When asking yourself about something to do near me in Seattle with a group of friends or family, consider
Skate Like a Girl
Why Skate Like a Girl is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Skate Like a Girl is a distinctive nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young women, trans, non-binary, and gender expansive individuals through the transformative power of skateboarding. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Seattle, Washington, this organization has over 20 years of experience fostering confidence, leadership, and social justice within an inclusive community. The organization offers multiple chapters, including Seattle, Portland, and the San Francisco Bay Area, making its impactful programs accessible to a broad audience. What makes Skate Like a Girl a great place to meet and connect is its welcoming environment that encourages resilience and personal growth alongside skateboarding skills. The coaches, who themselves represent diverse gender identities, facilitate experiential learning and civic participation, helping participants not only improve their skating but also develop perseverance, confidence, and leadership. From summer camps to youth programming, Skate Like a Girl provides fun, safe spaces that break down barriers and eliminate exclusion historically prevalent in skateboarding culture. This holistic approach transforms the skateboarding experience into a community-building tool that uplifts traditionally marginalized groups while inviting the entire community to engage in social justice and equity.
Here's what people think of Skate Like a Girl
As of recent, Skate Like a Girl holds a 4.7-star rating based on 30 reviews.
User reviews for Skate Like a Girl consistently reflect strong appreciation for the organization's inclusive mission and impactful coaching staff. Many reviewers highlight how the programs have significantly boosted participants' confidence, not just in skateboarding but in life, promoting resilience and perseverance through challenges. Positive reviews frequently mention the quality, diversity, and empathy of the coaches, praising their ability to connect meaningfully with skaters from various backgrounds and identities. Parents of young skaters note how the organization has supported their children in growing socially and emotionally, fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment. On the other hand, some negative feedback, although less prevalent, points to typical nonprofit challenges such as occasional scheduling or program availability issues. However, these concerns are generally tempered by an overall satisfaction with the mission and staff dedication. The reviews collectively portray Skate Like a Girl as an invaluable community resource that not only teaches skateboarding but also nurtures leadership and social equity, leaving a lasting positive impact on all participants.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Moira Mahady
I can't say enough good things about this organization. It offers such a supportive and welcoming environment. My child's confidence improved noticeably while she was attending Skate Like a Girl half day summer camp in Seattle. She says skate boarding is her new favorite sport. I loved watching her give shout outs to the other campers and cheer for them during showcases. I was shocked but happy to see my slow-to-warm kid choose to perform a showcase each day in front of the whole group. She also said of their camp, "I love it and I want to do it again. They're very nice there"
Heather Parry
My 5 year old was incredibly nervous going into a full week, full day camp with Skate Like a Girl at Jefferson, but this was hands-down the best camp ever! She was excited to go every day and wanted to keep skating when she got home. She was the youngest kiddo in the group but felt supported, included, and nurtured all week. The counselors and staff were absolutely fantastic. Highly recommend!
Eileen Korey
My granddaughters (ages 6 & 9) had a truly amazing and rewarding time as half-day campers. They went from not knowing how to skateboard at all, to feeling comfortable and confident on the boards, and thrilled with their progress in just five days. The coaches were all incredibly supportive and encouraging. Skate Like a Girl delivers on its promises!!!!
Katherine
Amazing organization all around. I have been attending the Portland chapter lessons and open skate sessions and it has become one of my favorite parts of the week. I feel supported, welcome and encouraged. I have improved so much over the past month of attending because I am in a safe space to learn and grow. The lessons are affordable and inclusive and the team and the coaches are all amazing.
Brian Kelly
First time our six year old son was on a skateboard while attending this camp. He absolutely loved it! By far the best camp he has ever taken. He learned a lot in such a short time and gained a lot of confidence in the process. Was so excited to show us all the skills he has learned. He spoke very highly about the coaches and their teaching style. We will definitely be enrolling him in this camp next year. Our best experience with a camp. Everyone seemed to get along really well, which was comforting as a parent with blended ages.
How to reach Skate Like a Girl
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Why Skate Like a Girl may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Skate Like a Girl with your friends?
Gathering your friends and family at Skate Like a Girl is an excellent choice for a meetup because this venue isn’t just a skate shop or a simple skatepark—it's a vibrant community hub that creates a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for all who participate. This organization champions skateboarding as a means of self-expression, confidence-building, and social connection, particularly welcoming people who identify as girls, women, trans, non-binary, and gender expansive. The high rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 30 reviews speaks to the positive experiences visitors have consistently enjoyed there. Beyond skateboarding itself, Skate Like a Girl fosters a unique blend of mentorship, creativity, fun, and community spirit, making it a destination where groups can bond not just over sports but shared values and uplifting support. This makes it a meaningful and memorable place perfect for catching up, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying active, joyful time together in a supportive setting.
What activities does Skate Like a Girl offer for groups and why are they perfect for meetups?
