This post lists the best ice skating rinks in NYC, updated for winter 2023-2024.
We include hours, tickets, directions, and suggestions to make your experience great.
- Manhattan
- Brooklyn
- Queens
- Winter Activities in NYC
- Christmas in NYC
- Things to Do in NYC (any time of year)
MANHATTAN ICE SKATING RINKS
There are several rinks throughout the city, varying in price, and range.
One rink is free to skate, though if you don't have your own skates, you will have to pay to rent some.
The most expensive is Rockefeller Center, but it also offers you one of those special New York moments.
TIP: Some tourist discount passes include ice skating packages which save you money. See our post on tourist passes to see if one is right for you.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
The picture-perfect moment on any holiday trip to New York is skating at the rink at Rockefeller Center.
In late November, the iconic Christmas Tree is lit, giving the rink that extra special holiday feeling.
To see the tree lighting, read our post, Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
- Location: In front of 30 Rockefeller Plaza (map).
- Schedule: 2023-2024 DATES NOT YET ANNOUNCED
- 9 am-11 pm. Sessions are 40-60 minutes long with time slots every 10 minutes starting at 9 am until 10:30 pm, and a final session each day at 11 pm.
- General Admission Prices:
- Adult (Ages 13 and Over): $20
- Child (Ages 6 to 12): $20
- Tot (Ages 5 and Under): $11
- Skate Rental: $10 (or bring your own for free)
- Lockers: Available free of charge
Whether you go skating or not, there is so much more to do at Rockefeller Center.
Use our self-guided tour of Rockefeller Center to learn more.
And be sure to check out our popular NYC Travel Tips Facebook group for posts like the one below.
Our group is comprised of locals, like our tour guides, veteran visitors, as well as newbies to New York.
You don't need to join the group to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.
The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village
This rink is located in the middle of a lovely holiday market in Midtown Manhattan.
It is the only free ice skating rink in NYC.
How can they afford to let you skate for free? Because the skate rental price is much higher than other rinks.
Below we include tips on how to save money and time if you choose to skate here.
Take advantage of the opportunity to warm up with some hot cocoa at The Lodge Deck located rinkside.
- Location: Bryant Park. Enter at 40th St bet. 5th and 6th Aves. (map)
- Schedule: 2023-2024 DATES NOT YET ANNOUNCED.
- Daily 8 am - 10 pm. Check the website for special holiday hours.
- Admission: Free. Advanced booking required
- Skate rental: $15-$50 depending on time and day. You can save on rentals by visiting during off-peak hours and dates.
- Storage options:
- The shoe check is complimentary. For storage of shoes, use one of their "shoe bags" that come free with skate rentals or $5 for purchase onsite.
- Backpacks are not allowed on the ice.
- Bag Check service is available inside the Skating Pavilion. Prices are:
- $5 per item
- $15 per oversized item
Tips to save you time and money:
Some tourist discount passes can save you money off of the steep skate rental prices.
For example, NY Pass holders get a free skate rental.
For those more concerned about saving time, a New York Explorer Pass allows you to enter through the Express line.
If you aren't familiar with tourist discount passes, find out more about the benefits of purchasing one from our post comparing all the pass options.
Central Park Ice Skating
Ice skating in Central Park is popular with locals and travelers alike.
The combination of the natural setting with the sparkling skyline in the background is magical.
The park is a must-see destination on your trip, any time of the year. There is something for everyone.
Our guide to Central Park lays it all out for you.
If you are interested in exploring the park with a guide, consider taking one of our pay-what-you-wish Central Park walking tours.
You can also enjoy our self-guided tour or GPS-Enabled audio tour anytime, day or night.
Wollman Rink
This outdoor rink offers a stunning skyline view of the surrounding buildings while you skate.
You may recognize Wollman Rink from the movie Serendipity. (See our Christmas Movie Tour which you might enjoy).
Tickets can be purchased online in advance where you can choose a time slot. You can also purchase tickets at the box office at the rink.
- Location: Central Park. The rink is accessed from the entrance at 59th and 5th Avenue.
- Schedule: October 28, 2023-March 15, 2024.
