Skate Lovers, If You're Having World On Wheels Flashbacks, Click Here

If you’re from LA, then mentioning the “7 to 7” should instantly create a sense of childhood nostalgia - including practically begging your parents to drop you off so you can hang out with your friends. The mid-city skating rink, World on Wheels (WOW), was known for its infamous 12 hour skate sessions and birthday party celebrations. Remember having to get a head count because your parents weren’t “going to pay for extra friends” to come and skate? The good ‘ol days, right?

WOW served as a safe space for kids to be kids during a time when violence was prevalent. It was a getaway and second home for many. The renowned skating rink opened its doors in 1981 and sadly closed in 2013. Fortunately, thanks to Nipsey Hussle and nightclub manager Tommy Karas, WOW was able to reopen in July 2017. 

Today the skating rink is closed, but will forever be a Los Angeles staple. 

For those skate lovers who are reminiscing about the memories WOW created for them, it’s time to get those skates out of the shed. If roller skating brought you immense joy when you were younger and you’ve been itching to lace up those skates, I’ve found a list of skating rinks and places where you can finally wipe that dust off.

Cal Skate GT 

Located in Grand Terrace, a city in San Bernardino County, is Cal Skate GT (CSGT). Skate lovers can enjoy the rink everyday except Mondays as it is closed. The hours vary, depending on events, etc. Admission is around $15 with a $5 skate rental fee. CSGT hosts various themed nights including “Adult ‘R&B Groove’ Wednesdays,” “Throwback Thursdays,” “Roll It Out Saturdays,” and more. DJ’s are also in attendance playing music to get skate enthusiasts in their element as they roll around with their homies, lovers, and friends.

https://www.gocalskate.com/

Fountain Valley Skating Center

Open 7 days a week, Fountain Valley Skating Center (FVSC) is located in Orange County. FVSC offers adult skating lessons on Mondays, and has stroller/kids skates on Thursdays where parents can bring their little ones for some morning fun. There are various events approaching including Battle of the Bands: NSYNC vs. Backstreet Boys, 90’s Roller Rewind, Disney Skate, and Costume Spooky Skate.

https://fvsc.com/

Skate Express Chino

Open Sunday, Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, Skate Express Chino’s Instagram bio says it's the “#1 location for fun.” Well, they weren’t lying. Not only do they offer roller skating, but they have bumper cars, an arcade, DJ and adult nights, and more.

https://www.skatechino.com/

Venice Beach

If you’re not interested in paying for admission to roller skate, how does spending a Saturday afternoon overlooking the ocean sound? Venice Beach is filled with people riding their bikes, roller skating, playing basketball, or simply enjoying the sun and the ocean view. Before we enter winter season, grab your skates and your bestie and roll on down to the venice boardwalk. There are also plenty of restaurants, street vendors, and performers to enjoy as you cruise down the two mile boardwalk.

LA Kings Burbank Sports Center

Located in Burbank is a premier outdoor roller skating, roller hockey, ball hockey, and roller derby skating facility, the LA Kings Burbank Sports Center. They offer public skating lessons every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and also offer private lessons for new skaters or skaters who want to perfect their craft.

https://lakingsburbanksportscenter.com/