A Guide to the Top Ice Skating Rinks in New York City
Looking for a fun way to spend winter days? An ice skating rink in NYC is the answer. From the iconic Rink at Rockefeller Center to the family-friendly Riverbank State Park, the city offers rinks for every skill level. Glide past the festive lights at Bryant Park’s Winter Village, enjoy waterfront views at Brookfield Place, or take in the skyline from Domino Park. Wollman Rink in Central Park and Roebling Rink near the Brooklyn Bridge add even more charm to your winter adventures.
Winter will be here before you know it. Spend winter days visiting some of these ice skating rinks around the city. Whether you’re a pro at skating or you’re stepping onto the ice for the first time, it’s sure to be an exciting experience for you and your family. Go and experience these ice skating rinks to welcome winter!
Too Long, Didn’t Read
- Most Visited rinks in NYC: The Rink at Rockefeller Center, Wollman Rink, Roebling Rink, Brookfield Place.
- Outdoor options: Bryant Park Winter Village, Domino Park, Riverbank State Park.
- Indoor options: World Ice Arena, Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers, LeFrak Center at Lakeside.
- For little kids: Riverbank State Park, World Ice Arena, LeFrak Center at Lakeside.
- Safety basics: Wear well-fitted skates, dress in warm layers, start at the edge, bend knees slightly, and take short breaks.
No matter what kind of winter experience you’re looking for, the city’s ice skating rinks have something for everyone. From iconic, picture-perfect spots to quieter, family-friendly locations, each rink brings its own charm and festive atmosphere. Below are some of the top ice skating rinks in NYC, where fun, laughter, and memorable moments await you and your family this winter.
The Rink at Rockefeller Center -Most Iconic Ice Skating Rink in New York City
5th Ave between 49th and 50th Streets
Open daily, 9 am to midnight
Admission: $22-$124
VIP tickets: $112-$204 (heated VIP lounge, complimentary skating rental, 20% off gift shop)
Skate Rental: $12
This is truly New York’s most iconic ice skating spot. With its stunning backdrop featuring the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, it’s the perfect photo opportunity for you and your family after your skating session.
Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park-Free Admission Ice Skating Rink in NYC
Bryant Park, 42nd St and Sixth Ave.
Open daily, 8 am to 10 pm, Select weekend & holidays: 8 am-midnight
Admission: Free, must reserve tickets online
Skate Rental: Start at $18.72
A perennial favorite, the Winter Village at Bryant Park is the ultimate spot for holiday fun. The ice skating rink here is the only one in New York City that offers free admission. While you’re here, be sure to check out the winter village shops and cozy igloos.
Riverbank State Park – Affordable Ice Skating Rink in New York City with Hudson River Views
679 Riverside Drive
Hours: Fridays 6-9 pm; Saturdays & Sundays 1-4 pm, 6-9 pm
Holidays 11 am-2 pm, 3-6 pm
Admission: $5 for adults (ages 12+) and $3 for children (under 12)
Skate Rental: $6
Riverbank is not just an ice skating rink; it’s also a 28-acre, multi-level, landscaped recreational facility, rising 69 feet above the Hudson River. This is an ideal spot to spend a winter day as a family, enjoying the skating rink, wandering around, and taking in views of the Hudson. Families often say Riverbank feels less crowded than any other ice skating rink in New York they’ve tried.
The Rink at Brookfield Place – Ice Skating Rink in NYC with Hudson and World Trade Center Views
230 Vesey St.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 4 to 8:45 pm
Weekends and Holidays, 9 am to 9:15 pm
Admission: $15 weekdays, $17 weekends and holidays
Skate Rental: $5 weekdays, $7 weekends and holidays
Brookfield Place is a modern ice skating rink in NYC that combines waterfront views with skating lessons. Skate where the pros train! Enjoy breathtaking views of the Hudson and the World Trade Center at one of the city’s largest rinks. The Rink at Brookfield Place offers public skate hours by reservation as well as skating lessons if you’re looking to sharpen your skills as well as your skates.
