It’s ice skating and roller skating season in Olympia. Here’s what to know before going
Winter can be a dreary time in western Washington. The daylight seems to run out before your coffee has kicked in. Not to mention that everything is wet most of the time, even when it’s sunny.
There are myriad indoor activities that can be fun and keep you out and active in the winter months, but none are as versatile or charming as ice skating and roller skating. They’re flexible sports because people of almost any age, skill and physical fitness level can partake.
You can go ice skating or roller skating with friends, alone, with family, on a date — and it’s almost the same experience. In all scenarios, skating around the rink on blades or wheels ultimately comes down to a personal experience. It’s fun to go around and around and see your companions, checking in every now and then — but you can mostly do your own thing.
Olympia is fortunate enough to have a longtime roller skating rink and a pop-up ice skating rink.
Skaters can visit the roller skating rink Skateland year-round at its location just up South Bay Road from downtown Olympia. In downtown proper, between Capitol Lake and Bayview market, is Oly on Ice, a pop-up ice skating rink now in its fifth year visiting Olympia.
Here’s what you need to know about parking, entrance fees, operating hours, bathrooms, atmosphere, skate rentals and food and drink options at each venue.
Roller skating at Skateland
Skateland, at 2725 12th Ave. NE in Olympia, has a long and storied history as part of the local landscape. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who grew up in the Olympia area who has never been to Skateland. Rocking the same carpeting and seating upholstery from the 1980s, at some point since the pandemic they’ve been replaced with new blue carpeting.
The venue’s original patina is still intact, though. From the robust snack bar with seating that looks out onto the hardwood floor skating rink, to the flashing disco ball and lights, Skateland remains true to its character.
A laid-back atmosphere makes it easy to interact with other people skating. It can be slightly jarring at first to see people of all ages wiping out and falling right in front of you. It can also be disorienting when the one or two experts in the crowd go whizzing past.
But as you settle into flying around and around the rink and the endorphins from the mild cardio workout kick in, the experience becomes really fun. The key is to take it easy until you warm up — and then just enjoy the ride.
- Website: Olympia Skateland
- Address: 2725 12th Ave. NE Olympia
- Phone: 360-789-1947
- Admission: $10/person on weekends, $7-8 on Wednesdays/nights, $11 on Friday night
- Skate rental: Included with admission, or bring your own skates
- Parking: Free parking is available in front of Skateland
- Operating Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday private parties only. All other days are either in the afternoon or evening.
- Bathrooms: Indoor bathrooms are easily accessible
- Food and Drink Options: There is a large snack bar (cash only) adjacent to the rink with a clear view of people skating.
Ice skating at Oly on Ice
Oly on Ice, at 529 Fourth Ave. W, Olympia, is a pop-up ice skating rink sponsored by the city of Olympia that has set up shop for Nov. 17 to Jan. 15. It is a relatively new addition to Olympia’s recreational life, now in its fifth year. Skaters of all ages are welcome on the ice. Trainers are available for beginners to use on the ice to prop themselves up.
The small indoor arena and rink are inside a temporary tent with plenty of places to rest between spins on the ice. Pop music sets an upbeat atmosphere, and people not skating are welcome to watch their family and friends from the sidelines. Although there are no lockers for valuables, the parking lot is close and visible from the rink. There are also bins for free to put your things in.
The atmosphere at Oly on Ice is decidedly fun, with costumed characters who join the skating. There is a time limit of 75 minutes per skating session.
- Website: Oly on Ice
- Address: 529 Fourth Ave. W, Olympia
- Phone: 360-753-8380 (Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation)
- Admission: $9-$15/person depending on the day and time through Dec. 19. From Dec. 20 to Jan. 2, prices are $12-$15/person. Prices go back down from Jan. 3-15. Tickets should be purchased in advance online; you have to choose a 90-minute time slot. Ages 3 and under is $5 every day.
- Skate rental: Included with admission, or bring your own skates
- Parking: Free parking available in front of the rink, plus paid street parking (free on weekends and after 5 p.m.)
- Operating Hours: Nov. 17-Jan. 2, daily; schedule varies by day, see schedule here
- Bathrooms: There are two port-a-potties next to the front door
- Food and Drink Options: Sweetlee’s Ice Cream has a food truck in front of the rink, selling ice cream and hot cocoa.
This story was originally published November 28, 2023 at 11:46 AM.
