The weather is cooling down so that means it times to lace up those skates and take to the nearest ice skating rink near you, or maybe one that’s not so near. With so many great options to chose from finding the perfect rink for you and your brood should be a cinch. From outdoor rinks to indoor ones, from those geared toward younger kiddos and semi-pro teens, there’s something on this list for everyone. Check out these 11 ice skating rinks in New York City.
Manhattan
The Rink at the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
This free rink opens Oct. 28 and offers skaters so much more than a place to skate. The rink is surrounded by dozens of vendors selling amazing crafts and holiday-themed items. There’s also plenty of options for grabbing a bite to eat, as you are sure to work up an appetite on the ice. While admission is free, skate rental costs $20 and parents can rent adorable penguin Skate Aids for $22/hr for their kiddos. However, be warned that the rink can get crowded with lines flooding out far beyond the entrance, especially during winter break. Off-peak times are best for families and locals who are looking to beat the crowds.
41 W. 40th St.
Midtown
212-661-6640
Online: wintervillage.org
Trump Lasker Rink in Central Park
You are more than likely familiar with Wollman Rink, located just a short walk from Central Park South, but there’s a lesser know known skate rink in Central Park that is much less crowded and has no time limit to how long you can skate! Lasker Rink is comprised of two rinks, one for public skating and the other for a skate school that includes lessons in hockey and of course, ice skating. Admission is $9 for adults and $5 or kids 12 and under. Skate rentals cost $8 and a lock can be rented for $4, plus a $4 deposit.
Central Park
Upper East Side
917-492-3856
Online: laskerrink.com
photo: via Wollman Rink Facebook page
Trump Wollman Rink in Central Park
This rink is surrounded by gorgeous views of the park and NYC skyline and makes for a great day in the city. It’s currently opened so why not head over there before it gets too cold?! Admission for adults is $12 Monday-Thursday and $19 Friday-Sunday. Kids 12 and under can skate for $6 any day of the week and skate rentals cost $10. You can also pay a $5 spectator fee if you’re more of a watcher, not a skater. Please note that this rink can also get crowded so aim to visit during off peak times for less of a wait.
Central Park
59th Street and Sixth Avenue entrance
Upper West Side
212-439-6900
Online: wollmanskatingrink.com
photo: via Rockefeller Center Facebook page
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
This rink is iconic New York and tourists and locals alike flock there not only for the skating but for the famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. Nothing says “Christmas in New York,” for than Rock Center! If you can bear to wait in line, you will be met with an unforgettable experience. Sessions run for 90 minutes and it’s hard not to look up at the amazing architecture in your midst while skating. General admission to the rink is on a first-come first-served basis and cost $25- $33 for adults, depending on the time of season. Children under 11 and Seniors cost $11 and skates can be rented for $12.50. Of course, there are some great VIP packages offered that range in price from $60-$150. Either way, it’s definitely worth a visit for some New York holiday cheer!
Rockefeller Plaza
49th Street and 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues
Midtown
212-332-7654
Online: therinkatrockcenter.com
photo: via Brookfield Place Facebook page
If it’s a view you’re after, this rink should be first on your list. Skaters can take in amazing sights such as the Statue of Liberty and the New York Harbor. While it can accommodate 250 skaters, the prices are a bit steep. However, the rink offers parent-child lessons and hockey classes for kids! If you need a bathroom or a bite to eat, head over to the adjacent Brookfield Place for a myriad of shopping and restaurants.
200 Vesey St.
Battery Park City
646-656-1384
Online: therinkatbrookfieldplace.com
The Rink at Riverbank State Park
This indoor rink on Manhattan’s Upper West Side offers lessons for kids as well as a hockey program. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for kids under 12; skates cost $6 to rent; season passes are available for $100. Affordable birthday party packages are also offered. For a bite, check out Sofrito on the Hudson for some delicious Puerto Rican cuisine.
679 Riverside Dr.
Upper West Side
212-694-3642
Online: nysparks.com/parks
photo: via Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers Facebook page
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
If indoor skating is more your think, check out the Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers. General skating is offered every day except Wednesdays, in the afternoon. The cost is $12 for skaters of all ages and $6 to rent skates, and $5 for a helmet. The Sky Rink is known for its classes so if you’re little one is eager to up their skating game check out the Skating School, which offers classes that range from absolute beginner to professional.
61 Chelsea Piers
Chelsea
212-336-6100
Online: chelseapiers.com/sr
Brooklyn
photo: via Prospect Park Facebook page
LeFrak Center at Lakeside
You get two-for-one at this Prospect Park rink. Skaters can chose from an indoor or outdoor rink once they arrive. Parents will love the skating lessons and hockey leagues for kids. Not to mention, the rink offers great birthday party packages. Admission for kids and adults is $7, $10 on weekends. Skates can be rented for $7. Bluestone Cafe is great for lite bights and more and is open Thursday-Sunday.
171 East Dr.
Prospect Lefferts Gardens
Prospect Park
212-661-6640
Online: lakesideprospectpark.com
photo: via Aviator Sports Facebook page
Floyd Bennett Field
You can skate year round at Aviator Sports at Floyd Bennett Field, which boasts two NHL-sized rinks. The rink is actually a former airport hanger and has tons of skate sessions throughout the week. It also offers extended hours during the weekends and holidays. Skating for non-members costs $12 for adults and $10for children 11 and under. Skates can be rented for $6 and lockers are free, just be sure to bring your own lock.
3159 Flatbush Ave.
Floyd Bennett Field
718-758-7500
Online: aviatorsports.com
Abe Stark Ice Skating Arena Coney Island
Coney Island Boardwalk and W. 19th Street
Coney Island
718-946-6536
Online: nycgovparks.org
Queens
World Ice Arena
13135 Avery Ave.
718-760-9001
Flushing, Queens
Online: worldice.com
City Ice Pavilion