- Mon-Tues 10:00 am - 2:30 pm, Wed-Sat 10:00 am - 10:00 pm, Sunday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Tickets: Online Purchase
- First responders and Veterans & active military admissions are free
- Tickets are non-refundable
| Off Peak | Peak | Prime | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | $15 | $25 | $35 |
| Child (ages 2-12) includes 1 non-skating adult chaperone ticket | $10 | $10 | $10 |
| Seniors (age 65+) | $10 | $10 | $10 |
| Skate Rental | $10 | $10 | $10 |
- Skate Rental: $25 or bring your own skates
- Locker rentals: $7 (with a refundable deposit)
- Skate Sharpening: $20
Sky Skate at Edge
Glide across the ice at New York City's highest skating rink, Glice, located at EDGE, one of the city's sky-high observation decks.
This indoor 1,024-square-foot ice rink that uses synthetic ice, offers the same views of the city as the Edge deck.
Sky Skate dates for 2023-2024 have not yet been announced.
Daily skate sessions are from 10 am to 8 pm.
Skate sessions are 30 minutes long and your ticket includes Edge admission and free skate rental.
How to Purchase Tickets
- Adult (13-61) $48
- Child (6-12) $43
- Senior (62+) $36
- Visiting during peak days is an additional $6 per ticket.
- Visiting during sunset is an additional $10 per ticket.
All tickets are subject to the NY Sales tax of approximately 9%. All sales are final.
There are limited tickets available for skate sessions so be sure to book as soon as you know your plans in NYC.
Lasker Rink
This smaller rink in Central Park, located near Harlem, is closed until 2024 when it will reopen as part of the expanded Harlem Meer Center.
Stay tuned for this exciting new entertainment venue!
Meanwhile, if you do decide to visit Harlem, our Guide to Harlem has plenty of information for you.
The Rink at Brookfield Place
This Lower Manhattan rink has stunning views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty.
At 7,350 square feet, it's way larger than the Rockefeller Center rink and can accommodate 250 skaters at a time.
Also, there are lots of things to do inside Brookfield Place, with shopping, a great food court, and rotating art exhibits and performances.
- Location: 230 Vesey Street between West Street and North End Avenue (map)
- Schedule: 2023-2024 DATES NOT YET ANNOUNCED. Usually starts in November.
- Start times for a 60-minute session:
- Monday - Friday 2:00pm, 3:15pm, 4:30pm, 5:45pm, 7:00pm, 8:15pm
- Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 9:00am, 10:15am, 11:30am, 12:45pm, 2:00pm, 3:15pm, 4:30pm, 5:45pm, 7:00pm, 8:15pm
- Start times for a 60-minute session:
- Price: $17 (60 mins)
- Skate rental: $5
Brookfield Place is across the street from the 9/11 Memorial.
Our self-guided tour and GPS-enhanced audio tour tell you all about the Memorial and what to see.
The Rink at Manhattan West
Debuting in 2021, this rink is located just north of Hudson Yards.
Manhattan West offers a unique opportunity to take private ice skating lessons with Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov.
Also nearby is the High Line, a unique urban park and a must-see destination.
So, be sure to save some time before or after your skate to see the nearby attractions.
- Location: Location: 385 Ninth Avenue (map)
- Schedule: 2023-2024 DATES NOT YET ANNOUNCED.
- Start times for a 60-minute session:
- Monday - Friday 2:00pm, 3:15pm, 4:30pm, 5:45pm, 7:00pm, 8:15pm
- Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 9:00am, 10:15am, 11:30am, 12:45pm, 2:00pm, 3:15pm, 4:30pm, 5:45pm, 7:00pm, 8:15pm
- Start times for a 60-minute session:
- Price: $20 (60 mins)
- Skate rental: $5
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
Take in the amazing views of the Hudson River as you glide across the two covered ice rinks open year-round.
In addition to ice skating all year, you can play ice hockey or go figure skating.
- Location: Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers
- Schedule: Year-Round
- Daily; hours vary by day of the week. See the website for details.
- Sessions are between 60-80 minutes. To reserve a session you must register and reserve online.
- Admission: $20
- Skate rental: $10
- Helmet: $5
Governors Island Winter Village Ice Rink
New York City's latest outdoor ice skating rink is on Governors Island, located just a short ferry ride from Manhattan.
