The chilly temps that winter brings to New York City are a good excuse to stay inside. But if you want to get the whole family outside for some winter fun, ice skating in New York City is a great option.
Did you know there are 8 ice skating rinks in Manhattan where you can lace up some skates and enjoy some great views? Here is the complete list, with their hours and prices to help you plan your day of ice skating in NYC.
Ice Skating in New York City
Ice Skating in New York City is one of the most iconic experiences of the winter here in the Big Apple. Almost any movie that takes place in New York City during the winter features an ice skating scene. Ice skating is always on our list of things to do when visiting New York City with kids during the winter months.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Perhaps the most iconic ice skating rink in all of New York is the Rink at Rockefeller Center. During the holiday season, the rink is always packed with visitors skating under the iconic Rockefeller Christmas tree.
But even without the tree, skating at Rockefeller Center is an experience. The rink is open daily from 8:30am-Midnight, from October 12th through April 19, 2020. General admission is $25 for adults, $17 for kids/seniors. Rentals are $13.
VIP packages and online reservations are available.
The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Touted as the New York City’s only “free admission” ice skating rink, the 17,000-square-foot Rink at Bank of America Winter Village is located in Bryant Park, right behind the New York Public Library. If you own your own skates and have a lock you can bring to put on one of the free lockers, you can actually skate without paying any money at all.
The Rink is open October 31st through March 1st, from 8am-11pm until January 4th, and then 8am-10pm from January 5th til March 1st. Reservations can be made online or you can visit the box office on site.
If you need to rent skates, the prices vary from $18-$33 depending on the day. Bank of America customers can save 20% by using their card at the box office instead of online.
Wollman Rink, Central Park
With views of the skyline towering above the rocks and trees of the park, Wollman Rink can’t be beat for its ambiance.
The rink is open for public skating, hockey, figure skating and lessons from October 19th through April. Public skating sessions are Monday and Tuesday 10am-2:30pm, Wednesday and Thursday 10am-10pm, Friday and Saturday 10am-11pm, and Sunday 10am-9pm.
Admission is $12 for adults, $5 for seniors Monday-Thursday. Friday through Sunday, those rates go up to $19 for adults and $9 for seniors. Kids (11 and under) are always $6. Skate rentals are $10. Lockers are also available to rent. Wollman Rink is cash only for public skating!!
Lasker Rink, Central Park
Lasker Rink is situated at the north end of Central Park, near entrance at 110th street and Lenox Ave.
Public skating is available Monday – Thursday 9:30am-4pm (9am on Wed.), 9:30am-4:50pm and 6pm-11pm on Friday, 2pm-11pm on Saturday, and 12pm-4:30pm on Sunday.
Admission is $9 for adults, $5 for kids, and $3 for seniors. Skate rentals are $8. Locks for lockers are available to rent. Lasker Rink does not accept card payments, so be sure to bring cash!!
Winterland Rink at Pier 17
Elevate your skating at this rooftop rink with views of the Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, and the East River. Winterland is open through March 15th.
Hours vary but you can expect Winterland to be open for public skating from 3pm-10pm Monday-Thursday, 12pm-11pm on Friday, 10am-11pm Saturday, and 10am-10pm on Sunday.
Admission is $15 on weekdays, $18 Friday – Sunday, and $27 on “peak” days. Kids 5 and under skate free with a paying adult. Skate rentals are $8. Local residents of the Seaport community are eligible for a 30% discount.
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
Located at Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers, the Sky Rink is the only rink on our list that operates the whole year. But just because it is indoors does not mean this rink doesn’t have a view. Large windows let in lots of light and give you scenic views of the Hudson River.
With many events being held, along with ice hockey and figure skating, general skating hours are limited. Visitors can visit to skate from 1:30pm-5pm on Monday, 3pm-5pm on Tuesday and Thursday, 1:30pm-5:20pm on Friday, and 1pm-3:50pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Admission is $14 for all ages September through March. It’s one dollar less April through August. Skate rentals are $7. Helmets are available to rent for $5.
Riverbank State Park
Riverbank State Park is often overlooked, despite it being the only state park located in the city. Tucked along the shore of the Hudson River at Riverside Drive and West 145th Street, the park offers great views of New Jersey and the George Washington Bridge.
Ice Skating is one of the many things visitors can enjoy at the park, but public skating in its covered rink is limited to weekends from November 1st to March 15th. Public skating is available from 6pm-9pm on Fridays, 1pm-4pm and 6pm-9pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and 11am-2pm and 3pm-6pm on holidays.
Riverbank State Park is probably the most affordable place to skate in the city. Admission is just $5 for adults and $3 for kids under 12. Skate rentals are just $6 each.
The Rink at Brookfield Place
The last rink on our list is located downtown near Battery Park. The Rink at Brookfield Place is an open-air rink featuring views of the financial district skyline, as well as parts of New Jersey.
Public Skating is available in 90-minute sessions every 2 hours from 10am-8:30pm Monday-Friday, and 10am-9:30pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Admission is $15 per session. Skate rentals are $5 each.
Tips for Ice Skating in NYC
- Make sure your ice skates fit comfortably and provide good ankle support.
- Even the most inexperience skaters should know how to stop and fall safely.
- Always look where you are going and be alert of your surroundings.
- Obey rink rules, such as skating in the same direction as other skaters.
- Do not use headphones/earbuds or talk on a cell phone while ice skating.
- Children and beginner skaters should wear a helmet.
- Consider optional safety equipment such as knee pads or wrist guards.
- Dress appropriately.
- Take breaks when you become tired.
Have you been ice skating in New York City? If so, which rink did you visit? Do you have a favorite? Let us know by leaving a comment!
chris
Wednesday 25th of March 2020
this helps me so much, thank you!