When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Oaks Park Roller Rink
Why Oaks Park Roller Rink is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Oaks Park Roller Rink, located in Portland, Oregon's charming Sellwood neighborhood, holds the distinction of being the oldest roller rink in the United States, operating continuously since 1906. Nestled within Oaks Amusement Park, this rink offers visitors a unique blend of nostalgia and lively entertainment, making it an ideal spot for friends and families to gather and have fun. The rink features an inviting retro atmosphere, complete with a famous 1926 Wurlitzer Pipe Organ that plays live music during select sessions, enhancing the skating experience with timeless classics. The rink caters to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced skaters, and offers skate rentals for all ages, including toddler sizes. It also hosts themed skate nights with live DJs spinning popular hits, plus skate games that add an interactive and social dimension to visits. With multiple open skate sessions scheduled daily and special events on weekends, Oaks Park Roller Rink provides a welcoming and vibrant environment for everyone. The rink’s location inside the larger amusement park adds extra opportunities for entertainment and dining, making it a standout destination for memorable outings with friends.
Here's what people think of Oaks Park Roller Rink
As of recent, Oaks Park Roller Rink holds a 4.4-star rating based on 634 reviews.
Reviewers generally praise Oaks Park Roller Rink for its historic charm, well-maintained facilities, and family-friendly vibe, reflected in its solid 4.4-star rating from over 600 reviews. Positive feedback highlights the rink’s nostalgic appeal, especially the live pipe organ music and themed skate nights featuring skilled DJs that create a lively party atmosphere. Many reviewers appreciate the friendly and helpful staff, the availability of skate rentals in a broad range of sizes, and the clean, spacious rink suited for all ages and skill levels. Visitors often mention the rink as a great place for group outings, birthday celebrations, or casual fun with friends and family.
On the other hand, some negative reviews note that the games within Oaks Amusement Park itself are expensive and that the park's rides skew more towards younger kids, which may limit appeal for adults seeking more thrill. A few visitors wish for longer or more diverse open skate hours and occasionally cite busy times causing a wait. Nevertheless, these critiques tend to focus on the amusement park overall rather than the roller rink specifically.
In conclusion, Oaks Park Roller Rink is widely regarded as a unique and enjoyable community hub for roller skating enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Its blend of historical significance, quality skating experience, and engaging music events secure its place as a beloved Portland attraction that delivers fun, camaraderie, and a touch of nostalgia.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
PokemonGiveAways
Was amazing for date nite the music sucked and the kid working there absolutely hated his job. Imma give it 4 stars cause it was nostalgic as I used to skate as a kid here!
J P
Great and friendly experience. It was just too hot on the day we went, even with the cooling stations. Will go back though.
Sean O'Connor
A safe and welcoming space, tonight I borrowed skates and fell. The staff were very helpful and professional to ensure that I was safe and that everyone else was safe as well while I was tended to. An excellent staff and a fun time throughout.
Sadi.theBlindLady
I love it here! Haters gonna hate. I’m a blind skater, and I’ve been enjoying the adult skate nights so I can safely skate without kids darting out in front of me, LMAO. This is the happiest I’ve ever been, and I wish I had started coming sooner. I was so sad when the Hillsboro skate world closed, not realizing what a beautiful and historic skating rink I could be at! Cheers to Oaks Park, and many more memories to come!
Lisa Van Laeken
I wasn’t impressed by the party package at oaks park. I’d never been there before and didn’t know exactly what to expect but it was absolutely not worth almost $300. The birthday “room” is a booth in the cafe. It wasn’t big enough for 6 teens and 2 adults let alone 12 people. You had to bus your own table. No one came to check on us, no one gave an announcement during skating, no one even acknowledged the birthday party in general. There was no birthday gift. No attendant. Just a booth with plates set out and food- which was subpar. However, it was cute, clean, the kids had fun and good memories were made. But it could have been better for how much I paid.
How to reach Oaks Park Roller Rink
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Why rally at Oaks Park Roller Rink with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Oaks Park Roller Rink in Portland offers a unique, fun, and nostalgic experience perfect for socializing and creating lasting memories. As the oldest roller rink in the country, opened in 1906, it brings a historic charm that transports visitors back in time while providing all the modern amenities for a great day or night out. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or trying it for the first time, the welcoming atmosphere and variety of music, from live DJs spinning top hits to the iconic 1926 Wurlitzer pipe organ, create an environment that energizes everyone. It's an engaging way to get active together, enjoy conversation, and share laughter away from the usual screen time. Plus, the rink’s location inside Oaks Amusement Park means you’re surrounded by lush picnic grounds and other entertainment, allowing your group to easily extend your gathering beyond skating. Attention to group needs is visible in their flexible party packages and private rental options, making it seamless to plan celebrations or casual meetups. Whether planning a laid-back weekend hangout, a birthday bash, or a lively dance-on-wheels session, Oaks Park Roller Rink is an ideal venue to rally your friends for an unforgettable outing.
What activities can you enjoy at Oaks Park Roller Rink?
