Best Places to Skate in New York City
Whether you are a beginner, a once a year skater, looking for a fun play date for both adults and kids or a place to take visiting friends, ice skating is a fun activity.
So get out on the ice and do a few toe loops and enjoy the outdoors. While most tourists are familiar with Rockefeller Center’s Skating Rink, there are other rinks that are great to skate, as well. Below you will find a list of the best places to skate in New York.
Chelsea Piers
The Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers offers year-round indoor ice skating. The Sky Rink accommodate skaters of all ages and ability levels for general skating sessions. In addition, there is also figure skating, ice hockey, league play, birthday parties, special events and more.
Location: Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers
Dates: Year – round, seven days a week.
Hours: Visit the site for daily hours.
Cost: General Admission- $10; Skate Rentals – $5, Helmut: $4
Website: www.chelseapiers.com
Citi Pond at Bryant Park
Located right behind the New York Public Library, Citi Pond is a popular destination for ice skaters since its opening. Walk-in lessons are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Definitely check the events page as Citi Pond has numerous events scheduled during the season which may throw your plans out the window.
Location: Between 5th and 6th Avenue between 41st and 42nd Street
Dates: October 26, 2012 – March 3, 2013
Hours: Sunday–Thursday: 8am–10pm; Friday–Saturday: 8am–Midnight
Cost: General Admission- Free; Skate Rentals – $14
Website: www.CitiPondatBryantPark.com
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The Rink at Rockefeller Center
The Rink at Rockefeller Center is the granddaddy of them all when it comes to ice skating. What’s not to like, from the picturesque views to its’ iconic location make it the must ice skating destination. The downside is that it can get pretty crowded so get their early. Take note that from November 9 through January 7, 2013, the rink will open at 7:00 am but First Skate of the Day reservations are required for those who want to really avoid the crowds.
Location: : Enter from Fifth Avenue (Between 49th and 50th Streets)
Dates: Now through April 2013
Hours: 7:00am – Midnight
Cost: Adults – $20; children under 11 – $12. Skate Rental – $10
VIP Skating Reservations: Bypass the lines and enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and skate concierge $95 (includes reservation & skate rentals); Nov. 16, 2012 – Jan. 7, 2013
Phone: 212-332-7654
Website: therinkatrockcenter.com
The Standard Hotel
Looking for a casual, no-nonsense, off the beaten track place to skate, then head to the Standard Hotel near Highline Park. The Standard Hotel boasts a 3,000 square foot outdoor skating rink located just outside the front lobby of the hotel. What I like about this rink is that is it’s intimate size and if you go early enough, you will have only a few people skating with you. And what makes this must visit location is that you can wander the nearby streets of the Meatpacking District, take a walk on Highline Park and shop the cool stores that do the neighborhood. The rink offers private lessons as well as a little outdoor café that sells the best hot chocolate.
The Standard Hotel
Location: 848 Washington Street
Hours/Dates: Opening date has not been announced
Phone: 212- 645-4646
Website: www.standardhotels.com
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Disclosure: NYC Single Mom was not compensated for this post.
