Roller skating is fun, but do you know what’s even more fun? Roller skating parties!
There’s nothing like having a good time with friends and family over skating and a unique celebration.
What would make your party even better is a theme and activities. This is probably one of the only times you and your friends will be able to dress up and go all out, so why not be a little extra for one day?
If you are considering hosting a roller skating party, check out our ideas on how you can make the most out of your special day.
Skating Party Theme Ideas
Having a roller skating party theme gives everyone a chance to be creative and an excuse to get decked out. But with the endless themes out there, it can be difficult to pick just one.
We’ve gathered some of the most popular themes that you can use for your next party.
1. Decades-themed
While roller skating has been around for a few centuries, it soared in popularity in the U.S. from the 1930s to the 1990s. Almost every decade was known for having its own roller skating culture and style that people still like to rock to this day.
Take you and your partygoers back in time with a decades-themed party!
1950s
We can thank the baby boomer generation for making roller skating as cool as it is today back in the 1950s. This was the time when drive-ins and sock hops were popular.
Encourage your guests to channel the 1950s back into the present day by wearing poodle skirts, cat-eye glasses, and scarves, or powder blue jackets.
You can even take it up a notch by bringing 50s celebrities like Elvis, Lucille Ball, or Marilyn Monroe back to life.
You can recreate a retro sock hop with your party décor by using black and white checkered table cloths, old vinyl records, stuffed dice, retro sunglasses, sundae cups, small vintage cars, and pink and aqua blue accents.
1970s
Many would consider the 1970s as the golden age of roller skating and fashion.
You can wear bell bottoms with disco print halter tops, boldly patterned silk, suede vests/jackets, jumpsuits, wrap dresses, and hot pants with tall socks or boots. Girls can even put on some bright blue eye shadow and big earrings.
Make sure to decorate with lots of disco balls, rainbows, peace signs, and vinyl records.
You also don’t want to forget the iconic music! Artists to include in your playlist are Soul Train, Bee Gees, Michael Jackson, Queen, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
1980s
The momentum of the 70s rolled over into the next decade with a bang.
In the 80s, you’ll find that disco fashion from the 70s was combined with athletic attire. Many people wore outfits that were tight, short, and flashy with a lot of bold colors. Sometimes girls would just wear bikinis when they were roller skating.
Your party area should be similarly decorated with neon colors, boomboxes, Rubik’s cubes, and retro games like Pacman.
Don’t forget to add popular 80s artists to your playlist like Madonna, Billy Ocean, Roger, Scritti Politti, Run-D.M.C., and Vanilla Ice!
1990s
There is a theme suited for everyone if you’re going for a 90s party. You can do anything from classic hip hop to club looks or even to the X Games.
You can suggest your guests to wear bright colors, geometric patterns, bucket hats, overalls, flannel, baggy jeans, butterfly hair clips, space buns, halter tops, spaghetti straps, snakeskin prints, and metallic fabrics.
They could even dress up as characters from iconic 90s entertainment like Clueless, Friends, Saved By the Bell, or Seinfeld. As for décor, you can use brightly colored confetti, rainbow slinkies, Magic 8-balls, and life-size cardboard cutouts of some 90s pop culture icons.
Try to also dig around in the family basement and find any floppy disks, VHS tapes, or even retro video games for more conversation starters.
2000s
Coming in closer to the modern day is the 2000s. The early 2000s were all about bright colors, tight clothes, and a lot of fun. Much of what is trending right now in fashion is similar to what was worn during the early 2000s, making it easier on everyone’s wallet and closet.
If you or your friends need more help, try going for outfits with rhinestones, sunglasses, velour, mini bags, cutout dresses, baguette bags, crop tops, and velvet tracksuits.
Your guests would love some Hits from the early 2000s to include in your playlist are “Toxic” by Britney Spears, “Drop It Like It’s Hot” by Snoop Dogg, and “Cry Me a River” by Justin Timberlake.
2. Glow party
If you’re looking for all-around fun girl and boy roller skating party ideas or glow in the dark skating party ideas, then look no further!
A glow theme party is suited for both genders, all ages and is pretty easy to set up. All you have to do is have the party centered around neon colors.
To get started, you will want to buy as many neon things as possible. Most retailers and party stores have neon paper/cardstock, decorations, cups, plates, silverware, etc. However, you will be a hero if you can get your hands on a black light glow party kit.
The best part about a glow party is seeing everyone’s outfits light up in the dark! You can also give everyone glowsticks to wear as they’re skating for some extra fun.
3. Rainbow unicorn
Who doesn’t love unicorns? And rainbow unicorns at that! This theme is one of the most popular roller skating birthday party ideas for kids.
There isn’t any right way to approach this concept, so you are free to be as creative as you want. The only essentials needed are rainbows, bright colors, and glitter!
Previous party planners opted for colorful treats, tails, and horns for guests to wear, a unicorn pinata, inviting a unicorn to the party, and a ton of sprinkles.
