One of my favorite things about NYC winters is the chance to go ice skating!
My fellow local tour guides also enjoy it and between us, we’ve been to all the rinks in the city many times.
This post is about the best ice skating rinks in New York City, including hours, tickets, directions, and other logistical information.
I’ll share suggestions to make your experience great and, at the bottom of this post, you’ll find some opinions about the best rinks from Reddit users.
Prices and schedules are updated for the 2025-2026 season, though not all rinks have announced prices and schedules.
But keep checking back with us for updates and in the meantime, dig out your skates and get ready to hit the rink!
MANHATTAN ICE SKATING RINKS
There are several ice skating rinks in the city, but the best rinks are in Manhattan. They vary in cost and setting.
One rink offers free skating (if you bring skates) in the most charming settings. No skates? You can rent them there.
At the far end of the price spectrum, there is Rockefeller Center.
It is the most expensive rink, but it's one of those special experiences one can have only in New York City.
TIP: If you want to save money on the cost of ice skating rinks, you may be able to do so with a tourist attraction discount pass as some may include ice skating packages.
Learn more here.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
Skating here is a magical experience. The first time I went, I could barely stand up (I was 8 and it was my first time ice skating).
But if I was going to fall flat on my face, my parents sure picked the best place to do it!
Have your picture-perfect moment on any holiday trip skating at the rink at Rockefeller Center.
In late November, the gorgeous gigantic Christmas Tree is lit, giving the rink an 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: TBD for 2025-26 season. Last season dates: October 12 to December 31
- 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.
- For Adults (Ages 13 and Over) and Children (ages 6-12), tickets start at $21 and up.
- Tot (Ages 5 and Under): $11
- Note that ticket prices fluctuate based on the date and hour you select. Evenings and weekends prices are more expensive.
- Reserve tickets here.
- Skate Rental: $11 (or bring your own for free)
- Lockers: Available free of charge
You can book Premium skate sessions that include extended skate time of 90 minutes, free skate rental and 20% off rink merchandise.
Prices start at $47 per person.
If you choose the rink at Rockefeller Center, there's plenty to do before or after your skate session.
I love stopping into FAO Schwarz, the famous toy store with the giant keyboard from the movie Big.
The Rink at Bank of America Winter Village
This is my favorite rink for two reasons.
First, it's the only free ice skating rink in NYC (if you have a pair of skates).
Second, this rink is in the middle of a lovely holiday market in Bryant Park.
How can they afford to let you skate for free? They make up the difference by charging more for skate rental than other rinks.
Below I share tips about saving money and time if you choose to skate here.
Also, I love to warm up with hot cocoa at The Lodge Deck located rink side. It makes my skate complete!
Location: Bryant Park. Enter at 40th St bet. 5th and 6th Aves. (map)
- Schedule: TBD for 2025-26 season. Last season dates: October 25 to March 2. Reservations begin in late September.
- Hours: Daily 8 am-10 pm
- Starting November 7, Thursdays to Sundays + 11/27: 8 am-midnight
- Starting December 1 to January 5: 8 am-midnight
- Admission: Free. Advanced booking is required.
- Session time: Most skate sessions are 50 minutes long
- Skate rental: $18-$55 depending on time and day. You can save on rentals by visiting during off-peak hours and dates. Use your Bank of America® credit or debit card at checkout to receive 10% off eligible skate rentals
- Helmet rental: free
- Storage options:
- The shoe check is free. You can use the shoe bags that come free with skate rentals or are $5 for purchase onsite.
- Backpacks are not allowed on the ice.
- Bag Check service is available inside the Skating Pavilion. Prices are:
- $6 per item
- $18 fill-a-bag
- $18 per oversized item (e.g.: stroller or piece of luggage)
Note: If you have skates, tickets roll out daily for skate times one week in advance, throughout the season.
Each skater is limited to one time slot per person per day and max 5 tickets per booking per day.
CENTRAL PARK ICE SKATING RINKS
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.
Whether you go skating or not, I think Central Park is a must-see destination at any time of the year.
Wollman Rink
What my friends and I think is fantastic about this rink is skating with the stunning skyline backdrop as you can see in the picture above!
It's one of the best skyline views in NYC.
You may recognize Wollman Rink from the movie Serendipity. Want to see more holiday movie locations?
Consider joining our Christmas Movie Tour.
