Skate City West, Kansas City

Skate City's rinks are havens for roller-skaters tired of rough asphalt and bumpy sidewalks. Within each, a smooth white plane stretches out in front of every pair of wheels, beckoning and tempting maximum speeds. And during open-skate sessions, these rinks become mini-metropolises, stirring with skaters of all ages rolling to upbeat music. Each Skate City has its own lineup of special offerings, too: at some, Sunday nights mean free slices of pizza, whereas at others, Friday nights are reserved for teenagers tired of just sitting around, getting taller. When they aren't buzzing with public skating sessions, skating instruction, and hockey games, Skate City locations also transform into the ideal spots for birthday parties. Summer membership card, valid all summer long and weekends through September at all facilities, for just $1 admission.