First Look: Galaxy Skate, Grapevine’s New Cosmic Revival of Roller Rink Nostalgia

There’s a specific kind of magic that happens under the spinning lights of a roller-skating rink. It’s a feeling of infinite possibility, propelled by eight small wheels and the thumping bass of a pop song you can’t get out of your head. It’s the thrill of holding hands with your crush, the taste of concession-stand pizza and the shared laughter with friends as you all try to stay upright. For a generation that grew up in the ’90s and early 2000s, the skating rink was the epicenter of social life.

Now, that nostalgic wave is rolling back into Grapevine, and its name is Galaxy Skate.

We got a sneak peek inside the nearly finished rink, where the final touches, such as the new sign and fire alarm system, are being installed. Amid the hum of last-minute preparations, owner Ashley Reed radiates a calm excitement. She’s bringing back a piece of her childhood, not just for herself, but for a new generation of kids and the parents who remember what it was like to spend a Friday night circling the floor.

Galaxy Skate is a passion project born from an unexpected twist of fate. Reed, a Dallas native and North Dallas High School alum, wasn’t always in the roller rink business. With a degree in accounting, she was working for the IRS in the small business division. Then, a friend in Georgia stumbled upon a storage unit filled with Moonlight Rollers — a popular brand of skates.

“He called me up,” Reed recalls, and the next thing she knew, she was driving a U-Haul full of skates back to Texas. She initially began selling them online, but a bigger idea began to form.

“I thought if I opened a roller skating rink, I could use the skates as rentals,” she says. When the IRS announced layoffs, Reed saw her chance. “I threw myself into this,” she explains. By August, she had the keys to a building with a history of its own.

The location, which previously housed SkateTown, had sat dormant for four years. Reed and her team have revitalized the space, preserving the classic layout while infusing it with a fresh, cosmic vibe. The old red-and-blue school spirit theme is gone, replaced with a universe of purples, blues and science-inspired decor.

“We threw in a girly spin with ‘good vibes only’ and purple everywhere,” Reed says with a smile. The result is a welcoming, otherworldly atmosphere that feels both new and comfortingly familiar.

The rink itself is the star of the show, a polished floor just waiting for skaters to make their mark. But Galaxy Skate offers more than just a place to roll — it’s a complete family experience. There’s a vibrant arcade, a concession stand for refueling and a soft play area for younger kids who aren’t quite ready for wheels. For parties, there are designated tables and two private rooms.

One of the most impressive features is the dedicated skate shop. Here, enthusiasts can find different brands of quad and inline skates, parts for repairs and gear to customize their setup. It’s a simultaneous nod to the serious skaters and a resource for beginners looking to get started.

What makes Galaxy Skate so appealing is its beautiful simplicity. In an age where entertainment can feel overstimulating, this rink focuses on the core experience. Parents can relax on a comfortable perch overlooking the rink, keeping an eye on their kids while enjoying a moment of peace.

This focus on creating a safe, inclusive environment is at the heart of Reed’s mission. Growing up skating at places like Texas Skatium in Garland, she understands the importance of having an offline, recreational space for kids in the digital age to hang out without being glued to their phones.

“Galaxy Skate was born out of frustration with capitalism,” Reed says. “I enjoy bringing something that I loved growing up to the kids of today.”

That commitment is evident in the rink’s design. An “airlock” entry system ensures that everyone signs a waiver and has their bags checked before entering. Security guards will be present on busy nights, and the entire building is equipped with an alarm system. It’s a space designed for parents to feel at ease and for kids to feel independent.

Reed plans to keep things exciting with monthly theme nights, catering to a diverse range of tastes. Whether it’s K-Pop or classic rock, she says there will be a soundtrack for everyone. And for the adults who want to relive their own glory days, there will be dedicated adult skate nights — finally making good on the promise that Ride On, Dallas’ much-hyped (and still unopened) adults-only rink, never kept.

The journey to opening has had its share of bumps, with unexpected delays pushing back the grand opening. Reed is currently navigating the final hurdles of fire inspections, but hopes to have a soft opening within the next week or so. As she puts it, they are “trying to cater to any kind of parent and all kids,” which means ensuring every detail is perfect.

Galaxy Skate feels like a love letter to a simpler time, brought to life by a mother’s passion. It’s a place where families can connect, where kids can discover a new hobby and where adults can turn back time, if only for a few hours. Get ready to lace up, North Texas. The disco ball is waiting.

For the latest updates on the official opening, special events and deals, be sure to keep up with Galaxy Skate via its website and social media channels.