Saddle soar
IF THE weather’s bad, the kids can still keep active and scoot off to an indoor skatepark.
There are plenty around Scotland whether the family want to have fun on a scooter, skateboard, BMX or skates. And you don’t need to have your own wheels as you can hire equipment along with a helmet …
Transgression Park, Edinburgh
This skatepark with ramps should keep anyone entertained who’s wanting to ride skateboards, BMX bikes, scooters or get their skates on. It’s open to anyone over the age of five and also runs classes. There are regular Nerf gun events, plus pool tables and pinball. If rollerskating is your thing, the rink at The Boardwalk is a short walk away. Prices: one-hour initial session £7. Equipment hire: one-hour initial hire £5; BMX, scooters, skateboards, helmets £1. Opening times: term time noon10pm weekdays, school holidays 10am-10pm weekdays, Saturdays 10am-10pm, Sundays 10am-8pm. Contact: Transgression Park, Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh EH6 6JJ. Tel 0131 629 1831, www.transgressionpark.com
Unit 23 Skatepark, Dumbarton
Scotland’s largest indoor skatepark has ramps spread over three halls for different skill levels for skateboards, scooters, BMX bikes or skates. There’s also a foam pit and cafe and a trampoline park is being built on site for Easter. Prices: from two hours £9 for non-members. Equipment hire: two hours; skateboard £5, scooter £7, BMX £8, helmets £1. Opening times: Mon-Fri noon 10pm, Sat-Sun noon-8pm. Contact: The Old Bond, 45-50 Castlegreen Street, Dumbarton, G82 1JD. Tel 01389 768333, unit23skatepark.co.uk
Transition Extreme, Aberdeen
Known as TX, this skatepark has a plywood design for skateboarding, BMXing and inline skating. Coaching is available and there are a street scene and a 60ft-long bowl. There’s also a gym with sprung floor, trampolines, foam pits and a cafe. Prices: under three hours £9, three-12 hours £14. Equipment hire: £2 helmet, £5 skateboard/scooter, £10 BMX. Opening times: seven days a week, 10am-10pm Contact: The Loading Bay, 100 Borron Street, Glasgow G4 9XE. Tel 07727 817216, theloadingbayglasgow.com
Zone 74, East Kilbride
This park is open for skateboarding, BMXing, rollerblading and scooting and includes a foam pit. Users must be six or over, under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. There’s also a diner, shops and softplay. Prices: £3.50 an hour; all-day pass £15 including hotdog and drink; off-peak deal (not weekends or school holidays) noon-4pm £5. Equipment hire: £5 scooter, skateboard or BMX, £1 helmet. Opening times: Mon-Tue 10am6pm, Wed-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-8pm. Contact: PlaySport, Stewartfield Way, East Kilbride, G74 4GT. Tel 01355 590864, www.playsportscotland.com/zone-74