Skate Like a Girl offers a broad range of activities designed to engage participants of all ages and skill levels, creating an enriching group experience. One of the primary draws are their summer day camps, tailored for youth ages 5 to 16 across all genders and skill levels. These camps are hosted in multiple locations around Seattle and Portland, including established skateparks such as Greenlake, Jack Crawford, Jefferson, and Delridge. At these camps, participants don’t just learn skateboarding tricks; they develop creativity, self-exploration, and confidence while forming genuine friendships with peers and mentors. Such interactive camps are ideal for a group meetup because they combine structured learning with open play and social opportunities, ensuring everyone has something fun and engaging to do together.
In addition to youth programming, Skate Like a Girl hosts exclusive skating sessions for women, trans, non-binary, and gender non-conforming individuals. These sessions provide a specially curated safe space that promotes community-building through shared interests and identities. Whether your group is all skaters or includes beginners, these sessions nurture inclusivity and mutual encouragement, making the environment welcoming and empowering. As a meetup spot, this unique focus on inclusivity means your gathering is more than recreation—it’s a form of collective encouragement, growth, and celebration of diversity.
Furthermore, the organization frequently offers mentorship programs and community events, which provide opportunities for skill-building and social connection beyond just skating. Groups can engage with these events as a way to deepen bonds, contribute to community goals, or simply enjoy curated cultural and social activities that complement the physical activity on the boards. This diversity of programming means group meetups can be tailored to the interests and energy of participants, whether that includes competitive skating, casual cruising, art, or activism related to gender inclusion and sports.
How does the physical space and atmosphere of Skate Like a Girl enhance the group meetup experience?
Skate Like a Girl operates in multiple chapters with dedicated spaces that are specifically designed to be welcoming and conducive to group gatherings. In Seattle and Portland, their skateboard camps and sessions are held in well-maintained, accessible public skateparks as well as community-focused venues. These spaces combine the outdoors’ freedom with the safety and inclusiveness that Skate Like a Girl prides itself on. The atmosphere fosters a spirit of encouragement and empowerment, supported by caring mentors and coaches who help guide both beginners and advanced skaters. For groups, this means you have an environment where people can collectively explore new skills and challenge themselves without fear of judgment.
Additionally, Skate Like a Girl’s identity as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented genders creates a culture of respect and camaraderie. When your group meets here, you are stepping into a community that values diversity, equality, and social justice—essentially offering a meetup that’s socially conscious and uplifting. This intentional atmosphere can make your time together more meaningful, deepening friendships and inspiring everyone involved.
Groups can benefit from the space's natural versatility—whether you want to watch beginners try their first ollie, cheer on friends mastering new tricks, or just hang out between skating sessions in a relaxed and positive environment. The modularity of the skateparks, combined with the supportive culture, makes Skate Like a Girl an inclusive hangout for all levels of interest and skill.
What makes Skate Like a Girl stand out compared to other skateparks or meetup spots?
Several aspects distinguish Skate Like a Girl as an exceptional place for group meetups. First is the inclusive mission: it specifically centers and uplifts communities often marginalized in traditional skateboarding spaces. The friendly, judgement-free culture encourages more participants to feel comfortable and grow in their skills, which can transform a group social experience into moments of personal and collective achievement. This makes it a rare venue where social fun and social impact intertwine perfectly.
Secondly, the breadth and quality of programming—from youth camps to adult sessions—provide structured, professionally supported opportunities that are rarely matched by standard skate parks. These programs emphasize not just skating skills but creativity, confidence, and community engagement, turning typical hangouts into formative experiences that create lasting memories and deep social bonds.
Finally, the organization’s reputation and positive reviews underscore its reliability as a welcoming and high-quality venue. Whether you are a group of beginners eager to try skating for the first time or experienced skaters looking for a supportive community to grow with, Skate Like a Girl delivers a consistently positive and empowering environment. This blend of expertise, inclusivity, and community focus makes it a compelling choice over other more generic skateparks or public spaces for a group gathering.
How can your group make the most of a visit to Skate Like a Girl?
To maximize your group meetup at Skate Like a Girl, planning ahead based on the available sessions and activities is key. Signing up for their youth or adult skate sessions ahead of time guarantees a spot in well-run, supportive skate environments tailored to your group's gender identities and skill levels. Take advantage of their summer camps if visiting during warmer months—they are structured to enhance skills and encourage creativity while offering chances to socialize and make new friends.
Bring appropriate gear or check with Skate Like a Girl about equipment rentals or donations, as the organization may facilitate access to skateboards and safety equipment to make skating accessible to everyone. Encourage your group to participate in the mentorship and community events the organization runs, as these can deepen your understanding of skating culture and social impact, enriching your gathering beyond the physical activity.
Finally, embrace the community ethos of Skate Like a Girl by engaging respectfully with others there, supporting fellow skaters, and contributing to an atmosphere of encouragement and inclusivity. This will ensure your group’s time is not only enjoyable but also enriches the broader community in line with the organization’s values.
Skate Like a Girl offers an unparalleled space for groups looking to combine recreational fun, social connection, and empowerment in a truly inclusive skateboarding community. Whether you’re planning a day of active play, skill-building, or simply a supportive hangout, this organization’s unique focus and welcoming atmosphere make it a top destination for hosting meaningful meetups with your friends and family.