Tickets for Wollman Rink 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: TBD for 2025-26 season. Last season dates: October 25 - March 15
- Mon-Tues 10 am - 2:30 pm, Wed-Thurs 10 am - 9 pm, Fri-Sat 10 am to 10 pm, Sun10 am – 9 pm
- Tickets: Online purchase
- First responders and Veterans & active military admissions are free
- Tickets are non-refundable
| Off Peak | Peak | Prime | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | $15 | $27 | $38 |
| Child (ages 2-12) includes 1 non-skating adult chaperone ticket | $10 | $10 | $10 |
| Seniors (age 65+) | $10 | $10 | $10 |
| Skate Rental | $12 | $12 | $12 |
- Skate Rental: $12 or bring your own skates
- Skate Aid Rental: $25
- Locker rentals: $8 (with a refundable deposit)
- Skate Sharpening: $20
- Purchase tickets here.
Pier 17 at the South Street Seaport
Atop Pier 17 in the South Street Seaport, this rink has the best view of the rinks in Manhattan.
You’ll have views of Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. You can see the Brooklyn Bridge while you whizz on the ice! Sessions last 75 minutes.
The rink is alongside a tavern created by The Dead Rabbit, a NYC pub serving holiday-themed cocktails and mocktails with a pub food menu.
Be sure to book this one soon!
- Location: Pier 17 at The Seaport
- Schedule: TBD for 2025-26 season. Last season dates: November 22 to January 7
- Mon -Thurs: 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Fri: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Sat & Holidays: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm, Sun: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Price: $25 including skate rental, $17 bring your own skates
- Book here.
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.
SkySkate is available only to those who have purchased tickets to go to Edge.
Skate sessions are 30 minutes long and your ticket includes Edge admission and free skate rental.
A visit to Edge is worth it! Read my review of Edge.
A 30-minute skate experience is $10 on top of the cost of Edge admission.
Skate rentals are free!
Note: Dates and prices listed are from the last season. As soon as information for 2025-2026 is announced we will update this post.
Purchase your Edge Tickets with the SkySkate add-on here.
Lasker Rink
This smaller rink in Central Park, located near Harlem, is closed until 2025 when it is scheduled to reopen as part of the expanded Harlem Meer Center.
Stay tuned for this exciting new entertainment venue!
Meanwhile, if you decide to visit Harlem, our Guide to Harlem has plenty of information for you.
The Rink at Brookfield Place
Like the Rink at Manhattan West above, this rink offers private ice skating lessons with Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov.
At 7,350 square feet, it's way larger than the Rockefeller Center rink and can accommodate 250 skaters at a time.
A bonus is that it has awesome views of New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty.
- Location: 230 Vesey Street between West Street and North End Avenue (map)
- Schedule: TBD for 2025-26 season. Last season dates: November 29 to March 2.
- Monday - Friday 2:00 pm - 8:15 pm; Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 9:00 am - 8:15 pm
- Prices:
- Weekdays: Admission $15 | Skate Rental $5
- Weekends and Holidays: Admission $17 | Skate Rental $7
Book your tickets here.
There's quite a lot to do around the rink. It's across the street from the 9/11 Memorial, an outdoor plaza that is free to visit.
If you are in the area, you might want to go look at the magnificent massive cascading fountains.
I recommend going to the Oculus, a space-age-looking indoor mall adjacent to the memorial.
Grab some food here or do some shopping.
TIP: I like to use the Apple store in the Oculus to recharge my iPhone and use the free Wi-Fi!
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
Take in the fantastic 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.
This is another rink near the High Line so combine your skating with a stroll in the park!
- Location: Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers (12th Avenue and W. 21st Street)
- 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: $22.50 (price varies by season)
- Skate rental: $10
- Helmet: $5
The Rink at Manhattan West
Manhattan West offers a unique opportunity to take private ice skating lessons with Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov.
This rink is within walking distance of one of my favorite parks in NYC, the High Line.
It's a unique urban park built on an elevated railroad surrounded by cool modern buildings.
The High Line is more of a boardwalk than a park and a walk along it any time of the year is worth your time.
Use our self-guided tour or join us for a guided walking tour of the High Line.
Note: Dates and prices listed are from the last season. As soon as information for 2025-2026 is announced we will update this post.
- Location: 385 Ninth Avenue (map)
- Schedule: 2025-26 season dates tba. Usually mid-November 18 to end of March.
- Prices:
- Weekdays: Admission $20 | Skate Rental $5
- Weekends and Holidays: Admission $22 | Skate Rental $8
See the website for more information about lessons.
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 Coney Island and Prospect Park, you can skate while taking in some of Brooklyn's most beloved locales.
Besides skating, there are so many things to do in Brooklyn!
Roebling Rink in Brooklyn Bridge Park
This pop-up rink is in DUMBO underneath the Brooklyn Bridge making this one of the most stunning locations to skate in NYC.
Skate with the iconic Manhattan skyline as a backdrop! Better still, the rink is just $10 per person for a one-hour session.
You are welcome to bring skates or rent a pair there.
Book in advance if you can. This rink is sure to sell out on weekends. Book online here.
