Roller rinks and skate parks are built for roller skating, though it also takes place on streets, sidewalks, and bike paths . Roller skating originated in the performing arts in the 18th century.

The first practical roller skate was designed in 1863 by James Plimpton of Medford, Massachusetts, who broke from the in-line construction and used two parallel pairs of wheels, one set near the heel of the boot and the other near the front. He attached the wheel pairs to the boot using springy carriages known as trucks.

Roller skating is equivalent to jogging in terms of health benefits and caloric consumption, reduction of body fat, and leg strength development. Roller skating is recognized and recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) as an aerobic fitness sport. Just one hour of moderate roller skating burns 330 calories for a 143-pound person.