Best ice skating in NYC for kids and families

Rockefeller Center is the epicenter of NYC Christmas festivities. Though the crowds will certainly be large, you'd be remiss to pass up an opportunity to loop around this iconic rink. You'll likely experience a lengthy wait, so if you have your heart set on doing laps beneath the tree, make sure to book in advanced. Be sure to explore the rink's birthday party options and private lessons! Oct—April. $15–32, skate rentals $12.50. Group rates available.

When the cold weather hits, Bryant Park transforms into a literal winter village complete with quaint vendors, holiday sweets, a gorgeous Christmas tree and, of course, a skating rink. After you've made your way to and from your favorite shops and sipped a few mugs of hot cocoa, take a spin on the ice in one of midtown's most beautiful spots as New York Public Library serves as a gorgeous backdrop. The 17,000 square-foot rink also offers broomball, lessons and other activities! Daily from 8am–10am beginning Oct 27. Free, skate rentals $20, helmet rental $6.

Prospect Park embarks on winter festivities early in the year. The 2018 skating season kicks off on Halloween weekend, Oct 27, and keeps the fun going well into the season. The $74 million project at LeFrak Center at Lakeside has resulted in two seasonal rinks for Brooklynites, one of which is covered. When little legs need some rest, grab a bite at the cafe. If you have a kiddo who can't stay off the ice, let them try curling, broomball or hockey. Oct 28–April 8, $7 weekdays $10 weekends, $7 skate rentals. 

Central Park is NYC's backyard, so naturally natives and visitors alike will love a chance to skate in Wollman Rink. Prepare for some of the best views Manhattan has to offer while you perfect your moves on the ice. Open for the 2018-2019 season daily at various times. Mon-Thu $12, children 11 and under $6; Fri–Sun and holidays $19, children 11 and under $6; skate rental $9. Cash only.

Located on the plaza in front of the erstwhile World Financial Center Winter Garden (it's now called Brookfield Place Winter Garden), this rink brings a much-needed cold-weather option to the seasonally popular outdoor spot overlooking the North Cove Marina. At 7,350 square feet, it's even bigger than the Rink at Rockefeller Plaza. The rink offers Learn to Skate classes with Olympic medal–winning husband-and-wife team, Melissa Gregory and Denis Petukhov. The ice-dancing pros will lead Intro to Basics lessons and Parent & Me classes throughout the season. Ice-hockey lessons are on offer too, in case your crew's in need of a little coaching. 2018 dates tbd. $15; skate rental $5.

At this spiffy center that's home to two NHL-sized ice rinks, skating is offered 365 days a year! No other sports center in NYC can claim that, and we're totally glad it exists. It's also friendly to groups, since group outing pricing and ice-skating birthday parties are available options (in addition to private lessons, of course). Mon–Sun at various times. $12, children 11 and under $10, skate rentals $8; free lockers available, but guests must bring their own lock.

The complex hosts two NHL-size skating rinks that welcome skaters all year long. Sign kids up for youth hockey leagues or figure skating lessons to see your little ones twirling and speeding down the ice like a pro. The indoor arena means it’s a perfect day for a skate no matter the weather. Open daily at various times. $11, skate rental $6, helmet rental $5. Group rates available.

This nearly 50-year-old venue began its life as the Ravenhall Baths, a saltwater swimming pool that was quite the Coney Island hot spot in its day. It was destroyed by a fire in 1963, after which the space was converted into a destination for skaters of all ages. Arrive at the rink promptly at 1pm when it opens; the ice fills fast and it closes at 3:30pm. 2018 dates tbd. $10, skate rental $5.

Although this rink offers hockey programs and private lessons, families can enjoy free-skate sessions every day of the week. World Ice also hosts birthday parties that include skate rental, pizza and several hours of ice time. Mon-Sun at various times. $7 weekdays, $10 weekends, skate rental $6.

Located about 85 blocks north of the midtown mayhem, the covered rink here—part of a 28-acre recreational facility—provides some of the least-crowded weekend skating in Manhattan. Riverbank Park overlooks the Hudson, so your crew will have nice views of the river and the George Washington Bridge too. Bonus: Families celebrating birthdays at the rink can reserve tables for after-skate cake and ice cream. Learn to Skate, Ice Dance, Figure Skating and Ice Hockey programs are also on the menu. 2018 DATES TBA. $5, children $3, skate rental $6.

The five boroughs’ only rooftop rink stretches an NHL-appropriate 85-by-200 feet under a weatherproof air dome (if it’s good enough for Canadians, it’s good enough for New York winters). The rink is devoted to skating lessons, hockey practice and private parties. Check the public skating calendar before making a visit. Open year round. $7 weekdays, $10 weekends, skate rental $6. Helmet rentals are no longer available. 

The borough's only year-round ice rink is a skater's dream, offering figure-skating and hockey programs for kids and adults of all levels. Public sessions for skating and hockey are available, but check the calendar before making a visit. Parties and private rink rentals are also available. Open daily at various times. $11; skate rentals $6.

The trip all the way to Staten Island is so worth the scenery: Clove Lakes Park boasts some of New York’s few remaining wetlands. How's that for skating with a view? 2018 dates tbd. Fri–Sun at various times; $10, skate rental $5.

If the massive crowds circling Wollman Rink on the southern edge of Central Park, head north for the park’s second rink. Not only will you find more elbow room here, but it’s also a great spot for budding hockey players to test their skating skills. Open Oct 27, weather permitting. Mon-Sun various times. $9, children 11 and under $5, skate rental $8. Cash only.