By Gary Santos | EastProv Hospitality | October 2026
Something New for Younger Kids
There is something new to discover at one of Rhode Island’s longtime family entertainment destinations. United Skates of America is debuting a brand-new indoor playground at its 75 New Road location in Rumford, with its official opening weekend October 3 & 4.
Designed for children 12 and under, the multi-level playground features climbing areas, slides, obstacles and plenty of opportunities for active play. For families with children of different ages, it adds another dimension to a visit. While older kids and tweens are out on the rink, younger children have their own place to climb, explore and stay active for hours.
EastProv Hospitality had the pleasure of getting a personal tour of the new attraction with Susan Chace, Operating Partner of United Skates of America in Rumford, and our visit was a reminder that this facility truly has something for everyone.
A Rhode Island Tradition Since the ’80s
United Skates of America has been a fixture in East Providence, Pawtucket and surrounding communities for decades, drawing families from throughout the region.
In fact, on New Year’s Eve 1980, the then-popular Providence radio station JB 105 broadcast its year-end Top 50 live from United Skates of America in East Providence.
Nearly five decades later, the Rumford location remains Rhode Island’s only remaining roller-skating rink and one of Southern New England’s premier Family Entertainment Centers featuring roller skating.
And there have been some pretty memorable moments along the way.
The New England Patriots have rented the facility twice for Halloween parties during the Tom Brady era. And apparently, even a certain supermodel knows where the fun is — Gisele Bündchen has enjoyed United Skates, too.
There’s even a little Hollywood connection. During the filming of Good Burger 2, United Skates was used as a location for part of the movie, and the crew also held a party there.
A Family Connection That Spans Generations
For Susan Chace, Operating Partner of United Skates of America in Rumford, United Skates is much more than a place of business.
Born and raised in East Providence, Susan has been part of the United Skates family for more than three decades and still lives in the neighborhood surrounding the rink.
Over those years, United Skates became woven into her own family life. Susan met her husband at the rink, and today her adult children contribute to the family business. One of her daughters even met her future husband there.
When EastProv Hospitality arrived to photograph the new playground, it was Susan’s grandchildren who became some of the first to put the attraction to the test for our cameras.
It’s a pretty remarkable connection to one place.
What started as a job more than three decades ago has become a family, a lifestyle and a connection to the East Providence community that has continued across generations.
So Much More Than a Skating Rink
While roller skating remains at the heart of United Skates, the Rumford-based Family Entertainment Center offers something for a wide range of ages.
And while the business has a long history, it certainly isn’t standing still. Over the past 18 months, the facility has undergone a cosmetic makeover, refreshing the interior while maintaining the fun, family-friendly atmosphere that has always been part of the United Skates experience. New arcade games, including the old-school favorite Skee-Ball, give families even more ways to have fun.
The facility also hosts birthday parties, school fundraisers, STEM field trips, group events, public skating and other family entertainment.
Weekly programming includes Skating Lessons, All-You-Can-Eat Pizza Skates, Family Skate Sessions, Glow Skate sessions, character-themed skate parties and Adult Skate events featuring live DJs. Beer and wine are new for the 2026 season and are available during regular operating hours as well as select adult-focused events.
For East Providence, having a Family Entertainment Center of this caliber with such a long history right here in the city is something worth appreciating. United Skates continues to evolve while drawing families from throughout the region — and East Providence is fortunate to have it right here in our community.
For the complete United Skates Rumford schedule, skating lessons or to book your next party, call (401) 438-9898, email unitedskatesri@gmail.com, or visit United Skates of America-Rumford.
And now, a look at the new playground in action, as some of its first young visitors put it to the test.
Photos by Lyndsay Allens.