You'll get incredible views of the harbor and Lower Manhattan. You can skate for free on Free Fridays!
- Location: Governors Island
- Schedule: 2023-2024 DATES NOT YET ANNOUNCED.
- Fridays 12 pm - 5pm; Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 5pm
- Price: Friday - free. Sat and Sun $11 (all ages)
- Skate rental: $8
Read more about this fun destination year-round from our post, Things to Do on Governors Island.
Winterland Rooftop Rink at Pier 17
This outdoor rink is located on the rooftop at Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport.
Details are not yet announced for the 2023 - 2024 season.
BROOKLYN ICE SKATING
If you are curious about New York City's most populated borough, go ice skating in Brooklyn and find out!
With rinks in such places as Coney Island and Prospect Park, you can skate while taking in some of Brooklyn's most beloved locales.
For even more to do, see our post, Things to Do in Brooklyn.
MetroTech Ice Skating Rink
This very small, but pretty ice skating rink is in Brooklyn Commons Park in the MetroTech Center in Downtown Brooklyn.
The rink is within walking distance of the beautiful neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights.
- Location: 2 MetroTech, Brooklyn (map)
- Schedule: 2023-2024 dates not yet announced
- Weekdays: 2pm – 8pm, Saturday: 11am – 7pm and Sunday: 11am – 7pm.
- Admission: $15
- Skate rental: $5
Vale Rink in Williamsburg
You’ll get amazing views of the city skyline from Vale Rink located on the 23rd-floor rooftop of the boutique William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg.
Next to the rink is the seasonal pop-up, Winter Village at Westlight.
There are cozy chalets where you can dig into some cheese fondue and craft cocktails.
- Location: The William Vale Hotel, 111 N. 12th Street
- Schedule: 2023-2024 DATES NOT YET ANNOUNCED.
- Wednesday to Friday 2 pm-10 pm; Saturday to Sunday 12 pm - 10 pm
- Admission: $20.00 + tax for Adults (13 and above), $12.00 + tax for Children (12 and below)
- Skate rental: Included free with admission
- Locker: Included free with admission
Abe Stark Rink at the Coney Island Boardwalk
Coney Island is known for its summer fun.
At Abe Stark Rink, an indoor rink by the famous Coney Island boardwalk, public skating is available on Saturday afternoons from October - March, though 2023 - 2024, exact dates have not yet been announced.
- Location: Boardwalk and West 19th Street, at Coney Island (map)
- Schedule: October 2023 - March 2024
- Saturdays 1:30 pm- 3:00 pm
- Price: $9 per person
- Skate Rental: $5
- Note that proof of vaccination is required to be in the facility.
Coney Island is great all year round. Use our Guide to Coney Island to find out all the fun things you can do there.
Lakeside Prospect Park
Prospect Park's LeFrak Center Ice Rink is located in the charming neighborhood of Park Slope.
It includes an indoor and outdoor rink.
At just $8 for entry on weekdays and $8 skate rentals, this is one of the less expensive skating options out there.
It's also one of the prettiest!
- Location: 171 East Drive, inside Prospect Park in Brooklyn (map).
- Schedule: 2023-24 schedule TBA
- Open Air Rink: Mon-Thurs 9am - 7pm, Fri and Sat 9am - 9 pm, Sun 9 am- 7pm.
- Covered Rink: Mon-Thurs 9am - 4:30pm, Fri 9am - 7pm, Sat 1pm - 9 pm, Sun 1pm-4:30pm
- Price: $8 weekdays, $12 weekends
- Skate Rentals: $8
Make time for a stroll around the area, well worth a stroll! Use our self-guided tour to find your way around.
IC Ice Rink
Industry City is a trendy, modern, commercial complex in the Sunset Park neighborhood.
The small outdoor rink is in Courtyard ⅚ and has a bar serving snacks and hot cocoa.
As Industry City is located on the Brooklyn waterfront, take the scenic route there via the East River Ferry service.
It's the same price as a subway ride but much prettier!
