Thrilling Places To Skate In NYC

Bryant Park, photo by asterix611 on Flickr

Although it’s near the infamous High Line, The Standard Ice Skating Rink is one of the least crowded pop-ups in the city. With an Alpine-themed food stand serving seasonal spiced apple cider and sweet and sour crepes nearby, it’s definitely a hidden gem. 848 Washington Street, standardhotels.com

The iconic Trump Rink (also known as Wollman Rink) provides a delightful view of the city. Perform axel jumps and spirals, or opt for one of the special services like skating school, hockey leagues, and figure skating classes during the winter season. Tip: Cash only. Central Park South and Sixth Avenue, wollmanskatingrink.com

Citi Pond at Bryant Park is the city’s first free-admission rink, charging only for skates and bag check. When you’re not skating underneath the holiday tree, shop at the surrounding pop-up stores or get a bite to eat at the Celsius Restaurant. 41 West 40th Street, citipondatbryantpark.com

If you’re looking for the classic New York holiday experience, bring the family to the famed Rink at Rockefeller Center this season. It’s one of the pricier rinks to be sure, but there’s nothing quite like whizzing underneath the Swarovski star-topped tree and fluttering flags from around the world. Fifth Avenue between 49th and 50th Streets, patinagroup.com

Riverbank State Park won’t break the bank even when you take the whole family; adults are $5 and children $3. The outdoor weekend-only venue is covered to protect skaters from snow or rain and also offers hockey and skating lessons. 679 Riverside Drive, nysparks.com/parks/93

As one of the larger arenas in NYC, Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers actually offers two full-sized indoor ice rinks for winter skating. We love that it has a helmet rental, especially considering the activities like hockey held there. Figure skating and lessons also available. 23rd Street and Hudson River Park, chelseapiers.com

The Bronx’s newest ice skating rink has finally opened this winter season! The indoor Van Cortlandt Park Ice Skating Rink keeps the cold winds away so you can skate around and watch the youth hockey teams in comfort. Classes available for those looking to up their game, too. 242nd Street and Broadway, Bronx, vcpicerink.com

Leave the hustle and bustle of Manhattan and head to World Ice Arena in Queens for daily lessons, hockey, or free time on the ice. And just because the rink is indoors doesn’t mean you can’t cozy up with a hot chocolate at the café. 13135 Avery Avenue, Queens, worldice.com

Young Actors at Strasberg

<p>Young Actors at Strasberg&nbsp;offers a comprehensive array of acting programs for students in grades 2 &ndash;&nbsp;12. Classes provide kids and teens with a foundation in Lee Strasberg's Method Acting and the tools to succeed in the professional industry &ndash;&nbsp;all while maintaining a fun and playful environment. Programs are tailored to encompass students at all levels, from those just beginning their acting journey to Broadway veterans and professional child actors. Young Actors at Strasberg alumni include Lady Gaga, Sophia Lillis, Angelina Jolie, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson and Rosario Dawson!</p> <p>Young Actors&nbsp;Programs are available online and in-person at our New York Campus, located in Union Square. Saturday, After-School and Online classes are offered during the traditional school year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and Monday through Friday day camps and intensives are held in&nbsp;July and August.</p> <p><strong>About The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute:</strong></p> <p>Founded in 1969 by Lee and Anna Strasberg, The Lee Strasberg Theatre &amp; Film Institute is the only school that teaches Lee Strasberg's work in its complete and authentic form. The Institute's goal is to provide students with a craft that will help them create a reality and respond truthfully in imaginary circumstances, regardless of the style or form of material being used. LSTFI is proud to have award-winning alumni from around the world working as writers, directors, and actors in all mediums.</p>

BAMkids

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">BAMkids presents adventurous art and ideas for young audiences, igniting the imaginations of creative kids ages 3&mdash;11 with a fun and engaging lineup of workshops, movie matinees, and live performances from around the world.</span></p>

Plugged in Band

<div>Plugged In is a nonprofit program that offers online programs to student&nbsp;musicians (Ages 10-18) in a non-competitive environment and provides band and individual performance opportunities in support of community and charitable causes.</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Our programs include:</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Rock Band Classes</div> <div>Private Music Lessons</div> <div>Summer Camp</div> <div>Digital/Audio Production</div> <div>Songwriting and Recording Workshops</div> <div>&nbsp;</div> <div>Oh and hey parents, we are now offering private music lessons and our rock band program for adults too. Reach out to us for more information.&nbsp;</div>