Recognition
Runner-up for Family Fun Indoor Activity.
In Monterey Bay Parent’s inaugural Family Favorites Awards, after six months of operation.
The Family Favorites Award
Between the Aquarium and a museum open since 1997.
In early 2026, Monterey Bay Parent magazine launched their inaugural Family Favorites Awards. For Family Fun Indoor Activity, the winner was the Monterey Bay Aquarium — unsurprisingly, given its national reputation. There was a tie for runner-up: MyMuseum, open since 1997, and Monterey Skates, after just six months of operation.
Earning a spot alongside two of the Peninsula’s most-established family destinations after only half a year told us we were building something the community had genuinely been waiting for.
Next year, we’d love to keep the Aquarium in first place — and claim the second spot all to ourselves.
A story we keep telling
Why we’re doing this.
My son said it was the best day of his life. Six months later, he was still talking about it.
— A father, after his son’s birthday party at our Fairgrounds pop-up
That moment has stayed with us. A skating rink isn’t just a business — it’s a place where core memories are made. Birthday parties that get retold for decades. First skates. First crushes. First songs you ever danced to with your friends on wheels. We’re building Monterey Skates for those moments.
In the press
Coverage of the Fairgrounds era and the venue search.
Monterey Bay Parent
Runner-up recognition for Family Fun Indoor Activity in the inaugural Family Favorites Awards, 2026.
KSBW-TV
Grand opening coverage at the Monterey County Fairgrounds and coverage of the Del Monte Shopping Center venue search. Interview with owner Max Troyer.
Monterey County Weekly
Feature reporting on the Fairgrounds pop-up and the ongoing search for a permanent Peninsula rink.
Monterey County Now
Reporting on Monterey Skates’ venue search and the community response.
By the numbers
Ten months at the Fairgrounds, in figures.
Trusted by
Community organizations we partner with.
- Monterey Bay Roller Derby — our founding relationship
- The Dread Ponies Junior Roller Derby League — girls’ athletic camaraderie, ages 8–17
- Peninsula schools — field trips, dances, and fundraisers
- Roller Skating Association International — industry membership
