Post originally published on October 22nd, 2015. Updated on January 14th, 2020
The autumn / winter season has arrived in New York and, with cold weather, some programs are not viable – and others are traditional at this time. One of the coolest programs to do in the city during this weather is ice skating. It is a little scared at beginning, I admit, but it’s fun! However, I see that many people who come here don’t know about all the options available in town – yes, the New York skating rinks are not limited to Bryant Park, Central Park and Rockefeller. By the way, did you know that the most expensive place for ice skating is Rockefeller? Yeah! Check out the guide that I prepared and see which option fits best in your trip – check the descriptions for more details about prices (they vary by month and day of the week in some areas), age limit for kids and dates.
The classics
- Bryant Park
Where: Sixth Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets
When: October 30 to March 6
Price: Free; skate rental $18-33 - More information
- Rink at Rockefeller Center
Where: Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets
When: Mid-October through April
Price: Adults $25–$28, kids 10 and under $15; skate rental $13 - More information
- Wollman Rink in Central Park
Where: Central Park, mid-park between 62nd and 63rd Streets
When: Late October to first week of April
Price: Adults $12 (Mon.–Thurs.), $19 (Fri.–Sun.); kids 11 and under $6; seniors $5 (Mon.–Thurs.), $9 (Fri.–Sun.); skate rental $10 - More information
Rinks in Manhattan that also deserve your attention:
- Winterland Rink
Where: Rooftop do Pier 17
When: December through March
Price: $23 a $26 (with skate rental) - More information
- The Rink at Brookfiel Place
Where: 230 Vesey St
When: Necember through March
Price: $15 + $5 (with skate rental) - More information.
- Lasker Rink
Where: Central Park, the northeast corner between 106th and 108th Streets
When: Late October to late March
Price: Adults $9, kids 12 and under $5; skate rental $8 - More information
- Standard Hotel
Where: 848 Washington St., between West 12th and West 13th Streets
When: Late November until early spring (weather dependent)
Price: Adults $17, kids $12; skate rental $8 - More information
Rinks in Brooklyn that also deserve your attention:
- Vale Rink
Where: The William Vale Hotel – Rooftop – Williamsburg – 111 N. 12th Street
When: January through March
Price: Adults $20, kids $12. - More information.
- Lakeside
Where: Prospect Park, near Ocean Avenue and Lincoln Road entrance
When: Late October through March
Price: Weekdays $7,50, weekends $11; skate rental $8
Skating takes place at two rinks (one open air, one covered). - More information
Affordable rinks in New York City
- Manhattan: Ice Rink at Riverbank State Park
Where: Henry Hudson Parkway between West 138th and West 145th Streets
When: November through March
Price: Adults $5, kids 11 and under $3; skate rental $6 - More information
- Brooklyn: Abe Stark Rink
Where: Coney Island Boardwalk and West 19th Street
When: Early November through March
Price: $10; skate rental $5 - More information
Year-round rinks:
- Manhattan: Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
Where: Pier 61, West 23rd Street and Hudson River Park
Price: $14; skate rental $7 - More information
- Brooklyn: Aviator Sports and Events Center Rink
Where: Floyd Bennett Field, Flatbush Avenue and Belt Parkway
Price: Adults $12, kids $10; skate rental $6 - More information
- Queens: City Ice Pavilion
Where: 47-32 32nd Place, between 47th and 48th Avenues
Price: Weekdays $7, Sat.–Sun. $10; skate rental $6 - More information
- Queens: World Ice Pavilion
Where: Flushing Meadows Corona Park
When: Year-round
Price: Mon.–Fri. $7, Fri. (after 7pm)–Sun. $10; skate rental $6 - More information
Rink in Staten Island
- Staten Island
War Memorial Ice Skating Rink
Where: Clove Lakes Park, Victory Boulevard, west of Clove Road
When: Late October through late March – Fri – Sun
Price: $10; skate rental $5 - More information
Laura Peruchi is a Brazilian blogger, author, and entrepreneur. She has lived in Manhattan with her husband since 2014. Since then, she has shared on her blog varied content about the Big Apple. From travel tips, including unusual things to do, shopping tips, etiquette, restaurants, and a lot more, her blog has become a reference in Portuguese (also available in English) for anyone planning a trip to New York City.
