Skip to main content
Sign In
Civic Dome athletic field in Oshawa, ON
Photo: Google
View of Civic Dome in Oshawa, ON
Photo: Google

Civic Dome

4.3(20 reviews)$$Entertainment
🕑 2-3 hours👶 Best for ages 4-14. Younger children (4-7) enjoy learning to skate with rental support aids available, while tweens and teens love the independence of skating with friends and competing at arcade games. Toddlers under 4 may find skating challenging but can still enjoy the arcade area.

About

Civic Dome is a classic family entertainment center that brings roller skating fun to the Greater Toronto Area. With a spacious skating rink, arcade games, and party facilities all under one roof, it's an ideal spot for active families looking for indoor recreation year-round. The venue's combination of old-school roller skating charm and modern entertainment options makes it a hit with kids and nostalgic parents alike.

Highlights

  • Traditional roller skating rink with disco lights and music
  • Arcade game area with classic and modern games
  • Birthday party packages with private party rooms
  • Skate rental support aids (walkers) for beginners
  • Indoor venue perfect for rainy or cold weather activities

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Bring extra socks for the kids, as skate rentals require socks and the on-site selection may be limited or pricey.
  2. 2.Visit during public skate sessions (check their schedule online) rather than peak weekend afternoons to avoid large birthday party crowds.
  3. 3.Pack wrist guards and knee pads if you have nervous first-time skaters, as these aren't always provided with rentals.
  4. 4.Bring cash for the arcade games, as not all machines may accept cards or tokens.
  5. 5.Book birthday parties well in advance, especially for weekend slots, as this is a popular party venue for local families.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday afternoons or Friday evenings offer the best experience with smaller crowds and more skating space. Weekend mornings (right when they open) are also good for families with younger children who need more room to practice. Avoid Saturday afternoons when multiple birthday parties typically run simultaneously.

What to Know

Admission and skate rental fees apply separately (budget around $15-20 CAD per child total). Parking is available on-site, and there's a snack bar for basic refreshments, though options are limited so consider eating a meal before or after your visit.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round, making it a reliable rainy day or winter activity option. Check their website for holiday special events and themed skate nights (Halloween, Christmas) which are especially popular with families. Hours may vary during Canadian holidays and school breaks.

Nearby Eats

The Keg Steakhouse + Bar (about 5 minutes away on Stevenson Road) offers a family-friendly menu beyond just steaks. For faster casual dining, there are multiple chain restaurants along nearby Taunton Road including Boston Pizza, which caters well to families with varied kids' menu options.

More Activities Near Oshawa

Entertainment

Legends Sports Oshawa

4.6$$

Legends Sports Oshawa is a fantastic indoor entertainment destination that combines mini golf, arcade games, and casual dining all under one roof. With its impressive 4.6-star rating, this venue offers families a convenient, weather-proof option for active fun where kids can burn energy playing mini golf, try their hand at arcade games, and refuel with kid-friendly food without having to leave the facility.

Park

Athabasca Street

Free

Athabasca Street is a welcoming community park that offers all the essentials for a relaxed family outing in Oshawa. With playground equipment for active play, sports courts for older kids, and plenty of open green space for running around or picnicking, it's an ideal spot to let children burn off energy while parents enjoy the fresh Canadian air.

Park

Lakeview Park

Free

Lakeview Park offers the perfect combination of beach fun, playground adventures, and stunning Lake Ontario views that will keep kids entertained for hours. This waterfront gem features sandy shores for castle building, paved walking paths ideal for bikes and strollers, and multiple play structures that cater to various age groups, all without costing a penny.

Nature

Lynde Shores Conservation Area

4.7

Lynde Shores Conservation Area offers families the perfect blend of beach fun and nature exploration along Lake Ontario's shoreline. Kids can build sandcastles on the sandy beaches, splash in the gentle waves, hike scenic trails through diverse habitats, and spot local wildlife including turtles, birds, and butterflies. With picnic facilities and well-maintained trails suitable for strollers and young hikers, it's an ideal spot for a full day of outdoor adventure.