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Monroe Street Midway
Credit: @exploremichiganmore

Date Night on Wheels: 9 Roller Rinks in Detroit

Story by Katherine Stozicki

Roller Skating is the perfect way to spend a weekend afternoon together as a family, or for a chilly weather date night! With wonderful and historical roller rinks across the metro Detroit area, there’s no doubt you’ll be able to find the perfect fit for you.

Skating in Detroit and RollerCade

Detroit has an established roller skating history which include RollerCade, one of the oldest Black-owned skating rinks in the nation. Detroit style skating and the The Detroit Skater stem from the creation and craft of Motown music and is rooted rhythm, style, and class. RollerCade is the premier example of the class of the Detroit skate scene.

RollerCade has been family owned since 1955 and was founded during a time when there was only one roller rink in Detroit that allowed Blacks to only skate one day out of the week. RollerCade’s founders, Johnnie Mae Folks and Leroy Folks, who migrated to Michigan from Alabama, decided they should open their own rink. Since then, RollerCade has been passed down from generation to generation serving the community members of metro Detroit.

In addition to its physical location, RollerCade has played a major role in the development of the Monroe Street midway roller rink. Midway Street offers a variety of programs, but for several years, RollerCade has been one of the main sponsors of the roller rink. For a small fee, which includes skate rental, the public can enjoy their time on the outdoor roller rink. It’s not only a great summer activity, but a great way to skate outdoors!

RollerCade is the perfect place to check out whether you’re looking for a fun date night spot or for a family-fun Saturday. Some themed days that RollerCade offers include adult skate (18+), R&B skate (21+), Old School Skating (25+) and family skate on Saturday.

woman ice roller skates
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Rollercade
Credit: @jasminek_brown

Skating in Metro Detroit

The New Rink
Found in Shelby Township is the New Rink. New Rink offers both open skate if you’re looking for something to do on date night as well as family skate days and fun themes such as Super Mario and Princess Peach Day! The New Rink also has a bounce zone as well as the ability to book private parties. This is the perfect place to visit on a day off from school, or a chilly night!

Skate World of Troy
Skate World of Troy offers several fun activities and themes. Enjoy Ninja Turtle Skate, Halloween parties (for families or adults only!), Barbie Skate, Troll Skate, Glow Skate, and much more! Skate World of Troy offers that classic skate feel with many updated and relevant programs.

Northland Roller Rink
One of Detroit’s oldest roller rinks is Northland Roller Rink! Founded in 1950, many original features of Northland Roller Rink can still be seen alongside its updated floor, lights, and sound system. Northland Roller Rink’s floor is one of the largest in the country and is the size of an airplane hangar! Book a private party, enjoy adult’s only skating, or have a family fun day!

Roller Skate Detroit
For those adults looking to get back into skating, or who remember it fondly from childhood, then Roller Skate Detroit may be just what you have been looking for. Roller Skate Detroit aims to introduce, or reintroduce, adults in into the roller-skating community through their initiative USKATE. They have both open skate and full skating training program as well as meet ups.

BonaVenture Family Skating
Pizza, DJ’s, light shows, and more—what else could you ask for when looking for a great roller rink escape on a cold day? BonaVenture family skate in Utica offers monthly skating memberships, private parties, open skate, a play zone, arcade games, and lessons! In addition to their family activities, BonaVenture also offers an adult mix skating group perfect for date night or even if you’re just looking to get back into skating.

Rolladium Skating Center
What started as a roller rink attached to a grocery store in 1942 has become a family favorite place for many! Eventually, that small skating rink was expanded to have a premium rotunda floor and thus Rolladium was born in Waterford. Rolladium offers adult skate, family skate, and teen open skate as well as an arcade and ropes course.

Riverside Arena Roller Skating
Located in Livonia you can find Riverside Arena. Featuring pre-school open skate, family open skate, teen open skate, and a 70s/80s/90s themed music nights, Riverside Arena is perfect for any outing! Looking to advance your skating skills? riverside Arena also offers basic, advanced, rhythmic, dance, and preschool classes.

The Great Skate
With colorful lights, a large floor, and great music, what more could you want? The Great Skate, located in Roseville, features adult open skate, family skate, lessons, and a kid’s night out! You won’t be disappointed by great Skate’s 30,000 square foot facility and state of the art light show on your date night or family fun night out.

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Author

Katherine Stozicki
Katie Stozicki is a writer located in Detroit, Michigan. Currently a junior at Wayne State University studying English, Katie has been involved with publications and storytelling for several years. Starting as communications director for the Rochester-Avon Historical society as a sophomore in high school, Katie has since worked for several different organizations as a writer, marketing specialist, and communications specialist.