- Location: Emily Warren Roebling Plaza at Brooklyn Bridge Park (map and directions)
- Schedule: TBD for 2025-26 season. Last season dates: November 25 - February 2
- Monday through Thursday 2 pm to 9 pm; Friday through Sunday 10 am to 10 pm.
- Admission: $10 per person (Brooklyn residents can get two free skate sessions)
- Skate rental: $7
- Locker: Limited, on a first-come-first-serve basis
TIP: The rink is near the Time Out Market where you can get food from 21 eateries, three bars and a 5th-floor with a rooftop with waterfront views!
This is exciting news! For the first time, there is ice skating in Domino Park in Williamsburg.
The new ice skating rink is inside this beautiful park along the Brooklyn waterfront with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
You can also see the city's three downtown bridges, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Williamsburg Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge.
Sessions are 75 minutes long. Arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your reservation time.
Late entry is permitted, but your 75-minute skate time will be reduced for late arrivals.
- Location: 15 River St. Enter at South 3rd Street, between Kent Avenue and River Street (map and directions)
- Schedule: TBD for 2025-26 season. Last season dates: November 25 - March 1
- Monday - Friday 12 pm - 9 pm (Last session at 7:45 pm), Saturday + Sunday 9 am - 9 pm (Last session at 7:45 pm
- Admission: Regular Ticket $22.00; New York City Residen $ 16 (ID Required)
- Skate rental: $7
- Buy your tickets here.
Abe Stark Rink at the Coney Island Boardwalk
Coney Island is known for its summer fun. But it's also a destination in the winter!
At Abe Stark Rink, an indoor rink by the famous Coney Island boardwalk, public skating is available on Saturday afternoons from October to March.
- Location: Boardwalk and West 19th Street, at Coney Island (map)
- Schedule: From October to March
- Saturdays 1:30 pm- 3:00 pm
- Price: $9 per person
- Skate Rental: $5
- Note that proof of vaccination may be required to be in the facility. Be sure to check the website for details.
Coney Island is great all year round. Use our Guide to Coney Island to see all the fun things you can do there.
The LeFrak Center is in the gorgeous Prospect Park in the beautiful neighborhood of Park Slope.
Lakeside has an indoor and outdoor rink.
At just $8 for entry on weekdays and $8 for skate rentals, this is one of the less expensive skating options in NYC.
It's also one of the prettiest!
- Location: 171 East Drive, inside Prospect Park in Brooklyn (map).
- Schedule:
- Open Air Rink: Mon-Thurs 9 am - 7 pm, Fri and Sat 11 am - 8:30 pm, Sun 11 am -7 pm.
- Covered Rink: Mon-Thurs 11 am - 4:30 pm, Fri at 11 am - 8:30 pm, Sun 12:30 - 6 pm.
- Price: $10.60 weekdays, $15.25 weekends
- Skate Rentals: $10.35
- Locker: small $5.45, large $10.90. Bag check is also available.
When I go to this rink, I usually grab a bite and walk around in Park Slope, a historic neighborhood with leafy streets lined with brownstones.
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.
Industry City is located on the Brooklyn waterfront, you can take the scenic route there via the NYC Ferry.
It departs from the Wall Street Ferry Landing and is just $4.50!
This ferry service can be a cheap substitute for a sightseeing cruise if you don't need live commentary.
- Location: Industry City 51 35th Street. Courtyard 5/6 (map)
- Schedule: Nov. 17 - March 3
- Saturday and Sunday 12-8pm
- Friday 4 - 8 pm; Saturday + Sunday 12 pm - 8 pm; Friday + Saturday Skating Under the Stars Series 8:30 -10 pm; Thursday Family Skate + Play 4-8 pm
- Admission:
- Thursday 4-8pm: $10 with skate rental
- Fridays 4-8pm: Themed Music Nights $28 with rental; (varies by week starting in December)
- Saturday and Sunday 12-8pm $28 admission with rental
- VIP Tickets packages available
- Skate rental: $12
- 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.
Instead of using ice skates on the synthetic ice rink, 'skaters' wear special sock bootees. This is a perfect experience for families with little ones.
While the price may seem a bit steep, it includes bootees and admission to the world-renowned children’s museum.
- Location: 145 Brooklyn Avenue (directions and map)
- Schedule: TBD for 2025-26 season. Last season dates: November 29 to March 15
- Wednesday through Friday, 2 pm – 5 pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10 am - 5 pm
- Price: $20 per person, includes museum admission. Children under 1 free.
Vale Rink in Williamsburg
You’ll get amazing views of the city skyline from Vale Rink on the 23rd-floor rooftop of the boutique William Vale Hotel in Williamsburg.
Note: Dates and prices listed are from the last season. As soon as information for 2025-2026 is announced we will update this post.
