Roller skating comes in two styles. Quad skates have four wheels set two by two and are the classic rink skate: stable, easy to stop with the toe stop, and good for dancing. Inline skates, the kind most people call rollerblades, have their wheels in a single line, roll faster and handle sidewalks and paved trails better.

A roller rink is the classic place to skate, with a smooth indoor floor, music, colored lights, a snack bar and rental skates at the counter. Many rinks run themed nights, adults-only sessions, beginner lessons and couples skates. Outdoors, look for paved bike paths, boardwalks and park loops with smooth, wide pavement and not too many hills.

The Date Activity

A rink is a fun, slightly ridiculous date, in the best way. Holding hands has a practical purpose, nobody looks cool on their first lap, and wobbling around together breaks the ice fast. If one of you can skate, they get to play teacher. If neither of you can, hug the wall and laugh about it. Look for an adults-only night so you're not dodging kids.

On a nice day, rent inline skates or bring your own and cruise a beach path or a long paved trail, with a stop for ice cream along the way. If one of you would rather not skate, they can rent a bike and ride alongside. When it gets cold, trade the wheels for blades and go ice skating.

On Your Own / With Friends

Rinks are made for groups, with party packages, group rates and rink games like limbo and races. It's an easy birthday plan for kids and a surprisingly fun one for adults. On your own, skating is great exercise that's gentler on the joints than running. Skate an outdoor trail at your own pace, or take a beginner or rhythm skating class at the rink and you'll soon know the regulars.

Good to Know

Wear a helmet outdoors, plus wrist guards, since falls usually land on your hands, and knee and elbow pads while you're learning. At the rink, wear thick socks, and if you bring your own skates, some rinks check the wheels to make sure they won't mark the floor. Learn to stop before you learn to go fast: the toe stop on quads, the heel brake on inlines. Outdoors, watch for cracks, gravel and wet leaves, and give walkers plenty of room. Rinks run set public sessions rather than open hours, so check the schedule before you go.