Wheels Skating Center

1200 Odenton Road | Odenton, MD | (410) 674-9661 | P.O. Box 439

We Party All of the Time, Not Just for Birthdays!

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roller skates

What is the first thing you think about when you hear “skating rink”? If you thought “children’s birthday,” then you are like most parents. Did you know there is so much more fun to be had at Wheels besides birthday parties?

For our new mothers that are tired of walking the same cul-de-sac every day with the stroller, come to our weekly stroll-n-roll every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9-10 a.m.. This is a great way to not only change your scenery, but also meet and chat with other new moms around the area.

For our parents that need a night out or our child-free roller skaters, we have adults only skate sessions every Tuesday from 7:30 until 9:30 p.m.. This is a time to get your friends together and just get away for a few hours of fun.

We also have weekly open skates and lessons for anyone trying to improve their roller skating ability.

Something unique to Wheels Skate Center is that we not only host several roller skating tournaments and championships throughout the year, but we also have our own competitive roller skating team. The roller skating team practices twice a week and participates in various tournaments throughout the year. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you or your child may be interested in participating.

Earlier, we said we don’t only do birthdays, but when we do them, they are awesome! Check out our website for more information on birthday parties at Wheels. We have different package options, time slots and a bunch of awesome surprises for the guest of honor and your party guests.

If you are still wishing for some fun, check out our full monthly schedule here. We hope we’ve debunked any misconceptions you may have had about roller rinks being “birthday parties only”!

How to Teach Your Kids to Skate

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Happy girl smilingSkating is a wonderful activity for the whole family. It’s a low impact exercise, so it’s a great activity for the young and old. Of course, teaching very young children to skate can be tricky, but with a little extra attention, children as young as 3 can learn to skate with relative ease.

Here are some tips to teaching young children how to skate:

  • Be Patient – This one is probably a given for anyone with young children, but it’s worth mentioning. Skating on the rink can be intimidating for a small child, especially when they’re surrounded by much bigger people going much faster.
  • Start with the Basics – When we say “basics,” we mean it. Try starting with falling and safely getting up. Most people don’t think of falling as something to teach, but once a child is comfortable safely falling and getting up, there’s much less for them to worry about.
  • Get Help from the Professionals – Our Odenton skating lessons are designed for skaters of all ages and abilities. Children still learning to skate will fit right in at our Beginner Classes, which focus on teaching basic skills like balancing on skates, proper posture, roller skating safety, how to start and stop, and how to skate forward and backward. Skaters who have mastered these basics can move onto our Intermediate Class, which teaches how to roll on one foot, crossing, how to turn forward to backward and vice versa, and even basic figure skating and dance skating moves.

Our skating lessons are held each Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The cost is only $5.00 and includes a quad roller skate rental. For more information about our Odenton skating lessons (or our private Advanced skating lesson), contact us at (410) 674-9661!

Enjoy a Spring Break Odenton “Staycation”

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Woman laying in sunlight on grassSpring break is nearly here, so it’s time to start planning a few fun family activities to do with your kids. Here are a few family-friendly Odenton “staycation” ideas:

  • Explore the National Wildlife Visitor Center – Just because school is out doesn’t mean that your kids can’t learn something! The National Wildlife Visitor Center has a ton of wonderful things to do both indoors and outdoors. There are dozens of miles of trails which are great for horseback riding, hiking, and bike riding. Inside there are also lots of wonderful interactive environmental exhibits.
  • Visit Be With Me: The Children’s Playseum – This is a cool book and toy store for children, but it is also an amazing experience for families, as the whole place is designed like a child-sized city. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon with your child, and a great place to pick up a new book to read together for a little spring break reading.
  • Skate at Wheels Skate Center – Our Odenton skate center is the perfect place to spend your child’s spring break! Not only is skating fun for all ages, but skating also makes for an amazing exercise. Children are used to daily PE and recess, so without their normal scheduled physical activities, it’s easy to just spend the day on the couch watching TV. But thankfully, skating is the perfect remedy for being cooped up inside all day!

Check out our hours and upcoming Odenton events, and make your plans to spend a little family time at our amazing Odenton skate center.

A Roll Down Memory Lane

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We have found some epic pictures from roller skating throughout the years. What are your favorite memories surround roller skating? Many people remember racing friends or siblings down hills, streets, or around a cul-de-sac while on roller skates. Even with helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads you probably got your fair share of cuts and bruises.

