Bored children are smoke alarms with dead batteries, they will not stop till you fix them. Not long after our first child’s second birthday he decided he needed to be constantly engaged. The playground, fun for a few minutes but we weren’t getting off that easy. He was bored in the kid backpack. Hiking? Walking? Tedious. Balance bike, good, but it was the same flat sidewalks day after day. That’s when I took him to our local skatepark, and he was hooked. His brother has followed suit.
For parents who didn’t grow up in skateparks with kids 2 and up.
Kids thrive on excitement—whether at amusement parks, aquariums, chasing bugs or at the pool. A skatepark is an exciting way to promote an active, healthy lifestyle. It’s like playing soccer would be if everybody got a ball.
Skatepark development surged in the 2000s, and most all are bike-friendly. Balance bikes are perfect for skateparks. If you live near one, check it out. Pump tracks have become common also and the same information applies.
What to Expect at a Skatepark
- Rules: Each skatepark has its own rules which are usually posted. 99% allow bikes, if you don’t see any bikes you may want to check, some have bike hours. Helmets required. Pads may or may not be required.
- Safety: Collisions are a concern. Visit in the morning when younger kids are present; morning till school gets out is prime time. Older, bigger, faster riders tend to show up later. The first few times you visit spot your child on transitions and ramps, as they may roll back unexpectedly.
- Observe: Take time to watch how others navigate the park. Most parks have popular lines and quieter areas where kids can practice on smaller obstacles. Don’t sit on obstacles.
- Bike setup: Check the air pressure in their tires. 20-30 psi is great. Moderately firm when squeezed. More pressure for bigger kids. Seat low enough that they can touch the ground with flat feet and some bend in the knees.
- Paddling Up: Initially, we rode without pads. When we started frequenting the park, we invested in safety gear. Pants and long sleeves help prevent minor abrasions.
- Taking Turns: Be courteous and allow others to ride through. Some parks may post “No marathon runs” to discourage long periods of riding without breaks.
- Community: Local riders are some of the nicest people you will meet. Don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Skatepark Terms
- Transition: The curve in a ramp or a curved ramp.
- Bowl: A combination of transitions, varying in layout and shape.
- Street Plaza: An area with stairs, ledges, and rails.
- Coping: The rounded metal or concrete edge at the top of a transition.
- Spine: Two transitions meeting to form a ridge.
- Box: A stand-alone feature, often rectangular with transitions.
- A-frame: Two ramps back-to-back forming a ridge.
- Volcano: Circular standalone feature.
Gear Recommendations
For more insights, check back for upcoming posts on kids’ balance bikes, bikes, helmets, pads, and how to avoid some common Hobby Killers’ kids encounter while becoming bike riders.
- Helmets: Required at most parks; a full-face helmet is ideal for young riders.
- Shoes: Flat-soled shoes provide better grip and feel than running shoes.
- Kneepads: Really nice, but sweatpants or jeans can also provide protection.
- Padded Shorts: Great for extra cushioning, though finding the right fit for younger kids can be challenging.
- Elbow Pads: Often hard to find elbow pads that fit toddlers/little kids.
- Gloves: Can be difficult for young children to wear, our older son used them starting at age 5.
Enjoy the skatepark experience!