There is nothing more thrilling than lacing up a pair of skates and rolling around the rink. The smell of concessions, laughter of other skaters and hum of skates on a rink floor; it doesn’t get any better. That is, unless you throw a birthday party into the mix! Being another year older deserves a celebration that’s as fun as you are great, so what makes the roller rink a perfect destination? Skate World Leesburg in Leesburg, FL has thrown a multitude of parties for birthday boys and girls over the years. So, you could say we’re experts on this subject. Here are a few of our top reasons why you can’t top a roller rink birthday party!

1. Health Benefits – Birthdays are most often a day to indulge in that sweet tooth and cast away cares for the usual everyday observances of health. And while cake is a must for any birthday party to be complete, the roller rink offers a balance to the sweets! Roller skating is recommended by the American Heart Association as a great aerobic fitness activity! Who knew fun and fitness could go together?
2. Affordability – A birthday party can be an expensive venture. Once you take into account food, entertainment and other miscellaneous costs, that numbers start to add up. That’s where we come in! Our birthday party packages are an all-inclusive bundle of fun, food and festivities. Check out our options to see which one works best for you!
3. Fun! – When it gets down to it, all these details mean little unless fun is involved. A birthday is time for family and friends to gather for laughter, celebration and a good time. We’re in no short supply of any of those things, here, at Skate World Leesburg!

If this blog post has you interested in hosting your next birthday party in the rink, contact us. We are happy to answer any and all questions you might have. We look forward to hearing from you!

It is not a thought many of us have, but when our wheels hit that rink floor, more than two centuries of history and tinkering occurred to bring us to where we are today. It is difficult to imagine a world without roller skating, but there once was a time when the terms “roller rink” or “roller skating” meant nothing. Now, you may be a little curious as to how all of this got its start, and what influences happened along the way, but two centuries is a lot to sort through. Skate World Leesburg in Leesburg, FL has compiled a timeline of the pivotal moments in roller skating history to make it a little easier on you!

Roller Skating Timeline

• 1743: This is the first ever recorded account of anyone using anything like roller skates. These first skates were used in a London stage performance, and the inventor is unknown.
• 1760: The first roller skates are invented! Though the first account was in the stage performance, this is the first ever actual invention of what we know today. These skates were actually inline, believe it or not, and had small metal wheels. The inventor was John Joseph Merlin.
• 1819: First patented roller skate design, in France by M. Petitbled. These skates are more similar to what we know today. It was very difficult to maneuver in this early design, and was difficult to do much else but move in a straight line.
• 1857: Roller skating has finally gained enough popularity by this point and has warranted the opening of the first public rinks! They were held at The Strand in London and Floral Hall.
• 1863: The quad roller skate makes its first appearance. Designed by James Leonard Plimpton in New York City, this model of roller skate made it easier for the skater to turn.
• 1880: Roller skates are beginning to be mass produced in America, and is experiencing a boom in popularity.
• 1902: The Chicago Coliseum opens a public skating rink, and more than 7,000 people attend the grand opening.
• 1916: The first appearance of roller skates on the big screen is in the Charlie Chaplain film, “The Rink.”
• 1979: Scott Olson and Brennan Olson set out to redesign the skate by using a 1960’s inline skate design and using modern materials and an ice hockey boot. Scott Olson begins promoting the skate, and creates Rollerblade, Inc.
• Adjustments to the skates are made over the course of the next decades, and with a bit of tweaking and honing, we have arrived at what we have today!

The safety of a child is one of the foremost thoughts in a parent’s mind. We want to be there to keep them from all of the most minor scrapes and bruises, but as any parent knows that isn’t always possible. The roller rink is no exception to this, and though we take all the precautions we can to keep everyone safe, tumbles do happen on occasion. Ensuring your child is equipped with the proper safety accessories and measures is key. Skate World Leesburg, located in Leesburg, FL, is here with everything you will need to keep your child safe in the rink.

• Helmet – Head injuries are all too common within the world of sports and physical activities. If there was one piece of safety equipment to keep in the inventory, this would be the most important. Be sure the helmet fits snugly on the head and covers a good majority of the front and back of the head.
• Proper Skates – Skates are not a one size and style fits all kind of thing. When purchasing a pair of skates be sure that the skates are comfortable and don’t slip while rolling around. Make sure brakes and wheels are secure before each session.
• Appropriate Clothing – Clothing can serve a few different purposes when hitting the rink. One purpose can be to avoid unnecessary scrapes and bruise. If this is a major concern, wear long sleeves and pants to mitigate little injuries. Another thing to pay attention to is especially relevant to the pants. If pants are worn while roller skating, be sure they are not too long to avoid getting caught in the wheels.
• Pads – Another major source of injury while roller skating comes from elbows, knees and wrists. Elbow pads, knee pads and wrist braces are great pieces of equipment to keep in the rink bag.

For more roller skating tips and news, keep up with us on social media. You can follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google Plus.

Is it August already? The summer has flown by and the school year is gearing up to start. Oftentimes, this point in the year prompts some end-of-the-summer blues that can be hard to shake. But this year let’s take a moment to focus on staying happy because it just so happens to be Happiness Happens Month! This month is all about focusing on being cheerful and embracing the things that help us stay that way. Did you know that studies show an increase in levels of happiness with regular exercise? Maybe that’s why roller skating puts a smile on all of our faces! Take a look at the science behind what physical activity does to our happiness!

• Short Term Happiness – Studies have shown that just 20 minutes of exercise and physical activity can boost ones mood for up to 12 hours after.
• Endorphins – When we head to the gym (or better yet, head to the rink) and get some activity in, our feel-good brain chemicals (endorphins) are increased.
• Turn that Frown Upside Down – Most of us are more prone to workout when we are in a better mood. But if we exercise while we’re feeling a little blue, the effects on our mental state are the most powerful.
• Destress – Exercise is a wonderful way to decompress and calm the nerves. Many people gravitate toward unhealthy habits, such as over-eating, to cope, but exercise is much healthier and more effective tool for managing stress, anxiety and depression.

Need a little happiness in your life? Make your way down to Skate World Leesburg in Leesburg, FL and skate your way to a happier you! Check out our hours!

Family outing are always a fun way to spend some time with those people closest to you, but finding an activity or destination that everyone is on board can sometimes seems impossible. While some members might enjoy something in particular, others might not. It’s a difficult undertaking. We are here to tell that your search is over though! At Skate World Leesburg, in Leesburg, FL, we believe that roller skating is the perfect family event for everyone! Roller skating spans the board as far as well rounded activities go, and here is why.

• It’s Fun – In the most general terms, roller skating is a really fun activity! It is, of course, one of our favorites. Rolling around on a pair of skates as they hum below your feet on the wooden rink floor. There’s nothing better!
• Exercise –  Believe it or not, roller skating a great way to get some exercise. As a matter of fact, roller skating is recommended by the American Heart Association as a great aerobic workout. Not only is your family having a great time, but it’s good for your health!
• Ageless –  No matter your age, roller skating is a great source of fun for people of all ages!
• Food – We can’t think of anything much better than an evening spent in the rink while grabbing a slice and a soda. From food to fun, your whole evening is covered.
• Inexpensive – It can be expensive at time to take the whole family out for a fun evening. Roller skating is a very affordable source of entertainment for everyone. It’s rare to find an activity that is fun and won’t break the bank!

Ready to take your family to the rink now? Check out our hours and plan your next visit!