Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our rink? We've compiled answers to our frequently asked questions here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our rink? We have compiled answers here!
GENERAL
Do you have skate rentals?
Yes! We have quad skates from toddler size 7 to men’s 16, and everything in-between.
We also have inlines available from toddler size 10 to men’s 12, but our supply of inlines is smaller than of quads.
Guess how many pounds of skates we move from storage to the rink each session? To find out, volunteer to help us with set up or clean up. You’ll get a great upper body workout and you skate free that session!
Can I bring my own skates?
Yes! We encourage you to bring your own quad or inline skates. Please make sure the wheels are clean. We’ll ask to inspect your skates when you to arrive to ensure they are safe for our floor.
If you don’t yet have skates, we encourage you to support our two local skate stores: Get Your Bearings for quads and Shop Task for inlines.
Should I use protective gear when skating?
Yes! We recommend wearing a helmet and wrist/knee/elbow pads.
- Bicycle helmets work well.
- We offer a limited number of wrist/knee/elbow pads to borrow while you’re at the rink. (we do not loan helmets)
- We sell kid-sized protective gear and helmets at the rink.
We suggest you get your own protective gear. We recommend our two local skate stores: Get Your Bearings in Shoreline, or Shop Task in Seattle.
Can I bring in outside food?
You are welcome to bring in outside food and non-alcoholic drinks and enjoy a skating break at one of our round tables in the Hay Barn. There’s plenty of room to hang out and socialize. This part of the space is not heated, so make sure you have some warm layers during the winter.
You are also welcome to leave and come back (as long as you take your skates off before you go outside).
No food or drink (including water) on the skating floor.
Can I fill out a waiver before I buy tickets?
Yes! Fill out a waiver for yourself and for any minors in your family, and you’ll save time at the door! You can buy your ticket in person or online after filling out the waiver.
Waivers are good for one year.
Can I drop off my child to skate?
You can drop off a teen 15 or older. Children under 14 and under need to have someone over 16 with them in the Pickering Barn. Be sure to fill out a waiver before dropping off your child.
If you’re staying, we encourage you to learn to skate too! We also have a peaceful quiet area to hang out with other non-skaters or use the Internet in the Hay Barn.
Do chaperones and other non-skating adults need to buy a ticket?
Tickets are free for chaperones and other non-skating adults but they are required. Get a free Spectator ticket and fill out the online waiver. Waivers are required for everyone in the building during a skate session.
If you’re here with a child, please review the rink rules with your child.
Do I need to check in if I have a ticket?
Yes, please stop by the front desk and we can either scan your ticket (paper or on your phone), or look you up by your name. We’ll verify that your waiver is current and you’ll be all set to go.
What's the best way to learn to skate or learn to skate better?
We have a separate beginners area separate from the main rink floor, and volunteers who can help you get started at any time before you head out onto the rink.
Time on wheels is what makes skating get more comfortable and fun. And if you have a specific question about a skate move, feel free to ask anyone in a purple vest. We love to teach!
Will you be continuing next month?
Yes! Our schedule is different each month.
- We publish each month’s schedule by the 20th of the previous month. Our schedule is a mix of when Pickering Barn, the organizers, and enough volunteers to run the session are available.
Be sure to sign up for our email and text notifications to get the weekly update of when we’re open.
Do you offer refunds if we buy a ticket and can't make it?
No, no refunds are available for skating sessions.
Is the skate area air-conditioned?
Yes! We’re a delightful place to cool off on a hot summer day. And the skate area is heated in the winter.
Note that in the winter, the Hay Barn (which contains skate rentals, bathrooms and tables for hanging out), is not heated. So in cold weather, bring layers for when you take a break from skating.
What's the skating surface?
The surface is smooth polished concrete. If you have a choice of wheels, you’ll probably prefer your slightly softer ones.
We recommend protective gear: helmet and wrist, knee, and elbow pads. We have wrist guards and a limited number of knee and elbow pads available to borrow while you’re here. We also sell child-sized protective gear and helmets.
Is there a secure place to leave my stuff while I'm on the rink?
Because we’re a part-time rink in someone else’s space, we have no lockers. We have 13x13x13 soft storage cubes available that are in sight of the rental counter staff, but aren’t guaranteed secure. There are some coat racks and hooks, and a bunch of tables and chairs where you can leave your stuff.
Do you have theme nights?
Other than our Halloween skate sessions on Oct 24 & 26, we haven’t yet planned any theme nights.
What type of music do you play?
Our DJ loves classic rock and roll, but takes suggestions at every session. Let her know if there’s something you want to skate to – there’s a sheet at the DJ table to add your favorites!
PARTIES, EVENTS, SCHOOL PROGRAMS
What's included in a birthday party?
We offer parties in a private room (seats 14 people), or in the Hay Barn (seats up to 25 people at reserved tables). Both types of parties have full use of the rink and the birthday area for the whole session.
A party includes:
- Admission and skate rentals for up to 10 skaters. (You can purchase discounted additional tickets if you have more than 10 skaters)
- Kid’s parties include a large inflatable skate for the birthday person.
- Skate-themed plates and cups.
You can bring in your choice of outside food and decorations.
How long can we leave our stuff in the birthday room?
The room or reserved Hay Barn area is available for 2-3 hours, depending on our schedule tat day. A few people are welcome to come early to set up the space.
Do you do refunds or rescheduling?
We require a 50% non-refundable deposit. If you want to reschedule, please email us. Because we have limited times we’re open, we do not guarantee the ability to reschedule. Text us at 844-710-4051 at least 2 days before the scheduled party, and we can tell you if we have any other days or times available.
Can I schedule a large private skating event at other times?
Yes, we would love to help you plan a school field trip, corporate or fundraising event, or adult skating parties.
All special events are subject to the availability of the Pickering Barn:
- For events in the next 4-6 weeks, we can either tack on a few hours to a time we already plan to have the rink open, or for smaller events, use our two party rooms or reserved tables in the Hay Barn during our open sessions.
- For events further out, it’s a little tricky. We get our dates for the next month by the 20th of the previous month, so can’t guarantee a specific day until the 20th of the previous month.
Text us at at 844-710-4051 or email us at skate@rockandrollrink.org to begin the planning process.
VOLUNTEERING AT THE RINK
How do I volunteer?
We’re so glad you want to help! We’re a 100% volunteer-run non-profit, and it takes about 8 people to run each session.
The first step is to fill out our volunteer interest form. Then we’ll get back to you with signup info.
Benefits of volunteering:
- The fun, satisfaction, and friendships that come from working as a team on a project that makes people’s lives richer.
- Free skating at sessions you volunteer at.
- Skating at less crowded rink times.
- Since we are a non-profit, we can document community service hours.
- Rink merch
- Building skills that can lead to jobs, job references
SKATING RULES
What are the skating rules?
- No skating outside.
- No food or drink (including water) on the skate floor.
- No chewing gum anywhere in Pickering Barn.
- No carrying children while wearing skates. Children 14 and under need to be accompanied by someone 16 or over.
- No skating against the flow of skating.
- No skating too fast, racing, or chasing.
- No crashing into walls or crossing barriers.
- No cutting in front of other skaters.
- No more than 2 skaters can hold hands.
- No more than 2 skaters can hold hands.
- No chains or trains.
- No stomping.
- No verbal or physical intimidation or abuse.
- No alcohol, smoking, marijuana, or illegal drugs.
- No intentionally damaging property.