LeFrak Center at Lakeside – Family Ice Skating Rink with Sports
171 East Drive, Brooklyn
Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 1:30-5:45 pm, Fri., 1:30-5:45 pm & 6:30-8:50 pm,
Sat., 12-4:45 pm & 8-9:50 pm, Sun., 12-4:45 pm
Admission: $10, Monday special: $5 all day, Evenings (7-10 pm) and holidays: $15
Skate Rental: $10
A 36,000-square-foot ice palace, LeFrak Center, located at Lakeside in Prospect Park, offers ice skating, figure skating, curling, hockey, and broomball during the winter, making it a great spot for any family that loves to be on the ice.
World Ice Arena – Indoor Ice Skating Rink in NYC for Practice
131-04 Meridian Road
Hours: Mon- Thurs., 10:30 am to 5:15 pm
Fri., 9 am to 5:15 pm & 7 to 9:50 pm
Sat., noon- 4:45 pm & 8-9:50 pm
Sun.: noon- 4:45 pm
Admission: $8 weekdays; $12 weekends and holidays
Skate Rental:$7
This massive indoor skating rink at World Ice Arena offers great space to practice your skating. Kids will love spending time taking laps around the ice or spending time in the coned-off section, where they can practice their figure skating moves. This is a great way to get your family out for some fun adventures during the winter! The coned-off area makes this ice skating rink in New York City a perfect place for kids to practice safely.
Skate at Domino Park – Ice Skating Rink with Manhattan Skyline Views
Domino Square, Williamsburg
Hours: Weekdays: 2:30 pm – 9 pm
Weekends/Holidays: 10:30 am– 9 pm
Admission: $18, half-price on Wed. &Thurs. nights for Verizon customers and NYC residents
Skate Rental: $2
From the glass boards to the skyline backdrop, this new ice skating rink in NYC always stands out. The 7,000-square-foot ice skating rink at Domino Park offers a unique winter experience with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline. Open for public skating and private events, the rink features elegant glass dasher boards and top-quality refrigeration.
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers – Year-Round Ice Skating Rink in NYC
Pier 61 Chelsea Piers
Hours: Varies, check monthly calendar
Admission: $22.50 with an account, $25 without
Skate Rental: $12
In addition to year-round skating, Sky Rink offers wonderful views of the Hudson River. This facility features two rinks and operates seven days a week. It’s a particularly family-friendly rink for all ages with skating lessons, skating school, youth hockey, and birthday parties.
Wollman Rink NYC – Central Park Ice Skating Rink with Skyline Views
830 5th Ave.
Hours: Mon. & Tues., 10 am to 2:30 pm
Wed., Thurs., and Sun., 10 am – 9 pm
Fri., Sat., 10 am-10 pm
Admission: $16 off-peak, $28 peak, $40 holidays
$11 children ages 4-12, kids 3 and under free
Skate Rental: $12
In the heart of Central Park, Wollman Rink offers a respite from the bustle of the city, and gorgeous views of the skyline. It is also likely to be a bit less crowded than The Rink at Rockefeller Center, so it’s a great spot to avoid crowds.
Roebling Rink – Ice Skating Rink in NYC by the Brooklyn Bridge
Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Emily Warren Roebling Plaza
Hours: Mon-Thurs, noon – 9 pm; Fri- Sun., 10 am- 10 pm
Admission: $16 tickets
Skate Rental: $8
Skating here by the Brooklyn Bridge gives you a view unlike any other ice rink in New York City. The ice rink offers breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and is located next to the historic Brooklyn Bridge and provides a beautiful setting for ice skating with a backdrop of one of New York City’s most recognizable landmarks.
