Review of the Skate-N-Fun Zone
Review by Amy VanDenburg
April 20, 2009

7878 Sudley Road
Manassas, VA 20109
703.361.7465
Google Map

Dig out your leg warmers, download “Xanadu” on your iPod, and roll on back to the 80’s with a trip to Manassas’ Skate-N-Fun Zone! This blast from our past has stayed true to its roller skating roots while reinventing itself as “Your Total Entertainment Facility-the Ultimate Fun Experience” with Laser Storm Laser Tag, redemption video games, and a Moon Bounce in order to attract today’s multitasking youth. This is a great rainy-day spot that holds all the inexplicable allure of Chuck E Cheese for the younger set, with the added benefit of burning 300 to 600 calories during a trip ‘round (and ‘round) Memory Lane.

Perfect Ten
This adult reviewer’s joy at the thought of revisiting a favorite pre-adolescent pastime was tempered with anxiety over our 4- and 6-year old reviewers , newbies to the rink. Our reviewers are famous for falling down while on solid ground, sometimes while standing still. Yet the easy-going, free-wheeling atmosphere helped them get their skate on, literally and figuratively. We rented quad skates (4-wheel with the front stopper) and practiced some moves, like stopping and falling, on the carpeted side area before attempting a slippery entry to the rink.

The wooden floor of the rink has been well-maintained and provides a smooth, even surface perfect for easy laps for beginners. We were grateful for the ability to hug the wall and soon were able to venture out just a bit where we could better see the tweener Skate Kings and Queens, who gravitate toward the middle. No backwards-skate or figure-8’s for us just yet, but we enjoyed our lazy turns around the rink listening to some of Today’s Hits (Hannah Montana? Jonas Brothers?) until little legs began to give out after about an hour.

Our laps around the rink led us past the video game section and the Moon Bounce umpteen times (“Can we play the games NOW? Can we go on the Moon Bounce NOW?”). Roller derby dreams on hold, this reviewer succumbed to the entreaties and we headed toward those two areas after we tired of skating. Hard to say which activity was the bigger draw for our younger reviewers. The Moon Bounce was on the small side compared to others we’ve frequented, but we appreciated having it as a transition between roller skating and token-driven video games. The younger members of our review team proved themselves clever bargainers and savvy savers when redeeming their earned game tickets at the Stuff Shop. We did not sample the Laser Tag (more appropriate for older children), but our reviewers left proclaiming the night “the best ever” and asking to return for their birthday parties.

Crash-and-Burn
Understandably, the weekly Tuesday Morning Coffee Club was nonplussed to see us arrive with our kids. Had we checked the schedule on the website, we would have known that Tuesday mornings are reserved for the adults-only Coffee Club (free coffee!) and this close-knit group would like to enjoy their weekly skate and organ music free of young children. Envious of their peaceful skating camaraderie, we left and returned later on a night open to families. Skate-N-Fun Zone offers a large variety of events for all ages and interests, but does not have daily “public skate” hours as we initially assumed, so check the website or call before planning your visit. Many of the night events draw a faster, less sympathetic crowd of older children and young adults. Weekend afternoon, Home School and “Stroller Roller” Skates may be better choices for those with younger children.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and as such, this reviewer debated putting the State of the Facility in the “Perfect Ten” section. Is it worn-down, or is it retro? We vote for Authentic Time Warp. The greenish glow of the fluorescent lighting highlights the neon splatter paint design of the well-tread carpeting. The building itself, a cross between an airport hangar and an oversized gray aluminum shed, is sandwiched between two auto stores (look for the Merchant’s and Midas signs to help you navigate off Sudley Road). The Fun Zone is perfumed with the heady scent of many nights of roller nirvana and heartburn-inducing pizza. A better ventilation system might be a worthy area of investment. And yet, it is all just as one might remember fondly from years past. It’s all in the management of expectations.

Bottom Line
We had a great night of alternative family fun and exercise at Skate-N-Fun Zone. Taking the kids on a trip back in time with us to a destination we all enjoyed was far more memorable than seeing another movie or going to dinner at another chain restaurant. Bring a sense of humor, an open mind (and perhaps some knee and elbow pads) and roll with a happy crowd for a few low-key, hours.

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Admission varies depending on the event, ranging in price from $2 ($2-for-Tuesdays, 6:30-9 p.m.) to $9.99 (All-You-Can-Eat Pizza Party, every Saturday night).
  • Skate rental is generally $3.75. Skaters can choose from quad skates or inline. The smallest children’s size is 10 Toddler. Socks must be worn. Skates may also be purchased through Skate-N-Fun Zone.
  • Laser Tag is $3 per person, per game.
  • Moon Bounce (the “Play Zone”) is $3 per person, ages 10 and under only.
  • Lockers are available along the side of the rink for 25 cents.
  • A café in the back corner with booths offers roller rink cuisine, including pizza, chicken tenders, hot dogs, French fries, snacks and sodas, ranging in price from $1 to $14 (for a whole pizza). Bringing in outside food or drinks of any type is prohibited.
  • Restrooms are available and are clean, with a changing table.
  • Limited parking is available in front of the building. Do not park in the lots of neighboring stores. Additional parking is available in the back of the building; follow the signs.

Upcoming Events
Skate-N-Fun Zone offers a variety of recurring and special events that cater to all age and interest groups. The website and phone recordings are updated weekly. Check the schedule before planning your visit; listed below are some recurring events that are geared toward whole-family fun.

  • Stroller Rollers. The first Thursday of every month, 10-12:30. $5 admission includes skate rental and moonbounce. Parents can bring young children in strollers out on the rink floor. (Hurry in to try this event! There are currently no Stroller Rollers scheduled after June, 2009).
  • Family Fun & Fitness. Every Wednesday night, 6:30-9. Free admission for every adult/child combo. Family-friendly music, family meal deals.
  • Home-School Skate. Every Friday, 10-noon. Admission $5, includes skate rental and moonbounce.
  • Saturday Mega-Skate. Every Saturday, 11-5. Admission $6.75, plus skate rental. Recommended for all ages.
  • Sunday Afternoon Family Skate. Every Sunday, 12:30-5. Admission $6.50, plus skate rental. “Family Special” for up to 5 people is $44.99 and includes admission, skate rental, food and game tokens.

Additional Information

  • Birthday party packages are available beginning at $179.95 for 8 children and include skating and the use of one of the three party rooms.
  • Skate classes are offered every Saturday (single classes or packages of four lessons).
  • The facility can be rented out for private events, such as Girl/Boy Scouts.

Have you been to Skate-N-Fun Zone? If you have comments and would like to share with the Our Kids readers, email Our Kids.