Get your roller skating groove on at Xanadu, a new roller skating hot spot with an old-school vibe that’s just opened in Bushwick, Brooklyn. With a mix of retro disco, hip-hop, and pop being spun, plus flashing lights and a classic roller skating rink setup, it marries a throwback experience with a modern club vibe.
This vibrant space brings plenty of kid-pleasing fun and is sure to become a neighborhood go-to whether you want to roller skate in NYC or just find your groove. So, get glammed up, don your neon, and check out what’s rolling at Xanadu. Find more roller skating rinks in NYC on our roundup of 13 family-friendly NYC roller rinks.
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What Is Xanadu Roller Arts?
You could say that Xanadu is a roller rink, but it’s really so much more. Built on the principle that humans were born to dance, play, and love, Xanadu embraces the rich history of roller skating in the city and celebrates its iconic culture.
Founded by Varun Kataria, of The Turk’s Inn and The Sultan Room, Xanadu includes a music-filled entertainment space, restaurant and bar, private event rooms, karaoke rooms, and surprises around every corner.
Xanadu staffers bring energy and a party-like atmosphere to this NYC roller skating rink no matter the hour.
The Xanadu Experience
If you want to go roller skating at Xanadu, check the jam-packed calendar of events. Kid-friendly sessions are labeled as all-ages and frequently happen on Saturdays and Sundays.
Before heading out, purchase your tickets online, and sign the waiver for all skaters in your party. I suggest wearing pants for those inevitable wipeouts, plus socks that go over your ankles.
Skate rentals are available for all sizes. You can also get protective gear and walkers for those who don’t feel comfortable on roller skates yet. Take note: The walkers are coveted items during the all-ages sessions, and there's no guarantee you'll be able to nab one.
On the day that I went, my 6-year-old daughter and I put gold sparkles on our faces and excitedly entered the world of Xanadu. My daughter's initial excitement gave way to nerves at feeling the heavy skates under her feet and learning to roll instead of walk. The staff is exceptionally kind and very engaging—and they're all dressed for a party, which really adds to the club vibe, even in the middle of a sunny Saturday afternoon.
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Be forewarned: The candy bar is a kid-pleaser and one of many food and beverage offerings at Xanadu.
Guests are greeted with an elevated selection of food and drinks, including craft cocktails for parents. Gone are the nachos and plastic cheese goo of suburban lore, and instead, replaced by options like stadium-style nachos with sharp Wisconsin cheddar cheese sauce, a tuna tartare Frito pie, a purple-and-green goddess salad, and a hummus plate.
Kids go crazy for the candy bar, and after my little one filled herself with popcorn, a yuzu lemonade, and gummy peaches, she was fortified enough to grab a walker and hit the rink. Even though she fell a few times, she kept getting back up and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
The soundtrack was a fun and funky mix of crowd-pleasing disco and hip-hop classics that all ages enjoyed. During the all-ages skates, staff plays skating games with the crowd about every 20 minutes, prompting roller skaters to show off their best skate moves, or skate like a favorite jungle animal as the song Jungle Boogie plays. The vibe is a complete party atmosphere where all are welcome, and we can’t wait to go again.
My trip to Xanadu with my daughter was actually my second visit: My husband and I went to an adults-only event, and it was a great date night, so I'd encourage you to get a babysitter and get your groove on.
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Skate rentals are plentiful at Xanadu Roller Arts.
Know Before You Go to Xanadu
- Xanadu is open Wednesdays through Sundays. All-ages skates are usually held on weekends. Check the website for the day you want to attend.
- Purchase your tickets online in advance; tickets start at $13.
- Locker rentals are available for $5 and are accessed via an app.
- All restrooms are gender-neutral; perfect for families!
- The venue is wheelchair/mobility aid accessible and all are welcome on the skating rink.
- Strobe lights may be used during performances and parties.