Psst… Check out The Best Polar Express and Holiday Train Rides in the NYC Area
Comparison of New York City’s Best Ice Skating Rinks
| Rink Name | Location | Hours | Admission | Skate Rental | Special Features |
| The Rink at Rockefeller Center | 5th Ave between 49th & 50th St | Daily 9 am–midnight | $22–$124 | $12 | Iconic NYC rink, Christmas tree backdrop, VIP lounge with perks |
| Winter Village at Bryant Park | Bryant Park, 42nd St & 6th Ave | Daily 8 am–10 pm; Select days till midnight | Free (online reservation required) | From $18.72 | Only free-admission rink in NYC, holiday shops, igloos |
| Riverbank State Park | 679 Riverside Drive | Fri 6–9 pm; Sat–Sun 1–4 pm & 6–9 pm; Holidays varied | $5 adults, $3 kids | $6 | 28-acre park, Hudson River views, less crowded |
| The Rink at Brookfield Place | 230 Vesey St | Weekdays 4–8:45 pm; Weekends/Holidays 9 am–9:15 pm | $15 weekdays; $17 weekends | $5–$7 | Waterfront rink, views of WTC & Hudson, skating lessons |
| LeFrak Center at Lakeside | 171 East Drive, Brooklyn | Varied; afternoons & evenings | $10; Monday $5; Evenings/Holidays $15 | $10 | Huge 36,000 sq ft rink, curling, hockey, figure skating |
| World Ice Arena | 131-04 Meridian Road | Varied; daily public sessions | $8 weekdays; $12 weekends | $7 | Large indoor rink, coned-off practice area for kids |
| Skate at Domino Park | Domino Square, Williamsburg | Weekdays 2:30–9 pm; Weekends 10:30 am–9 pm | $18 (half-price Wed & Thurs for Verizon customers & NYC residents) | $2 | Glass boards, Manhattan skyline views, modern setup |
| Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers | Pier 61 | Hours vary by monthly calendar | $22.50 (with account); $25 (without) | $12 | Two rinks, year-round, Hudson River views, youth hockey & lessons |
| Wollman Rink NYC | 830 5th Ave, Central Park | Mon–Tues 10 am–2:30 pm; Wed–Sun varied | $16 off-peak; $28 peak; $40 holidays; Kids $11 | $12 | Central Park views, less crowded than Rockefeller |
| Roebling Rink | Brooklyn Bridge Park | Mon–Thurs 12–9 pm; Fri–Sun 10 am–10 pm | $16 | $8 | Skating under Brooklyn Bridge, skyline views |
New to Ice Skating? Here’s How to Get Started Safely!
Ice skating can be one of the most fun ways to spend a winter day in New York City, but if it is your first time, it is normal to feel a little nervous. The good news is that getting started is easier than you might think. With the right preparation, a little practice, and some helpful tips, you can feel confident stepping onto the ice. Whether you are skating with kids, friends, or family, the goal is to have fun and stay safe while enjoying this winter activity.
Below are some simple tips to help first-time skaters feel comfortable and ready. These pointers will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable so you can focus on gliding, laughing, and making memories without worrying about slips or falls.
- Choose the Right Skates: Make sure your skates fit snugly but comfortably. Skates that are too loose can make balancing harder, and skates that are too tight can be painful.
- Wear Warm and Comfortable Clothes: Dress in layers that let you move freely. Gloves are important too because they keep your hands warm and protect them if you fall.
- Learn Basic Balance: Bend your knees slightly and lean forward just a little. Keep your arms out to help with balance. Take small steps and focus on staying steady.
- Take Short Breaks: Do not push yourself too hard at first. Skating for a few minutes and then taking a short rest helps you stay safe and enjoy your time on the ice longer.
- Have Fun: Remember that everyone starts as a beginner. Smile, laugh, and enjoy the feeling of gliding across the ice. The more relaxed you are, the more fun you will have.
FAQs
How much does it cost to go ice skating in New York City?
The cost of ice skating in New York City varies by rink. Most rinks charge between $8 and $22 for admission on weekdays, with higher rates on weekends and holidays. Skate rentals are additional, ranging from $2 at smaller rinks like Domino Park to $12 at iconic locations such as Rockefeller Center.
Is ice skating free in NYC?
Ice skating is free at select rinks. Bryant Park’s Bank of America Winter Village offers free admission for public skating, though tickets must be reserved online. Skate rentals are not included and require a separate fee.
How expensive is ice skating at Rockefeller Center?
The Rink at Rockefeller Center is among the more expensive ice skating rinks in the city. General admission ranges from $22 to $124, depending on the day and time. VIP tickets range from $112 to $204 and include access to a heated lounge, complimentary skate rental, and a gift shop discount.
Which ice skating rinks in NYC are most suitable for children?
Several ice skating rinks in New York City are designed with children in mind. Riverbank State Park offers a spacious and less crowded environment, while World Ice Arena provides a coned-off area for safe practice. Wollman Rink in Central Park and LeFrak Center at Lakeside also have family-friendly spaces and programs that accommodate younger skaters.
