Manhattans Ice Skating Rinks
There’s nothing like gliding gracefully across the ice with the wind in your hair and the New York City skyline as your backdrop. Ice skating is fun, it’s good exercise, and it makes for a very romantic winter date night. Manhattan boasts several great ice skating rinks — from the old landmarks like Rockefeller Center to a brand-new rink in Bryant Park.
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Citi Pond at Bryant Park
It’s free to skate at Citi Pond in Bryant Park, a 170′ x 100′ state-of-the-art skating rink. The Skating Rink at Rockefeller Center may be more famous, but Citi Pond offers an even better skating experience. Ice skate rentals are $14 and skating lessons are also available. During prime skating season, the lines can get long, especially on weekends. However, you can make an advance reservation online and skip the line at the rink.
Nearby, you can stop to enjoy a hot toddy overlooking the rink at Celsius or do some holiday shopping at the Holiday Shops at Bryant Park outdoor holiday market.
Where: Bryant Park, between 40th and 42nd St. & 5th and 6th Ave.
When: October 27, 2011 through February 26, 2012. Open Sunday through Thursday from 8:00am until 10:00pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00am until midnight.
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Rockefeller Center Ice-Skating Rink
Ice skating at Rockefeller Center is an essential New York City winter experience. Since 1936, millions of New Yorkers have skated here in the shadow of the city’s most famous Christmas tree.
Admission prices vary by time of year, day of the week, and time of day. During peak times, it will cost you $21 per adult and $12.50 per child. You can pay more for the privilege of skipping the lines by purchasing a $75 premium pass (includes admission and skates) that will get you on the ice immediately through the rink’s newly designed Igloo. For the latest information on hours of operation and admission prices, call 212-332-7654.
Where: Rockefeller Center between 47th and 50th St. & 5th and 7th Ave., lower concourse.
When: November 4, 2011 through April 2012. Hours and admission prices.
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Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
The Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers offers ice skating in New York City year-round. The rink welcomes skaters of all ages and ability levels for general skating, figure skating, hockey training and league play, and more. Adult admission is $13.50 per person; admission for youths and seniors is $11 per person.
For more information, call 212-336-6100 or visit the Chelsea Piers Sky Rink web site
Where: Chelsea Piers, Pier 61, 23rd Street & the Hudson River
When: The rink is open year-round and open to the public for general skating as follows:
- Mondays and Fridays — 1:30-5:20PM
- Tuesdays and Thursdays — 1:30-4:50PM
- Wednesdays — 1:30-3:50PM
- Saturdays and Sundays — 1:00-3:50PM
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Wollman Rink in Central Park
There’s nothing more picturesque than skating in Central Park. The Trump Wollman Rink is located near the east side of the Park, just steps away from the Central Park Zoo and The Plaza Hotel. The rink offers ice hockey, a skating school, and party facilities. Admission for adults is $10.75 during the week (Monday through Thursday) and $16.00 on the weekends. Kids under 11 skate for $575 during the week and $600 on the weekend. Skate rentals are $6.75. For more information, call (212) 439-6900
Where: Central Park near entrance at Central Park South (59th St.) and 6th Ave.
When: Open October 24, 2011 through April 2012 during the following hours:
- Mondays and Tuesdays — 10:00AM-2:30PM
- Wednesdays and Thursdays — 10:00AM-10:00PM
- Fridays and Saturdays — 10:00AM-11:00PM
- Sundays — 10:00AM-9:00PM
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Lasker Rink in Central Park
The Lasker Pool & Rink in Central Park converts from a swimming pool in the summer to an ice-skating rink during the winter months.
Lasker hosts skating, adult and youth hockey, and lessons for all ages and abilities. Admission is $6.75 for adults, $3.75 for youths, and $2.25 for seniors. For more information, call 917-492-3856
Where: Central Park, mid-Park between 106th and 108th Streets
When: Open mid-October through early April during the following hours:
- Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays — 10:00AM-3:45PM
- Tuesdays — 10:00AM-3:30PM, 8:00-10:00PM
- Fridays — 10:00AM-5:15PM, 7:00-11:00PM
- Saturdays — 1:00-11:00PM
- Sundays — 12:30-4:30PM
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Standard Hotel Ice Rink
The Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District offers New Yorkers a beautiful ice skating rink in the Meatpacking District during the winter months. Admission is $12 per person and skate rental is $3. The outdoor Kaffeehaus serves hot drinks (spiked with a shot if you like) to keep you feeling toasty on the ice.
Where: Standard Hotel, 848 Washington Street at West 13th Street
When: The ice skating rink is open from November 21 through the winter from 9 am until midnight Monday through Thursday, from noon until 1 am on Friday, from 9 am until 1 am on Saturday, and from 9 am until midnight on Sunday.