15 Ice Skating Rinks in NYC to Visit With Kids

Posted Jan 08, 2019 Things to Do Family Travel

Lace up your skates, get out on the ice and start creating traditions and memories to last a lifetime with your family. Ice skating is an affordable, fun way to enjoy the winter season with the entire gang. Check out our top picks for indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks for families in the New York City area.

Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks
Imagine skating around NYC's most iconic landmarks. This is the stuff that incredible family memories are made of! Button up those warm coats, slip on your gloves and get out to New York City's coolest outdoor ice rinks. 

The Rink at Rockefeller Center, Midtown
A definite bucket-list experience, Rockefeller Center is the most iconic ice rink in the world and one of the most beloved traditions in NYC! Don't miss this opportunity to skate the ROCK! Open daily until April 28th (weather permitting). 

Wollman Rink, Central Park South
Located just inside Central Park's South entrance sits Wollman Rink, a 33,000-square foot ice skating venue. This unique skating experience puts you right in the center of the action, surrounded by the beauty and sights of Central Park with the NYC skyline as your backdrop. The rink is open until April 7th (weather permitting). For a full day of family fun and entertainment, stop by the Central Park Carousel, Heckscher Playground or the Central Park Zoo--all just a few minutes walk away.  

Photo Credit: Massimo Vitali; Photo Courtesy of Wollman Rink, Central Park, NYC

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, Midtown Manhattan
Located in Midtown Manhattan adjacent to the New York Public Library's Main Branch, Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park has the only outdoor ice rink in NYC where you can skate for FREE! This 7,000-square foot hidden gem is open daily 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. through March 3rd (weather permitting). Bring your own skates to glide on the ice for free or rent their high-quality skates. When the family is hungry after burning all those calories skating, enjoy a meal next to the rink at The Lodge by Urbanspace, a seasonal pop-up bar and food hall. The Lodge has a full range of eateries, featuring dozens of new and classic NYC restaurants.

Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park, NYC By Collin Miller

The Rink at Brookfield Place, Battery Park
This rink has hosted the US Women's Olympic Gold Medal Hockey Team and 2018 Olympic Figure Skaters! Located in Battery Park along the Hudson River, The Rink at Brookfield has majestic views of the river, the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline. This boutique rink offers an upscale ice skating program with lessons led by Olympians, Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov. Sign up for a lesson for the whole family or check out when public skate sessions are available HERE. 

The Rink at Brookfield, Battery Park, NYC

Lasker Rink, Central Park North
Located in Central Park North in the Harlem neighborhood, Lasker Rink is a two-rink facility offering public sessions, skate school, youth and adult hockey programs and party options. It's affordable and not as crowded as some of the other outdoor rinks in NYC. Make it a day by coupling your skating outing with a visit to Central Park's East 110th Street Playground and enjoy the gorgeous setting around the Harlem Meer (a.k.a Lake).

LeFrak Center at Lakeside, Brooklyn
Located in Brooklyn's Prospect Park, LeFrak Center at Lakeside is a year-round activity center that hosts two seasonal outdoor ice rinks (one covered, one open air) until March 24th (weather permitting). Beyond public skating sessions, LeFrak's rink has party packages, youth and adult hockey, curling, broomball, and figure skating programs. If the family is hungry after laps on the ice, or just needs to take a break, check out Bluestone Café, which offers a spectrum of dining options.

LeFrak Center at Lakeside

Riverbank State Park Ice Rink, Hamilton Heights
Located in Hamilton Heights along the Hudson River sits the massive Riverbank State Park Ice Rink. This state-of-the-art facility is the largest outdoor public skating rink in NYC. This is a covered roof, open-air facility that serves as an ice skating rink in the winter and a roller skating rink in the summer. 

Newport Skates, Jersey City
Located on the New Jersey waterfront just across the Holland tunnel from Lower Manhattan, Newport Skates is a fun skating destination with riverfront views. This seasonal outdoor rink is open through March 25th (weather permitting), and offers public skate sessions, skating lessons and party packages. Street parking is limited to one hour. For parking, go to River Market Garage (not free), located at 20 North Boulevard. 

WWII Veterans War Memorial Ice Skating Rink, Staten Island
This Staten Island rink is located at the beautiful Clove Lakes Park. The WWII Veterans War Memorial Ice Skating Rink is only open Fridays through Sundays (with extra holiday openings). While in the area, take a stroll through the trails and explore the beautiful nature-filled setting of Cloves Lakes Park.

Indoor Ice Skating Rinks
When you don't want to brave the weather but still want to enjoy the ice with the family, glide on over to one of these indoor ice rinks in the New York City area. Whether you want a day of fun or to develop your talent in an ice sport, these indoor rinks are open year round so you can practice your axels or spins in any weather.

Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers, Chelsea
Ideally situated in Chelsea along the river bank with expansive views of the Hudson River, this popular two-rink facility is open year-round for your family's skating pleasure. Sky Rink offers a wide variety of programs welcoming all levels of skaters with year-round camps, skating school, hockey and figure skating leagues.

Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers, NYC by Scott McDermott

World Ice Arena, Queens
Located on the northeast side of Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens, World Ice Arena is open year-round with a variety of skating and hockey programs to fit all levels of skating enthusiasts. World Ice Arena also has a full-service cafe to meet your family's snacking or beverage needs during or after your skating session.  

City Ice Pavilion, Queens
City Ice Pavilion's world-class rink is located in Long Island City in Queens. This large facility hosts public skate sessions, a pro shop, party packages, skating school, private lessons, hockey and figure skating leagues. The rink also has a free parking garage located up the ramp at the City Closet entrance next to City Pavilion's main entrance. 

Abe Stark Rink, Coney Island
Located in Brooklyn's popular Coney Island, Abe Stark Rink is a winter treat. This well-loved 48-year-old rink is being considered by the city for a future refurbishment. This facility is only open on Saturdays and holidays for public skating sessions through March 30th. While in the area, stop by the famous Nathan's Hot Dogs - the original stand that started it all! - for a delicious bite, or stroll the iconic boardwalk for a picturesque view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Staten Island Skating Pavilion, Staten Island
Located in the southern part of the Island, the Staten Island Skating Pavilion provides skating opportunities for all ages and skill levels. Parents can rent a Bobby the Seal or a walker for their wee skaters to help them navigate the ice. There is also a snack bar on site for a quick bite or drink. The rink is only open for public skating on the weekends, with extra sessions added for school breaks. During the week, the Pavilion hosts lessons and league programs, along with special events. 

Staten Island Skating Pavilion, Staten Island

Aviator Sports and Events Center, Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn
If skating in an aircraft hangar isn't cool, we don't know what is! Aviator Sports and Events Center is also the only rink in NYC where public skating is available 365 days a year.  Encompassing four historic hangars, this multi-sport recreational complex is New York's largest sports and event venue with two regulation-sized NHL rinks, rock climbing, 12-foot bungee trampoline, indoor roller coaster, arcade and more.

Aviator Sports and Events Center, Floyd Bennett Field, Brooklyn

For more affordable family fun, check out our New York City deals and coupons.

Tags: New York City NYC Ice Skating Rinks Kids Families Winter Fun

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