Ice skating is a timeless winter tradition. With both indoor and outdoor locations all across the city, you can skate to your heart’s content no matter where you live. Check out some of the top ice skating destinations in the city.
The Rink at Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bryant Park is home to the city’s only admission-free ice skating rink. With the rink’s capacity for 250 guests, prepare for long lines almost any time or day of the week, but especially on weekends and holidays. Skip the wait and spring for the Express Skate package, which includes immediate entry and skate rentals. Grab snacks and a warm beverage from the rink-side food hall. After your skate session, check out the shops in the surrounding Holiday Village. Bring your own pair of skates and lock for a truly free-skate session.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
The Rink at Rockefeller Center is an incredibly popular holiday destination for tourists and locals trying to get in the holiday spirit. With its popularity comes a price tag to match– tickets range from $25 to $33 for entry, plus a $12.50 skate rental fee. Able to accommodate up to 150 guests, the Rink at Rockefeller Center can have extensive wait lines, especially during the holiday season while the Christmas tree is still lit. The wait is worth it though; this iconic rink offers a charming, intimate experience right in the heart of the city.
Wollman Rink
Known for its picturesque backdrop and star-studded appearance in several movies, Wollman Rink is another one of New York’s iconic rinks. Although it may be perpetually crowded, it’s for a good reason and definitely worth a visit. Stop by this 33,000 square foot rink in Central Park day or night and soak in the magical views of Midtown paired with the perimeter of trees lining the rink. Entrance fees start at $6 with additional fees for skate rentals and locks, but keep in mind that this is a cash-only venue.
Lasker Rink
Lasker Rink is Central Park’s other ice-skating destination located in Harlem in the northern side of the park. This hidden gem is easy to get to, much less crowded, and more affordable than its southern counterpart. It features two NHL regulation sized rinks, one dedicated for youth and adult hockey leagues and one open to all. Admission fees start at $5 with additional fees for skate rentals and locks. Like Wollman Rink, this rink is also cash-only.
LeFrak Center at Lakeside at Prospect Park
Nestled in the sprawling Prospect Park, the LeFrak Center features a variety of fun winter activities for guests of all ages. Equipped with two outdoor ice skating rinks, one covered and one uncovered, there’s plenty of space for all. Grab your skates and enjoy public skating, or take part in alternative activities like hockey competitions, curling sessions, broomball matches, or figure skating lessons. Stop by The Bluestone Cafe for sandwiches, salads, and snacks, as well as coffee and hot chocolate, to satiate your appetite and warm you up.
Riverbank State Park
If you’re living uptown, Riverbank State Park is a convenient option for your ice skating needs. Tucked away in Hamilton Heights, this covered rink is rarely crowded and offers one of the least expensive rates for public skating. Choose to free-skate or enroll in hockey or skating lessons. Check out the other athletic facilities on site, including an indoor swimming pool, fitness room, and sports fields with amazing views overlooking the Hudson River.
The Rink at Brookfield Place
Enjoy the splendor of ice skating in lower Manhattan with amazing views of the Statue of Liberty. Situated along the waterfront in the Financial District, this well-maintained 7,350-square-foot rink is open to skaters of all ages and skill levels. Purchase a 90-minute skate session for $15 or enroll in private or group lessons for hockey or ice skating. Ice cleaning takes place at the end of every session, ensuring a smooth ice skating experience for everyone. Visit neighboring Brookfield Place afterwards for some hot chocolate or to check out their rotating art exhibits.
Winterland Rink at Pier 17
Winterland Rink is the latest addition to New York’s selection of outdoor ice skating rinks. This one-of-a-kind pond shaped rink is housed on the rooftop of Pier 17 at South Street Seaport, making it the only outdoor rooftop rink in the city. Enjoy stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, and harbor while basking in the warm sunlight as you skate around. Visitors can free-skate or purchase a lesson through ticket packages or season memberships (local residents get a discount). Warm up at any one of the restaurants or bars on the rooftop with quick bites or a specialty cocktail.
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers is one of the largest indoor ice skating facilities in the city. Home to two full-sized rinks, Sky Rink offers public skating hours and private skating lessons, as well as extensive training programs for ice hockey and figure skating. Come skate here any time of year for a relatively affordable price compared to other seasonal rinks: admission costs $12 and skate rentals just $6.
World Ice Arena
Like Sky Rink, World Ice Arena is another one of the city’s year-round, indoor rinks. Located in Flushing, this rink is popular amongst local residents. Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy spiraling around the rink. It’ll cost you $7 to skate on weekdays, $10 on weekends and holidays, and $6 to rent skates.
Whether you’re a total novice or professional ice skater, there’s an ice skating rink somewhere in the city waiting for you. Just visiting? Consider making the move to New York. That way, you can enjoy your time on the ice and rest in the comfort of your own home afterwards.
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