4. Tropical
Need a break from the normal day-to-day without actually taking a plane? Host a staycation roller skating party with a tropical theme!
You can bring the beach to you by having all of its amenities such as refreshing drinks, food, décor, and great company.
When planning for this party, you could consider having everyone skate outdoors so that you all can enjoy the fresh air and recreate that beach boardwalk-like feel. Typically, the tropical vibe involves bright and bold colors, greenery, floral patterns, plants, lanterns, coconuts, pineapples, grass skirts, and flowery leis.
Like other themes, there are no hard-set rules for this one so that it can be adjusted to your taste.
5. Masquerade
Looking to bring a classy touch to your roller skating party? Having a masquerade theme will elevate the feel of your party and give your guests something to look forward to. However, there are a few different routes you can take with this theme. It can look anything like Mardi Gras to a Venetian Masquerade.
No matter the type of masquerade you go for, you can encourage your guests to look a little more glam than usual, which could include shorter dresses (avoid longer dresses as these can be easily tripped on while roller skating) and tuxedos.
Add some sparkle to the party with a chandelier, glittery garlands, confetti, and gold cutlery.
A masquerade theme will definitely make it a night to remember!
6. Camouflage
If you’d like a more rustic look to your party, consider going stealthy with a camouflage theme.
Ideally, your guests would be wearing camouflage pattern clothing, but black, brown, or forest green clothing could also work.
Decorations will also revolve around this theme. Many stores sell party items with camouflage, bark and leaf, and other natural patterns that would suit the camouflage theme. This theme can also have more of a military style, depending on your preferences.
But make sure to keep an eye out for your guests as it might be hard to find them once they come!
7. Pajama party
This is definitely not your average slumber party. In this pajama party, you and your guests will be bringing your most comfortable jammies into the rink.
You all will be having fun in comfort and style.
While the dress code is straightforward, décor should include more bedding than your usual party. Bring out a mattress, pillows, quilts, and blankets for the ultimate comfortable experience. Otherwise, save the pillow fight until after you’re done skating.
8. Superheroes
Save the world with a superhero roller skating party!
You’ll feel like your favorite hero flying around on your skates. Assemble the rest of your team dressed in their favorite superheroes and sidekicks such as Spiderman, Superman, Batman, and many more.
Represent your heroes’ insignias through the party décor, food, and of course, sweets.
What can you do at a roller skating party?
While roller skating will be the star of the show, you might be wondering how you can keep your guests entertained. You don’t want to come empty-handed nor overwhelm your guests with too many activities.
If there is some downtime on or off the rink, you can consider having them do some of the following:
Have a dance-off
This is essential to any party, especially if you have a decades-themed party with an accompanying playlist. Have everyone show off their moves in the rink, either from decades ago or today.
Sing your heart out
Along the same note, you could also be belting out your favorite tunes with your friends as you’re dancing. It’s a fun way to pass time and create new memories.
Trivia games
Do your friends think they know you or vice versa? Before the party, get you and your friends to write trivia about yourselves. They can be about obscure facts that only friends may know or inside jokes. Then, quiz each other to see who knows you or your friends best.
Scavenger hunt
If allowed, scatter a few items around the rink and write up some clues for your guests to find them. Whoever finds the hidden items gets to keep them!
How do you plan a roller skating party for adults?
As adults it can be hard to get together with friends, especially since everyone is often pre-occupied with their busy lives and schedules. On the rare occasion that we do get together, we have to cherish it as much as we can.
However, skating party ideas for adults are few and far between. While it’s always fun to relive old times at the rink and experience the nostalgia, you can always spice it up to make the experience feel new and much more special.
Here’s how you can plan the perfect roller skating party for adults:
1. Make a list of people that are going
Doing this will make your life so much easier when planning out the rest of your party. Not only will you know who is going, but also how many you should accommodate in your party.
2. Set the date
Mark the date in your calendar, but have backup days just in case it doesn’t work out the first time around.
3. Send invitations
Make sure to send invitations 3-4 weeks in advance. Have your guests RSVP a week or two before the party so that you have a final headcount. This also allows your guests to plan ahead.
4. Plan the food, drinks, music, décor, and equipment needed
Unlike when you were young, you were restricted to your parents’ budget for parties.
As an adult, you have the freedom to splurge as much or as little as you want.
Besides roller skating, the food, drinks, music, décor, and equipment will make your party, so invest in these aspects as much as you can. You should start planning these out about one month in advance.
Some things you can consider are having catered food or food trucks, custom desserts, and of course, some alcoholic drinks.
Make your party Instagram-worthy by renting out a photo booth service.
5. Book the venue
If you can afford it, try to book out an entire rink for your party. Having the rink to yourselves will make the experience feel more special and give you the flexibility to host your party how you want to.
Conclusion
Planning parties can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to what themes to choose. Some of the most popular roller skating party ideas include decade themes, glow in the dark, masquerade, and so many more.
While it’s not necessary to have a theme, it helps keep your guests united and interested in being there. But at the end of the day, it’s all about having fun.
Go out there and get your party on!
