It’s a Bellevue classic. It’s a taste of old-style family fun. It’s got roller skating, arcade games, and a snack bar. And it’s only open for four more days, to be replaced by a Harley Davidson outlet.
Nostalgic fans of Bellevue's Skate King have until June 30 to visit for the last time. A fixture for 40 years, the rink has hardly changed over the decades, with its Seattle murals, worn red carpet and disco ball. The rink — still popular, just not profitable enough to pay the bills, hence the closure — hosts skaters of all ability levels, from children clutching the carpeted railing on the side, to the experts weaving backwards through the crowds.
Regular roller skating gets livened up by occasional games, like Four Corners or the Hokey Pokey. The standard $5 admission includes quad skate rental; upgrading to inline skates costs an additional $4 (check website for special event pricing.) Visitors can bring their own skates, although an employee might check the skates for indoor use.
If you’re going with children, you might want to bring:
• protective gear, such as helmets, wrist guards, or kneepads
• quarters for arcade games or air hockey (some of the games, like the race car, jam when you feed in quarters, but employees often refund the lost money)
• friends to skate with
• a partner for managing small children, because skaters aren’t allowed to carry children on the skating floor for safety reasons
Outside food is not allowed, but there is a snack bar.
For a great family outing that gets children moving, or a few hours out of the hot sunshine, or one more chance to make roller-rink memories, head on over to Skate King. June 30 is the last day of skating.
Schedule for final Skate King sessions
Saturday, June 27, Tiny Tots 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Saturday, June 27, 1–5:30 p.m.
Saturday Night Retro, June 27, 6–10 p.m.
Saturday Final Goodbye to Skate King, June 27, 10 p.m.–1 a.m.
Sunday June 28, Family Day, 12:30–5 p.m.
Monday June 29, noon–4 p.m.
Tuesday June 30, 1–7 p.m.
Many sessions are discounted (only $5 and includes quad rentals). Schedule and information can be found at bellevueskateking.homestead.com.