This brings back so many memories from old school diners and restaurants to scenes in movies like Grease. To this day, there are several restaurants and chains with waitresses on roller skates. Here is a link to 14 Classic American drive-in restaurants still open, which includes Doumar’s in Norfolk, Virginia and Jerry’s Curb Service in Beaver, PA. This could be an awesome theme for a party hosted at Wheels Skate Center. Check out our private party options!
Does anyone remember the roller vinyls? They were key in promoting roller skating as well as disco music. Roller skating and disco music went hand-in-hand. Good music made people want to skate and while skating people needed the good tunes. At Wheels Skate Center, we always make sure to have good music playing. Check out our schedule to see upcoming events and any special theme nights.
This picture and the one below it are part of two of the most iconic roller skating movies of all time, Skatetown U.S.A and Roller Boogie. Both of which would also be an amazing theme for a reunion or girl’s night out.
While Roller Boogie was one of the most popular roller skating movies, the sport has been featured in a number of others including: Xanadu, Rollerball, Rollerblade, Kansas City Bomber, and Unholy Rollers.
Hope you enjoyed our roller skating trip down memory lane. That’s ALL FOLKS!

The Best Party Planning Tips and Tricks

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Birthday cake in foreground with partiers behindTake your party to the next level with these party planning tips and tricks:

    • Choose a venue with built-in entertainment – Why worry about coming up with games or booking performers when you can host a party with the entertainment built right in? Our Odenton roller skating parties are a hit with groups of all ages, from small gatherings to blowout birthdays.
    • Give your guests plenty of notice – 3-4 weeks is standard for casual events, but if your party is going to take place around a holiday weekend, send invitations a little earlier. If you wait too close to the date, your guests may already have plans.
    • Go the extra mile with a theme – Who doesn’t love a theme party? If you’re planning a skate party here at Wheels, you can’t go wrong with a retro roller disco party. 70s, 80s, or 90s costumes are easy for guests to pull together from their own closets or the local thrift store.
    • Share the memories – Don’t let an Instagram-ready event pass without some great photos to remember it by! Create a hashtag like #LeslieKSweet16 or #RonTurns50 and make sure to print it on the invitations, tell your guests, and even make some signs to put on the party tables. That way they can tag their pictures of the event and you can see all the fun moments in one place.

So the next time you’re planning a party and need a fun and original Odenton party venue, we’ve got you covered at Wheels Skate Center. And even if you’re not planning a party, we have lots of upcoming Odenton events for you. Contact us at (410) 674-9661 for more information about planning a special event at Wheels Skate Center!

The Perfect Valentine’s Day Date Night

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Valentine’s Day is almost here, and if you’re in a relationship you may be looking for date ideas. Whether on Valentine’s Day or any day, the best dates don’t depend on a big budget, fancy dress, or dozens of roses. What makes a date special is choosing something that will be memorable … which is why skate dates are a hit!

Couple holding hands

Avoid the Same Old Things

When looking for Odenton date ideas, avoid the same old tired of ideas. Dinner and a movie has been done to death. It’s simply not special anymore. Valentine’s Day dinner at a restaurant is always too crowded anyways. Often it’s expensive, it takes too long, there are too many people, and sometimes you even have to contend with a disappointing prix fixe menu.

Think Outside the Box

Instead of the same old same old, plan something original! A skating date at your local Odenton skating center is the perfect Valentine’s Day date idea.

Skating is a fun and unique activity, which many people haven’t done since they were kids. That means it’s a great way to add a little nostalgia to your night. A skating rink has the perfect atmosphere for a really romantic date. Just think of you and your special someone spending time together listening to your favorite romantic songs in a dark room full of beautiful twinkling lights while skating to the music. Skating is also a great excuse to hold hands!

So check out our hours and upcoming Odenton events calendar and make your Valentine’s Day plans a skate date with that special someone!

New Year, New Wheels Calendar

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Happy 2019!

New Year's Resolution

We hope you have enjoyed some time with your families and are getting back into the daily routine. Our 2019 weekly routine has been updated and is up on our calendar.

Our activities include open skate, adult skate, dollar night, kid fun times and more. Every Tuesday is Adult Night, every Wednesday is Dollar Night, and Saturday mornings are when we hold our kid fun times. There are also special events, classes and more throughout the month, so make sure to check back.

We also have a licensed before and after school childcare program that opens at 6:15 a.m. and closes at 6:15 p.m. If you are interested in more information on our childcare program, please contact us and we will be happy to answer any questions.

We also have great birthday and group party rates for 2019! So whether you are trying to find something different for your child’s birthday or you want a fun, carefree Mother’s Night Out, we have options for everyone.

If you or your child wants to pick up a fun new hobby, we are offering skate classes through 2019. We have weekly classes as well as drop ins. If your New Year’s resolution was to pick up a new hobby or try something new, classes are only $5.00 per person, so there is no excuse not to drop by.

