Roller Garden050

The Roller Garden is one of those places that stayed the same long enough to come back in style, and now, after 30 years, seems charmingly retro-cool rather than tattered.

Roller skates are available to rent at this domed red-brick rink; inline skates too, for an additional charge. There are deals throughout the week, many of which feature skating and food combos. The schedule has a complete listing of current offers. Some evenings are "adults only."

Arcade games line one side of the rink, doling out tickets redeemable for the standard cheesy, plastic prizes kids adore. Some skates and accessories are available for purchase.

Lessons: Inexpensive half-hour skate lessons are offered Saturdays mornings, for children, teens, and adults at all levels.

Parties: Packages for up to ten guests include skate rental, two-hour table reservation and tableware, a balloon centerpiece, food, drinks, ice cream, and goodies. Prices range from $12-$15/child. Or book the whole place: a $400 two-hour private party includes music, skate rental, food, and drinks for 25 people. Birthday cake is the only outside food allowed in. Treat bags (filled with those arcade prizes!) are $2 each. Invitations can be printed out from the website.