Oaks Park Roller Rink offers a diverse array of activities that cater to groups of all ages and interests, ensuring everyone finds something fun to do together. The centerpiece is, of course, roller skating itself — available during open skate sessions that run Tuesday through Sunday year-round. These sessions often feature live DJs playing a mix of contemporary top-40 hits, retro tunes, and themed music, creating a vibrant atmosphere for both casual skaters and experienced rollers. On Thursday and Sunday evenings, special sessions include live music from the vintage Wurlitzer pipe organ, providing a one-of-a-kind ambiance that blends history, music, and skating in a unique combination. For those new to skating or looking to improve, classes are available for all ages and skill levels, from beginners finding their balance to competitive speed and artistic skaters training professionally. The rink also hosts specialty sessions like “grownups take over,” offering a more adult-oriented vibe with energetic DJ sets. Besides open skating, the rink has party packages that include skate rentals and reserved space, ideal for group celebrations or meetups. And if some in your group prefer to spectate, non-skating guests are welcome admission-free, so no one feels left out. Complemented by a snack bar serving tasty treats within a cool retro setting, Oaks Park Roller Rink is a full-service destination for active fun and social connection.
Why is Oaks Park Roller Rink perfect for group meetups?
Oaks Park Roller Rink’s design and offerings make it exceptionally suited for hosting groups, from casual get-togethers to well-planned events. Its spacious, nostalgic indoor rink provides a safe and inviting environment where everyone can participate regardless of skill level, promoting inclusivity and shared enjoyment. The availability of group-friendly options like private rink rentals at a reasonable hourly rate, which include skate rental, allows groups to have their own dedicated time and space, making it ideal for birthday parties, company outings, or family reunions. The rink requires waivers for all skaters, which can be completed online in advance, adding convenience and streamlining your group’s arrival. The rink’s location within Oaks Amusement Park also means that your group can enjoy multiple activities in one spot if your gathering extends beyond skating, with access to picnic grounds, miniature golf, carnival games, and more. The presence of live DJs and special music sessions keeps the energy high and adds a party vibe, making group experiences more memorable and lively. Additionally, the rink is wheelchair accessible and offers a rental selection that accommodates toddlers through adults, showing genuine commitment to inclusivity. This combination of accessibility, entertainment variety, and group-centric services creates an environment finely tuned for hosting successful meetups.
What makes the music and ambiance at Oaks Park Roller Rink special?
The music and atmosphere at Oaks Park Roller Rink stand out as some of the most distinctive features that enhance the group experience. The rink blends contemporary and nostalgic elements by featuring live DJs during most open skate sessions, spinning an energetic mix of current hits and retro favorites that keep the crowd moving and satisfied across tastes. Twice weekly — Thursday and Sunday evenings — the rink becomes an even more unique venue thanks to performances on the historic 1926 Wurlitzer pipe organ. This rare instrument offers a musical journey to the past with melodies from the great American songbook, providing an ambiance unmatched in typical skating rinks and one that invites skaters to glide to classical tunes rather than just background beats. The organ sessions add a cultural and historic dimension that appeals to both music lovers and casual visitors. The decor inside maintains a retro vibe, complemented by shaded oak tree views from the rink’s windows, reinforcing its old-school charm. Combined, these musical and atmospheric elements foster a warm, community-centric environment ideal for groups looking to connect through shared experiences in an upbeat yet comfortable setting.
How does Oaks Park Roller Rink accommodate different skill levels?
Oaks Park Roller Rink prides itself on being welcoming and accessible to skaters of all ability levels, making it an excellent choice for groups with varied skating experience. If you or your friends are newcomers, you can take advantage of skating lessons offered for different age groups and skill sets, designed to build confidence and skill in a supportive setting. These classes help first-timers master basics like balance and turning, and can also challenge intermediate and advanced skaters aiming to improve speed or artistic techniques. For those who just prefer casual skating, the open skate sessions are less about competition and more about fun and socializing, fostering an environment where getting around the rink is easy-going and inclusive. Rental skates come in a comprehensive range of sizes, accommodating toddlers through adults, plus the rink welcomes personal skates after inspection to ensure safety. Seasonal and specialty sessions further cater to varying preferences and skill levels, so whether you’re skating for fun, fitness, or sport, everyone in your group can find something that suits their pace.
What other attractions make Oaks Park a great spot for a day out with friends and family?
While the roller rink is the main attraction, Oaks Park Amusement Park’s full complement of offerings significantly enhances the experience for groups looking to make a whole day of it. Beyond skating, the park features classic carnival games and a lively arcade to entertain different interests and ages within your group. A scenic miniature golf course nestled at the park’s northern end provides a quieter but engaging activity perfect for anyone wanting a break from the roller rink’s energy. The park’s diverse rides range from kiddie-friendly options to thrill rides, allowing groups with mixed ages and adrenaline preferences to customize their experience. The surrounding oak-shaded picnic grounds offer an inviting and affordable option for group members to relax, eat, and socialize in a beautiful outdoor setting. Parking is convenient and affordable, located just minutes from downtown Portland. This range of activities combined in one location creates a comprehensive environment for groups to connect through shared fun while accommodating multiple tastes and activity levels, making Oaks Park a one-stop destination for meetups.
How do party packages and rentals at Oaks Park Roller Rink enhance group events?
Oaks Park Roller Rink offers tailored party packages and rental options designed to take the stress out of planning group events while maximizing fun. These packages include admission and skate rentals, with flexibility to accommodate different group sizes and preferences, making it easy to organize birthdays, team-building events, family reunions, or casual celebrations. Rentals of the rink are available for private use on select dates and times, priced affordably for groups up to 10 skaters, with discounts for schools and non-profits, adding value for both personal and organizational events. Having a reserved space allows groups to enjoy focused time together without distractions, combined with the rink’s vibrant atmosphere to keep energy high throughout the event. The rink’s staff provides support for these events, ensuring smooth coordination and a seamless experience. This organized approach means groups can focus more on having fun and less on logistics, making every event at Oaks Park Roller Rink both enjoyable and memorable.