Location: The William Vale Hotel, 111 N. 12th Street
Schedule: 2025-26 season dates tba.
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
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.
Note: Dates and prices listed are from the last season. As soon as information for 2025-2026 is announced we will update this post.
Location: 2 MetroTech, Brooklyn (map)
Schedule: 2025-26 season dates tba. Weekdays: 2 pm – 8 pm, Saturday: 11 am – 7 pm and Sunday: 11 am – 7 pm.
Admission: $15
Skate rental: $5
QUEENS ICE SKATING
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: year-round, Sundays 11:40 am – 2:20 pm and occasional Saturdays.
- Price: $12
- Skate rental: $8
- Coin-operated locker rental: $.75
- Helmets are not offered.
The World Ice Arena at the Aquatic Center at Flushing Meadows Corona Park is open year-round.
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: Year-round
- 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
- 7 days a week year-round
- Admission: $8 weekdays and $12 weekends; Seniors $6 (65 and over), weekdays only
- Skate rental: $6
- Coin-operated locker rental: $.75
GOVERNORS ISLAND
The Winter Village Ice Rink at Governors Island is a relatively new ice skating rink, just a 4-minute ferry ride from Lower Manhattan.
The rink is cute, but what I love about going here is spending time on the island.
It's open year-round, and with no cars, it's like a giant playground.
Plus there are amazing views of the harbor, Lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty!
Read more about this fun destination from our post, Things to Do on Governors Island.
Note: Dates and prices listed are from the last season. As soon as information for 2025-2026 is announced we will update this post.
- Location: Governors Island
- Schedule: 2025-26 season dates tba.
- Fridays 12 pm - 5 pm; Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm
- Price: Friday - free. Sat and Sun $11 (all ages)
- Skate rental: $8
What Reddit Has To Say
The information in this post is based on my and my fellow tour guides’ experience but I think it’s important that you hear from others thoughts on NYC's ice skating rinks.
Let’s see what a handful of those people had to say on Reddit.
Here’s a question that comes up constantly from newcomers and tourists to New York.
Here Reddit user mili1002 wants to know what rink is best.
I don’t think there is any one answer. It depends on your needs. Are you looking for the prettiest, The cheapest? The least crowded? Let’s see what a few Reddit users had to say.
Reddit user JRinNYC gave some good advice. Skip Rock Center when the tree is up. If you can go before or after the tree is there, do it.
He also recommends Bryant Park early in the morning. It’s even better if you can bring skates. You’ll skate for free.
Finally, he gives a thumbs up to Wollman Rink, with a warning that weekends are crowded.
As we pointed out in this post, there are some nice rinks outside of Manhattan. Here Reddit user Missus_Aitch_99 recommends one of my favorites, Lakeside in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
As she says, it’s a beautiful setting. Her second favorite? Wollman Rink in Central Park. Another downvote for Rockefeller Center since it is too crowded.
What other rinks came up? Brookfield Place in Lower Manhattan and the Rink at Governor’s Island (a thumbs up from me too!)
Many people who travel to New York City during the holidays plan on skating at the iconic Rink at Rockefeller Center.
But after seeing the prices, that dream can die pretty fast! Here a Reddit user, Cute-Lengthiness4305 puts the crucial question to the members of a popular NYC forum.
Many replies said they didn't think it was worth the money and recommended Bryant Park instead.
I wholeheartedly agree with this reply below from Reddit user ValPrism. If this is your first visit to NYC and don't expect to be coming again, go with Rockefeller Center.
As ValPrism tells Cute-Lengthiness4305 “You’re a tourist and it’s an iconic rink - live a little!”.
Reddit user boothismanbooooo pointed out that Bryant Park is not only less expensive than Rockefeller Center, but also bigger, less crowded, and in a pretty setting next to the Holiday Market.
He’s right, I can't despite anything he says, but I feel like people who come to New York City and don’t expect to ever come back should go for the magical moments.
Not just when it comes to ice skating, but also other NYC experiences, like going to a Broadway show, even if it is expensive, and dishing out the money for at least one skyscraper observation deck.
Boothismanbooooo also gives a great tip: take pictures at Rockefeller Center but skate at Bryant Park.
I think this is a great idea, for those who want to save time and money. You can still enjoy the iconic Rockefeller Center atmosphere. I enjoy watching other people skate! It’s festive even if I am not on the ice.
Reddit user amyheming also suggests Bryant Park for its pretty setting. But does encourage Cute-Lengthiness4305 to skate wherever her heart is set on, this being Rockefeller Center.
Now here is a reply that I agree with 100%! While Bryant Park is beautiful, it won't be the same kind of magical experience many tourists want in NYC.
I hope this post helps you decide where to skate in New York City!