- Location: Industry City 51 35th Street. Courtyard 5/6
- Schedule: 2023-24 schedule TBA
- Friday 4 - 8pm; Saturday + Sunday 10am - 8pm; Friday + Saturday Skating Under the Stars Series 8:3 -10 pm; Thursday Family Skate + Play 4-8 pm
- Admission: $15
- Skate rental: $10
- Helmet: $5
- Bag check: $5
ArtRink at Brooklyn Children's Museum
This outdoor rink on the roof of the Brooklyn Children's Museum is perfect for skaters big and small.
While the price may seem a bit steep, it includes free skate rentals and museum admission to the world-renowned children’s museum.
- Location: 145 Brooklyn Avenue
- Schedule: Schedule for 2023-2024 has yet to be announced
- Thursday-Friday, 2-5pm; Saturday-Sunday, 10am-1pm and 2-5pm
- Price: $23 per person
For more ideas on how to enjoy NYC with the family, see our post on What to Do with Kids in New York City.
City Ice Pavilion
This rooftop skating facility in Long Island City, Queens is open year-round.
Its NHL-size skate rink offers public skating, hockey programs for youths and adults, and the City Ice Pavilion’s Skating School.
- Location: 47-32 32nd Place, Long Island City (map)
- Schedule:
- Sundays 11:40 AM – 2:20 PM and occasional Saturdays.
- Price: $12
- Skate rental: $8
- Coin-operated locker rental: $.75
- Rink no longer offers helmet rental.
World Ice Arena
The World Ice Arena skating rink is open year-round.
It is located within the Aquatic Center at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Flushing, Queens.
Public sessions open to the general public are walk-in except for evening sessions which require pre-registration.
- Location: World Ice Arena 131-04 Meridian Rd. Flushing, Queens (map)
- Schedule: 7 days a week year-round
- Monday-Thursday 10:30 AM - 5:15 PM; Friday 9:00 AM - 5:15 PM and 7:00 PM - 9:50 PM; Saturday 12:00 PM - 4:45 PM and 8:00 PM -9:50 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM - 4:45 PM
- Admission: $8 weekdays and $12 weekends; Seniors $6 (65 and over), weekdays only
- Skate rental: $6
- Coin-operated locker rental: $.75
WINTER ACTIVITIES IN NYC
There are so many reasons to visit New York City in the winter months.
For a complete guide of things to do this season, see our Winter Guide to New York City.
In addition to finding cheap airfare and good hotel deals, there are many other reasons to come to NYC, as there is always something going on here.
November to March is considered off-peak season (excluding the holidays).
There are fewer tourists in town and you can enjoy the most popular attractions without waiting in line.
If you do plan on seeing at least 2 of the city’s main paid attractions, look into purchasing an all-inclusive tourist attraction discount pass.
They can often help you save a sizeable amount of money during your trip. Read our post that compares the various attraction passes.
The colder months are an excellent time to take a bus tour. You can stay warm but still see it all.
Our post, Best New York Bus Tours, can help you find the right tour for you.
November has the magical Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and the lighting ceremony of the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree.
For other events, see our post Things to Do in NYC in November.
December is a wonderful time to be in New York.
You can enjoy all the Christmas-related events, such as taking a Holiday Lights of Manhattan Tour or strolling the many pop-up Holiday markets.
You can also experience an unforgettable New Year's Eve in Times Square.
Our post, Things to Do in December in New York City has dozens of events and activities for this jovial month.
January has plenty to keep you busy and save you money! Get 2-for-1 deals on select theater shows during Broadway Week.
Pay under $30 for a 3-course lunch at the top eateries during Restaurant Week.
There's much more to do so be sure to look at our list of Things to Do in NYC in January.
February is a short month but full of fun things to do!
Celebrate the Chinese New Year Parade in Chinatown or spend President's Day visiting the historic sites in Lower Manhattan, such as Federal Hall, where George Washinton was inaugurated.
See our post of Things to Do in February in NYC for more ideas.
March is Women's History Month - what could be more perfect than a visit to Lady Liberty!
Here's our guide on How to Visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
March is also a very good month to take one of our pay-what-you-wish tours since our tour groups are smaller and the weather is moderate. See all our tours by clicking here.
Our post, New York City in March, has many more suggestions for what to do in March.
No matter when you visit New York, be sure to check out our definitive guide to Things to Do in NYC.
RELATED POSTS:
- Christmas in NYC
- Winter Activities in NYC
- Things to Do in NYC (any time of year)