Whatever the occasion or just an excuse to get out of the house, Wheels Skate Center is ready to join in on the fun.  We are ready to roll through 2019 with you, so skate on over and see what we have to offer this year.

New Year, Better YOU!

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athlete tired after exercising
Bro, do you even skate?

So it’s a new year and you’re looking to start exercising more, or maybe you’re looking to make exercising more fun. What better way to have a good time and get moving than to start roller skating at Wheels Skating Center in Odenton, Maryland?

Roller Skating Has Amazing Physical Health Benefits

  • Cardio – Roller skating is a sure way to get your heart pumping and is much more exciting than going for a jog on the treadmill or hitting the elliptical. As a form of aerobic exercise, roller skating increases circulation and heart strength, improves overall heart and lung health, reduces the risk of certain diseases. It’s also easier on the joints than many other forms of cardiovascular exercise.
  • Strengthening Arm and Leg Muscles – Because roller skating takes a lot of work from both your arms and your legs, it strengthens them. Pick up a pair of skates and you’ll be toned in no time!
  • Improving Balance and Coordination – You may be familiar with the initial uncertainty about your balancing abilities the first time you put on your roller skates, but here’s the great news: the more you practice roller skating, the easier it gets because roller skating improves your balance and coordination skills.

In addition to a new entertaining way to keep fit, here’s an easy trail mix recipe that would be a tasty pre or post-rollerskating snack:

Personalized Trail Mix

A great way to get some extra protein in your diet is to make a trail mix. We’ll give you an ingredient list, but really, throw whatever your heart desires in the mix!

Suggested Ingredients

  • 1 cup cashews, peanuts, or almonds
  • ¾ cup raisins, craisins, dried cherries, or dried apricots
  • ½ cup dark chocolate chips
  • ¾ sunflower or pumpkin seeds
  • 1 ½ cup popcorn
  • ½ cup coconut flakes or banana chips for added sweetness

Put everything in a container, give it a good stir or shake, and you have the perfect healthy snack that’ll satisfy your salt cravings and your sweet tooth. Double or triple this recipe and store it in the pantry to last for a few days of snacking.
For ways to get involved with roller skating at Wheels Skating Center or to learn more, Contact Us.

The Holiday Gift Guide for Skaters

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A small holiday gift with bows, ribbon, and scissors The holidays are here and it’s time to check some gifts off your list! If you have any skaters in your life, these are some ideas that are sure to delight. In fact, if you love to skate, you might even want to consider sending a link to this blog to your own personal “Santa!”

Here are some holiday gift ideas for skaters:

  • New Skates –  A new pair of skates is sure to be a hit. For the newest skates, check out Riedell and Southeastern Skate Supply for the latest catalogs and then contact our Pro Shop for help with sizing and current availability.
  • Stocking Stuffers – Of course, you don’t always have to go as big as new skates. There are also lots of little stocking stuffers your skater is sure to love too. New wheels or bearings are always appreciated by serious skaters!
  • Accessories – Skating is better with a little style. Socks, laces, or even a little skating-themed jewelry makes for a great gift idea for a skater.
  • Skate Art – Deck the halls with roller skates! Art is a wonderful gift idea, and there are lots of great skating-themed pieces available online.
  • Time with You! – Sometimes the best gifts are experiences, not things! Planning a day out together at Wheels Skate Center is a great unique gift idea for your favorite skating partner.

So visit our Pro Shop today to find the perfect gift for the skater in your life. Or even better yet, check out our holiday hours and make plans to visit our Odenton skating center with them!

Book A Holiday Party at Wheels!

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party packagesRoller skating is great for every occasion and a big holiday party is no exception! At Wheels Skate Center in Odenton, Maryland, we’ve got the some seriously awesome party options for offices, schools, families, scouts, church functions and more this holiday season.

Check out what we have going on throughout the season of giving and then roll by to book your own private party today!

Planning a Private Party is Easy

Are you part of a PTA, public or private school? Our skating center has a party package for you. The best part about throwing a party with us is that you never have to worry about setting up or cleaning up. Book your private party and let us take care of the rest. It’s as simple as that.

Our group rates start out as low as $195 for schools and $250 for other organized groups.

Holiday Birthday Coming Up?

Celebrating a birthday during the holiday season can be tricky. You don’t want the holidays overshadowing your little one’s special day. At Wheels, we make sure the spotlight is on your birthday child. Our birthday party packages include admission and skate rentals, soda, pizza, a party hostess and much more. Check out all the perks by visiting our website or stopping by for a warm up skate!

No matter what the occasion, we have a great time in store for you and your friends. Office Christmas parties have never been better and fundraisers for your school will have you funded and feeling good. Book your party today!