If you’re a “new” New Yorker, or just coming to visit, one of the most overlooked winter activities are the outdoor ice skating rinks – most are open through March (not just for the holidays!) If you want to avoid lines or go after the tourists have left, try visiting one of these during the week or after January. Also, many of these open really early in the year, so you can even go before Thanksgiving! Here are our favorites:
Favorite Outdoor Ice Skating NYC
1. Winter Village at Bryant Park
Bryant Park boasts a breathtaking backdrop for its ice skating rink. The usual green space is transformed into a rink, and it’s surrounded by skyscrapers, millions of twinkling lights and tons of holiday vendors. The coolest part: Admission is free! Bring your own skates or rent a pair for $15 to $19. Post-skating, stop by the shops for a treat (think donuts, cider, cupcakes and more).
Dates: Open through March 1, 2015.
2. The Rink at Rockefeller Center
There’s nothing we love more than skating at the most famous rink in the world (it first opened to the public in 1936!), but keep in mind that it gets very crowded. Head over early in the season to beat the tourist crowds, or wait until the tree is lit on December 3 and be prepared for lines. General admission skating is on a first come, first served basis, so get there early anytime you go. (Prices are generally $27–$30 for adults and $11 for children 15 and under, with a $12 skate rental fee, but they do vary throughout the season—as do times. Click here for specifics.)
Dates: Open through April 2015.
3. Seaport Ice RInk
The South Street Seaport may still be under renovations, but that doesn’t mean you should skip it this holiday season. The downtown area will still be setting up lots of outdoor holidays shops (and hot drink vendors!), as well as their open-air ice-skating rink. They light up the sky for their annual tree lighting ceremony on November 28.
Dates: Open November 15 through February 23, 2015.
4. Lakeside at Prospect Park
Head over to Prospect Park for not one, but two rinks located at the LeFrak Center at Lakeside (one open-air, one covered). Both rinks offer 16,000-square-feet of skating happiness, and are even connected by an ice bridge. (Prices range from $6 to $8 per person and $6 for skate rentals.) With trees and other nature as your backdrop, it’s easy to forget that you’re skating in the middle of Brooklyn. They also host a skating school for children; call 718-462-0090 for more information.
Dates: Open through 2015.
5. WWII Veterans War Memorial Ice Skating Rink
Located in Staten Island’s Clove Lakes Park off of Victory Boulevard, you’ll find this family-friendly rink ready for skaters of all sizes. (It costs $10 per person to skate; there’s a $5 skate rental fee.) Yes, it may be a trek to get there, but it’s worth it—it’s a great place for kids to play outdoors and the park scenery is absolutely beautiful.
Dates: Open through March 29, 2015.
6. The Rink at Brookfield
Prefer the Hudson River as your backdrop? Head to the Financial District for the outdoor rink at Brookfield ($15 per person, plus $5 skate rental fee). Located right outside the Winter Garden, this 7,350-square-foot rink can hold up to 250 people at one time. It’s a great space for novice skaters to practice their skills while still taking in the city views of lower Manhattan.
Dates: Open mid-November through mid-March 2015.
7. Wollman Rink at Central Park
For another truly iconic city skating spot, bring your skates—or rent them for only $8—to Central Park’s Wollman Rink. (The space transforms into the popular Victorian Gardens during the warm-weather months.) Admission to the rink, which is located near the park’s 59th Street and Sixth Avenue entrance, is $11.25 to $18 for adults and $6 for kids. They also have a skating school for kids and host birthday parties.
Dates: Open through March 2015.
8. Lasker Rink in Central Park
The less-touristy Lasker Rink is also tucked away among the trees of Central Park (enter at 110th Street and Lenox Avenue). A swimming pool in summer, the space is converted to a rink during the winter and used by locals for hockey and ice skating lessons. The public is also welcome to try their skills on the ice, or even book a birthday party. Admission is only $7.50 for adults and $4 for children (skate rentals are $6.50).
Dates: Open through March 2015.
Originally published on MommyNearest.com
