Winter fun in New York: 13 best outdoor skating rinks

New York City's outdoor skating rinks are ready for the new season, with most offering children's skate rentals, offering skating lessons, and some even hosting hockey leagues. Be sure to check each skating rink's website to check skate times and availability before heading out, as schedules are subject to change, especially during New York's busy holiday season. 

1. Bryant Park Ice Skating Rink – Bryant Park

If you have your own skates, this skating rink is one of the best deals in New York, and it's completely free. However, the fee for renting skates is no lower than at other skating rinks in the city, and on peak dates it is even higher. Skaters can check their shoes for free, but like last year, there are no longer lockers. For beginners and children, props in the shape of penguins and snowmen are offered, which are paid by the hour. Advance online reservations are required for all riders.

2. Ice Rink at Rockefeller Center – Midtown East

You can go ice skating under the sparkling lights of the Rockefeller Christmas tree, which is often featured in many films. If you plan to visit early in the season or after the holidays, there will be the least crowds. Book your tickets online and then you will definitely be able to go down onto the magical ice.

3.Governors Island Winter Village – Colonels Row

This wonderful winter village is welcoming visitors starting in 2021 on Governors Island. You can skate on the ice, and you can eat at the Little Eva's restaurant and a constantly changing food truck. Bicycle and sled rentals are also available. 

 4. Wollman Rink – Central Park

Located in Central Park, Wollman Rink enters its new season under a new ownership group and has made big strides to become accessible to all New Yorkers by offering free admission tickets that can be ordered with a library card. WRAP (Wollman Rink Access Program) tickets provide equity and accessibility to more skaters throughout the city. Show your library card or IDNYC at the box office and receive a $14 ticket that includes admission, skate rentals, and a cup of hot cocoa during your skating session. It is recommended to reserve your seats online.  

5. Riverbank State Park – Harlem

It rarely gets crowded and is one of the most inexpensive public skating rinks. Riverbank also offers an inexpensive hockey program and skating lessons, and there are many sports fields. After skiing, you can see other attractions of the park. There is a snack bar next to the skating rink, as well as a Sofrito NY restaurant near the park entrance.

6. The Rink at Brookfield Place – Battery Park City

Enjoy stunning views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty while skating on this skating rink, now in its eighth season. The ice is cleared at the end of each 90-minute session and entry to the rink is on a first-come, first-served basis. At 7350 square feet, the skating rink is larger than the one at Rockefeller Center. However, prices here are higher than at some other skating rinks. Skating lessons and hockey lessons are offered for parents and children. Nearby Brookfield Place offers hot cocoa, snacks, and a variety of rotating art exhibits and entertainment.

7. The Rink at Manhattan West – Midtown West

This new skating rink was added to the list last year and is run by the same team as the popular skating rink at Brookfield Place. The skating rink will be open both weekdays and weekends. Classes for adults and children are available, but all classes and lessons must be booked in advance. 

8. Ice Rink at the Seaport – South Street Seaport

Skate rentals will cost you a pretty penny, but it's worth it to skate on the boardwalk under the twinkling lights of a dazzling light show. The Ice Rink at the Seaport is located in Seaport Square, between Piers 16 and 17 and next to the new Tin Building, where you're guaranteed to find a tasty post-skate treat. Book your tickets in advance to catch the free ice.

9. ArtRink at the Brooklyn Children's Museum – Crown Heights, Brooklyn

Plan a visit to the Brooklyn Children's Museum along with a visit to this Glice synthetic skating rink. Ride in the open air while enjoying several art installations. Skating combo tickets include an hour of skating time, skate rentals, and access to all the cool museum exhibits inside. 

10. IC Ice Rink – Sunset Park, Brooklyn

Industry City's outdoor skating rink is open Friday through Sunday. After skating, you can head to the open-air bar for hot cocoa and a snack with the kids.

11.Vale Rink – Williamsburg, Brooklyn

This charming rooftop skating rink at The William Vale Hotel has a synthetic surface instead of traditional ice, but it's a stunning venue with stunning views of the skyline. The skating rink has an outdoor chalet-style restaurant.

12. LeFrak Center at Lakeside – Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Built on the site of the old Wollman Rink, the facility features 32000 square feet of skating space across two skating rinks: an outdoor and an indoor one. Offering skating lessons for beginners and advanced skaters, hockey leagues for children and adults, and birthday party packages. The on-site Bluestone Cafe offers sandwiches, salads and snacks, as well as coffee and hot chocolate. In summer, the skating rink transforms into a roller skating rink and water play area. 

13. WWII Veterans War Memorial Ice Skating Rink – Staten Island

Located in the gorgeous Clove Lakes Park, this skating rink is the only outdoor skating rink on Staten Island and is very popular with area families. Regular opening hours are Friday evenings and weekends, although there are additional hours on public holidays and during school holidays. There is a snack bar in the park where you can eat while skiing.