There was a lot of debate over Heelys, since they are basically like sneakers with a wheel inside. They can be dangerous, like one poster said things can get stuck in the wheel and a lot of places forbid them.

There are some nice quad skates which are fun and good for starter skates. They'll probably learn quick with inline skates as well and you can probably find some nice inline skates especially for the older one, but with the 3 year old go with the plastic kind or another beginner skate that offers more support.

Also, OP, I'd go with quads instead of inlines because they are so much easier to learn and control at a young age, which means they are more likely to get used and enjoyed. Plus all the roller derby players wear them and they come in a bunch of cool colors.

For your three year old, go with the plastic kind that go over the shoe, and expect to do a lot of hanging on.

Go with real skates. Heelys are dangerous, mostly because if anything gets stuck in the wheel well, the wheel stops and can send your kid flying. Check out lowpriceskates.com.

Real skates unless you are going to make them wear all the safety gear with the heelys.

I have 3 and 5 year old girls. Is it too early for skating and what is better to get started: real skates or heelys?