The best spots for ice skating NYC kids and families love
Looking for the best spots for ice skating NYC families swear by? No problem—we've rounded up 16!
Lace up for the best ice skating NYC has on its roster. Classic options (such as Rockefeller Center) are just as thrilling as newcomers like the rink at Industry City.
After gaining the necessary stamina with a cup of the best hot chocolate in NYC, it's time to hit the ice with your crew! All ages and skill levels are welcome to give the winter sport a whirl. (We recommend these ice skating lessons for kids to get your little ones comfortable.)
RECOMMENDED: Full guide to Christmas for kids in New York
After a few loops around, we think you should top off your winter adventure with a trip to our favorite holiday markets in NYC and holiday train shows. 'Tis the season, after all!
For those who can't get enough, make sure to sign up for bumper cars on ice! The theme park-inspired activity is available at Bryant Park and Aviator Sports!
Ice Skating in NYC
Industry City
Lace up those skates! You'll soon be able to hit the ice at a brand-new flashy rink inside Industry City. The massive creative complex in Sunset Park is unveiling its first-ever ice rink this Saturday, November 30. The gorgeous rink is located in the middle of one of their popular courtyards (5/6) that sits between factory buildings, and surrounding it will be over-the-top holiday decorations like huge figures of Santa, the Grinch and loads of twinkling lights. When you’re not on the ice, you and your group can hang in a ski-lodge-themed outdoor tent or sip cocktails at an outdoor bar designed to look like an actual gingerbread house. Ah! Tickets to hit the ice can be purchased onsite and prices are as follows: $10 for adults and $6 for kids 12 and under. Bring your own skates, or you can rent for $9. The rink is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4pm to 8pm, Fridays from 11am to 8pm, Saturdays from 10am to 8pm and Sundays from 10am to 5pm.
William Vale
The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg just debuted a rooftop skating rink with million-dollar views of the Manhattan skyline. The Vale Rink sits on the 23rd floor of the hotel, and could be considered one of the best spots for ice skating NYC kids and families love. Admission to the rink (including skate and locker rentals) costs $20 for adults, $12 for children 12 and under—another upside to the new spot. But take note: This isn't an ice rink. The Vale Rink is a Glice rink with an ice-like synthetic surface developed in Switzerland. Glice has an icy shine that looks wintery, but the plastic doesn't melt—there's no puddling in the midday sun. More importantly, there won't be any wet pants or sopping socks on your little skaters. The William Vale Hotel set up tent lounge next to the rink where parents can relax with a grown-up drink, and where kids can go for an aprés-skate hot chocolate. It is open from 2–10pm on Wednesdays and Thursdays; 2pm–midnight on Fridays; noon–midnight on Saturdays; and noon–10pm on Sundays. Note that children 6 and under must have accompaniment on the ice and those 13 and under must have a guardian present; the smallest skate size 11 girls/9 boys.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
A loop around the Rockefeller Center ice rink deserves a spot on everyone's winter bucket list. NYC's iconic Christmas epicenter (although crowded) is the perfect place to embrace the cold-weather season. Lace up, bundle up and enjoy a skating session as Fifth Ave bustles with activity and the Christmas tree glistens. Tickets can be reserved online and private lessons ($50 for 30 minutes) are available by calling 212-332-97655. Skate rental $18, admission $25–$35, $17 children 11 and under.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park
Winter Village is known for its variety of artisan vendors and indulgent treats, but a trip to the seasonal attraction wouldn't be complete without time on the ice (which is open daily until 11pm). The free-admission rink allows visitors to reserve times online and hosts winter's new favorite activity: ice bumper cars! Don't miss an opportunity to perfect your moves and take in one of the most happening holiday hangouts in NYC! Skate rentals, $26.
LeFrak Center at Lakeside, Prospect Park
Consider Brooklyn's communal backyard winterized! The ice rink at Prospect Park is officially open for the season, and it's one of the more wallet-friendly skating options for those traveling with a big brood. Check out the skating lessons, events, hockey schedule and more on the LeFrak Center website. $7.50 weekdays, $11 weekends, skate rentals $8.
Wollman Rink
Thinking about passing up an afternoon at Central Park? You'd be remiss to stay away when the cold weather hits—Wollman Rink is proof. Catch gorgeous Gotham views as you glide through one of the most popular skating spots in the entire city. For those who are serious about perfecting their moves: The rink's Youth Skating School features a Beginners Program (ages 3–4, $600), accelerated programs ($300), private lessons and more offerings for all ages and skill levels. $12 Mon–Thur, Fri–Sun, holidays $19, children $6, skate rentals $10.
The Rink at Brookfield Place
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. It 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. $15; skate rental $5.
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
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.
JFK Airport
You'll move a lot faster on this rink than you do through security. The new TWA Hotel at John F. Kennedy International Airport is opening an ice skating rink this month where guests can lace up and get twirling on the tarmac. The 56-by-44-foot Runway Rink will be open for business starting Nov 30, and you can make your visit to the rink, which is open seven days a week, a full day outing. While hanging rink-side, you'll find frosty beers, Sno-Caps candy and other snacks and beverages available for purchase. Proud New Yorkers will also want to know that the ice is made from 3,500 gallons of good ‘ol New York City tap water.
World Ice Arena
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.
Riverbank State Park Ice Skating Rink
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. $5, children $3, skate rental $6.
Staten Island Skating Pavilion
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. $13, $11 children; skate rentals $7.
City Ice Pavilion
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.
WWII Veterans War Memorial Ice Skating Rink
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? $10, skate rental $5.
Trump Lasker Rink
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. Mon-Sun various times. $9, children 11 and under $5, skate rental $8. Cash only.
Floyd Bennett Field, Aviator Sports and Events Center
At this spiffy center that's home to two NHL-sized ice rinks, skating is offered 365 days a year! 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). Don't miss out on ice bumper cars! $12, children 11 and under $10, skate rentals $6; free lockers available, but guests must bring their own lock.
Abe Stark Rink
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. 2019 dates are available online. $10, skate rental $5.