Want to take the kids ice skating? These family-friendly ice skating rinks in New York City are all outdoors and, sometimes, completely free
Nothing says winter like taking to the ice in an outdoor rink. And as we close out 2022, NYC has plenty of ice skating rinks to turn a frigid day into a fun—even magical!—experience. Skate with some amazing views, then grab a bite from a local food truck or warm up in a cozy booth with hot cocoa . . . the opportunities are endless! What’s even better: many on this list have free offerings, and a few can be visited without spending a dime. As winter comes through in full force, be sure to lace up and enjoy these outdoor New York City-based ice skating experiences with the whole family!
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Manhattan
https://www.instagram.com/p/CjEGVbrvKFX/?hidecaption=true
Winter Village Ice Skating Rink at Bryant Park
Reserve a skating slot to enjoy the classic 17,000 square foot pop-up rink at Bryant Park. The rink boasts free skating (skate and locker rentals require a fee, but you can bring your own skates), as well as a great views of the glamorous Christmas tree. Reservations to skate are required, and you can also rent out a Cozy Igloo or relax in the Curling Café for a post-skating wind-down. Don't miss out on the Winter Village vendors selling local and hand-crafted goods until January 2, then come back after the shops close for mayhem as the ice opens up to bumper cars.
Open through Mar. 5, 2023
Bryant Park, 5th Ave. Between 40th and 42nd Streets
Midtown
Online: bryantpark.org
The Rink at Brookfield Place
This rink, located at Brookfield Place, puts you right next to the water for an amazing view across the Hudson River. Sponsored by US Olympian medal winners Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov, this rink offers an upscale feel and environment for skaters. It can also be rented out for birthday parties, private and semi-private lessons, company outings, and other events.
Open through Mar. 2023
230 Vesey St.
Battery Park City
Online: therinkatbrookfieldplace.net
https://www.instagram.com/p/ClCV-fMvNob/?hidecaption=true
Wollman Rink in Central Park
Central Park's iconic rink is open only through the new year, making it a top destination for the holidays. Visit on special event days to celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah, or stop by for a regular skating session for some fun on the ice to lively tunes. Special tickets are available for access to the heated Nordstrom Chill Lounge and RinkSide Igloos. The rink also hosts ice skating lessons, weekend hot chocolate tastings, as well as discounted prices on certain days with the goal of making the rink accessible to everyone. The rink’s location inside Central Park means that you’ll be surrounded by trees and nature as you take a break from the city.
Open through Jan. 1
830 5th Ave.
Central Park
Online: wollmanrinknyc.com
Conservatory Water in Central Park
This lesser-known ice skating spot in Central Park is completely free—as long as you have your own skates. The Conservatory Water pond is best known for its model boat racing. But when the ice gets to six inches in thickness, it’s opened up to ice skaters! You do have to bring your own skates and note that the ice isn’t prepped for skaters, so this one’s an option for experienced skaters. Call ahead to check if the ice is thick enough to skate on.
Open when weather permits
East Side between 72nd and 75th Streets
Central Park
Online: centralpark.com
The Rink at Manhattan West
This boutique ice skating rink, like The Rink at Brookfield Place, has programs for adults and kids by Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov. This rink's location surrounded by skyscrapers and part of a very new building, makes it a bit of a hidden gem. Make this a full day out, and enjoy the nearby Hudson Yards area, where you can do some shopping, get a delectable meal, and check out some art installations.
Open through Mar. 2023
385 9th Ave.
Midtown West
Online: manhattanwestnyc.com
https://www.instagram.com/p/B3hpz2Gna6z/?hidecaption=true
The Rink at Rockefeller
Every New Yorker—and beyond—has probably heard of The Rink at Rockefeller Center. If you've never actually skated there, this is as good a time as any! Skate in the sunken ice skating rink, under the watchful eye of the famous bronze Prometheus statue and next to the city's largest and most extravagant Christmas tree. Private and group skating lessons are available, and you can often see special events and performances on and near the rink. If you’re more serious about skating, you can sign up for a season pass and enjoy unlimited skating, first dibs on special events, and a personal locker to use all season long.
Open through spring 2023
Rockefeller Plaza between 50th and 49th St.
