 reasons you should host a Halloween roller skating party at Rainbow Skateland. 

Dress for (Halloween Party) Success

The number one reason to host a Halloween party of any kind is because dressing up is just plain fun! Halloween costumes aren’t just for kids; adults should exercise their imaginations as well, and where better to do that than a Halloween costume party? Make sure your guests know that costumes are required, then get ready to blow up Snapchat and Instagram with awesome pics of you and your crew.

Get Your Guests Gabbing 

Costume parties are a great way to break the ice if you’re inviting people from different social circles. There’s no need to worry whether or not your best friend will hit it off with your work friends or neighbors, because they’ll already be having a conversation about who would win in a fight, Frankenstein or Eleven from Stranger Things? (Spoiler alert: Obviously El.) 

Skate Away Those Candy Calories 

Obviously one of the best parts of Halloween is the candy, but it’s important to maintain balance when it comes to health and nutrition. Roller skating parties are great because they are not only fun, but also get everyone up and active! Roller skating burns calories and tones muscles in your abdomen, quads, glutes, and calves. 

Avoid Weather and Safety Issues

When planning an event of any kind, it’s always important to take the weather into consideration. Hosting your event indoors removes the stress of wondering whether it will be ruined by rain, lightning, or wind. Furthermore, many parents these days are concerned about letting kids go out trick-or-treating. Booking a Halloween skating party with us is a safe alternative to unsupervised or dangerous trick-or-treating around town. Kids and families can enjoy your Halloween party without having to worry about erratic drivers, stranger danger, or sugar-fueled kids running amok in the dark. 

Easy Fun for Ghouls and Boils

Hosting at home, school, or church requires a lot more work than hosting your Halloween event at a party venue like our Lockport skating rink and family fun center. We’re party experts and take care of the setup and cleaning so you can relax and have fun. Plus, your party entertainment is built right in. There’s no need to come up with hours of activities to keep everyone engaged when we have roller skating, arcade games, mini golf, a bouncy playground, and laser tag!

There’s a chill in the air and the scent of pumpkin spice on the wind. The sweaters and boots are coming out and the leaves are falling. Yes, all the signs are plain to see: It’s fall, y’all! If you’re looking for fun family activities in the area, you’re in luck. Check out some of the best fall events in Lockport this October and get ready to scare up some fun!

Scarecrow Festival – Saturday, October 5th, 9 am to 3 pm

This local fall festival is hosted by the Lions Club. Make your own scarecrow, shop the flea market, and enjoy food from a variety of vendors. There will also be pony rides and games for the kids.  

Oktoberfest – Saturday, October 5th, 6 pm

Come hungry because the Niagara History Center’s annual Oktoberfest celebration will be serving up delicious German foods, including brats, sauerkraut, roast pork, German-style potato salad, sweet and sour cabbage, and (for the adults) plenty of beer! In addition to the smorgasbord of culinary delights, there will be live performances of traditional Bavarian music. Reservations are required, so check out the event page for more details. 

YMCA Fall Festival – Saturday, October 26th, 11 am to 2 pm

This family-friendly event focuses on outdoor activities, with archery, field games, and a climbing wall. There will also be kids’ activities, s’mores, a chili cook-off, and more! 

Veterans Day Skate – Monday, November 12th, noon to 8 pm

Celebrate our troops at our Veterans Day Skate. Admission is FREE to veterans and active military with military ID. Check out our schedule to see more upcoming events at Rainbow Skateland in Lockport. 

If you’re an experienced skater, you’ve likely developed some preferences for your skates and know just how you want them to be. So what can you do if none of the ready-to-go skate sets appeal to your preferences and style? Don’t stress – DIY! Read on for some tips on how to build your own custom roller skates from parts, and find out where to buy skate parts and roller skates in Lockport, NY. 

Buying skate parts for custom skates

The best part of creating your own custom roller skates is that you can get them exactly how you want, from boot to plate, trucks to bearings, wheels to toe stops, and even the color of your laces. Visit our Lockport pro shop and chat with our friendly staff about what you’re looking for. We have a wide array of roller skate parts as well as the ability to order pretty much anything you would need for a custom skate build. 

You can even turn sneakers into roller skates fairly easily, so you can roll in style in your Vans, Chucks, or Jordans! Just be aware that you may need to do some extra reinforcing in certain places, and they typically will not offer the same level of support and durability as real skate boots. 

Whatever you’re in the market for, make it a reality at the Rainbow Skateland pro shop, or show off your custom skates during one of our skating sessions! You can also check out these resources for more DIY skate-building tips. 

• How to Build Your Own Roller Skates
• Guide to Skate Wheels
• Guide to Roller Skate Bearings

It’s hard to believe that summer is almost over, but sure enough, families in Lockport are preparing for the first day of school on September 4th. While you’re shopping for school supplies, backpacks, and the perfect first day of school outfits for your kids, it’s also a great time to book a back-to-school field trip in Lockport. Your child’s class will have a blast learning with us at Rainbow Skateland!

Educational, Active, and FUN Field Trips

According to Informal Science, “Field trips are recognized as important moments in learning; a shared social experience that provides the opportunity for students to encounter and explore novel things in an authentic setting.” Even the National Science Teachers Association states that field trips can “deepen and enhance” classroom study. 

So, what will students learn during a roller skating field trip? There are many possibilities, but the physics of roller skating is a popular subject for educators to tie in with classroom science curricula. Students can learn about friction and speed with activities that demonstrate the math and science theories in action. 

In addition to the STEM aspects of a roller skating field trip, it’s also a great physical education opportunity! Roller skating can help students develop balance, strengthen core and leg muscles, and improve stamina, all while having fun and socializing with their classmates. 

Don’t wait too late to schedule a skating field trip at your school! Parents and teachers, contact us at 716-507-4381 or online for more information or to make a school group reservation. 

Do you love cracking open a new book, appreciating the colorful regularity of a freshly-opened box of crayons, or inhaling the intoxicating scent of a new car? Well, if you’re a skater, you can also get that feeling from opening up a box to see your brand new roller skates! While getting a new pair of skates is definitely exciting, don’t forget that just like shoes, skate boots need to be broken in.

Learn how to protect your ankles while breaking in roller skates with these 3 tips from the skating pros at Rainbow Skateland. 

• Wear the right socks. Socks aren’t just mandatory at the skating rink, they can also make a big difference in the comfort of your skate boots! If your boots are a little too loose, you can wear heavier, more padded socks like you would for long-distance running. A smidge too tight? Opt for thinner socks to give yourself a little wiggle room. If the skate is rubbing your ankle, protect yourself with taller socks. 
• Add some extra cushioning with moleskin padding. Moleskin and similar products are widely used to ease or prevent the pain caused by new shoe friction. If you’ve tried on your skates at home and feel like there may be some friction on your toes, the top of your foot, or the side or back of your ankle, be proactive and add some moleskin to protect your foot from the boot. 
• Use an ankle sleeve or bootie. Available in different designs, colors, and thicknesses from various manufacturers, ankle sleeves like this one can protect your foot and ankle from chafing and blisters until you break in your skates. Some people also appreciate the extra ankle support, so you may end up using it even afterward! Just be sure to choose a model that is either seamless or has seams positioned in such a way as to avoid causing more friction. 

Once you know how to break in your skates without hurting your ankles, it’s time to get rolling! Join us at our open skating sessions in Lockport any time.