Perched along the banks of the Cumberland River and intersected by the dramatic curves of Stones River, the Nashville neighborhood of Donelson is a mecca for outdoor recreational activities. The trendy area is just 15 minutes east of downtown Nashville and includes the sprawling Two Rivers Park, a 364-acre green space with an 18-hole golf course and an outdoor water park. While the neighborhood itself does not have any rinks for roller skating, you’ll find some venues in the surrounding region.
Rivergate Skate Center in Madison is 15 minutes northwest of Donelson. The rink hosts special events throughout the week, including nights reserved exclusively for adults 21 and older, afternoon sessions set aside for children 8 and younger and evenings with discounted prices for families. A DJ accompanies skaters with a variety of musical selections and special giveaways include glow-in-the dark goodies. Kids who are just learning to skate can rent trainers, or walkers that aid them around the rink. The venue is closed on some nights for private parties.
Brentwood Skate Center has four private party rooms for personal use, complete with party packages that include the cost of admission and skate rentals for all of your guests. Some afternoon sessions are geared specifically toward kids and sometimes include games, prizes and trainers, if necessary. The rink’s resident DJ takes requests, but often specializes in Top 40 and oldies fare. The rink is adorned with 100 multi-colored LED lights, mirror balls and strobes. Embark on a trip to the snack bar or try your hand at the arcade’s video and midway games. Brentwood is 20 minutes southwest of Donelson.
Based in Hendersonville, 25 minutes northeast of Donelson, Strike and Spare Family Fun Center is home to a tiny roller skating rink. Enjoy unlimited skating with the purchase of the center’s Circus World Wristband pass. The facility provides a host of other recreational attractions, including a 46-lane bowling alley, arcade with more than 30 games, laser tag arena, bungee trampoline, bumper cars and indoor playground. Take a break in the casual bar and grill outfitted with pool tables and six televisions. On some nights, the restaurant hosts live music, karaoke open mike and trivia contests.
Smyrna Skate Center has times roped off exclusively for beginning skaters, private parties and home-schooled children. On some nights the rink provides discounted snack shack treats, reduced admission prices for families, free toy giveaways at the door and throwback nights with '70s and '80s music. Smyrna is 30 minutes southeast of Donelson.