Midtown
Online: rockefellercenter.com
Ice Rink at The Seaport
Spectacular skyline views make The Seaport's rink a special treat. Stop by in the afternoon to take in the glimmering Aurora installation, designed by Ithaca Studio. The Aurora brings the Northern Lights to NYC through over 4,000 overhead lights that flicker like starlight and dance to music during special performances. The outdoor rink at The Seaport is a free-admission rink, with fees charged only for skate rentals.
Open through Feb. 2023
89 South St., between Piers 16 & 17
Financial District
Online: theseaport.nyc
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Brooklyn
https://www.instagram.com/p/CZSTaYYF5XC/?hidecaption=true
Lakeside Rink at the LeFrak Center
Lakeside Rink is divided into two, one fully outdoor space and one covered rink. Public skating is done on the open-air rink, where you can skate under the stars in the evening, while hockey programs and skating lessons are conducted inside the covered portion of the rink. End a day of outdoor skating with a treat and a hot chocolate from the attached Bluestone Cafe and Bar.
Open through spring 2023
171 East Dr.
Prospect Park
Online: lakesidebrooklyn.com
ArtRink at the Brooklyn Children's Museum
When you skate at the Brooklyn Children's Museum, you're skating on science! That is, you're not skating on real ice but rather Glice, the synthetic alternative. This means the 3,000 square-foot covered outdoor rink can be kept warmer for the little ones. Tickets to ice skate include admission to the museum (unless you're participating in late skate, which takes place after museum exhibits have closed for the day), as well as the child-sized Winter Village. Here, kids can explore art from 16 local artists as well as five interactive playhouses designed by various artists.
Open through spring 2023
145 Brooklyn Ave.
Crown Heights
Online: brooklynkids.org
https://www.instagram.com/p/CatACRqgkie/?hidecaption=true
IC Ice Rink at Industry City
The 5/6 courtyard at Industry City transforms into an ice skating rink in the winter, with festive decor in the holiday season and twinkling lights criss-crossing the skies above for some excellent photo-ops. The petite, uncovered rink offers a festive and friendly vibe, and is just the right size for taking a few spins. Frying Pan Brooklyn will be bringing hot cocoa and treats to skaters through a pop-up outdoor bar. And when you're done skating, Industry City has plenty more to offer, from authentic Japanese meals and treats to an arcade and even axe-throwing lessons.
Open through spring 2023
51 35th St., Courtyard 5/6
Sunset Park
Online: industrycity.com
The Vale Rink at The William Vale
For a Glice experience for the whole family, the Vale Rink is the place to go. The William Vale has once again transformed its 23rd-floor outdoor rooftop of the hotel into a skating rink. Skate on “Glice”—sustainable synthetic ice—as you take in the Manhattan skyline. For some after-skate coziness, check out Winter Village at Westlight, 12 private, heated chalets complete with cozy pillows where you can splurge on fondue.
Open through spring 2023
111 N. 12th St., 23rd Floor
Williamsburg
Online: thewilliamvale.com
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Other Boroughs
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl4h8TePTYz/?hidecaption=true
WWII Veterans Memorial Ice Skating Rink at Clove Lakes Park
This memorial was opened as a tribute to war veterans, and is home to an outdoor rink in the fall and winter. Take a break in the snack bar, or head out to explore the park and its picturesque lakes and environment. The rink has options for lessons, corporate events, child birthday parties, and more.
Open through Mar. 26, 2023
Victory Blvd., west of Clove Rd.
Staten Island
Online: nycgovparks.org
Winter Village Rink on Governors Island
Governors Island is open year-round now, which gives it a chance to turn into a winter wonderland during the colder months. The island's 7,500 square-foot skating rink is open four days a week—Thursdays through Sundays—and offers free admission on Thursdays. And since they charge only $9 for skate rentals, that makes the Governors Island rink the most affordable option in NYC. After your stellar skating, you can grab a bite to eat from one of the island's rotating food vendors or explore what the rest of the place has to offer. The island is also open to (leashed) dogs in the winter, making it a great destination for the whole family—even its four-legged members!
Open through spring 2023
Governors Island
Online: govisland.com
