Where to Take Your Kids Ice Skating in New York City

Emily N said:  Staten Island only has one indoor skating rink and it's the Staten Island Skating Pavilion. Public sessions are exclusive to the weekends and holidays but there are plenty of hockey and skating classes available at other times if your child is interested in mastering the skill. Also, during public sessions, visitors are able to rent walkers to assist with first-timers on the ice-a great help for kids!

Lisa R said:  This outdoor rink is a little rough around the edges but still provides and affordable option for Staten Island families that want to get in some time on the ice. Skaters will truly feel as though they escaped the city, as the rink is completely surrounded by trees and the beautiful scenery of Clove Lake Park.

Visitors are encouraged to call and confirm open skate times before visiting.

November-March

Emily N said:  The fun at Coney Island doesn't have to end with the summer. The Abe Stark Skating Arena at Coney Island offers private skating as well as public sessions.

October-March

Lisa R said:  The Rink at Brookfield Place with Olympians Melissa Gregory and Denis Petkhov, offers an upscale skating experience with public skating hours, skate lessons, skate classes, hockey, professional performances, and more on the Hudson River waterfront. This is one of the smaller outdoor rinks in the city, but offers fantastic views and is convenient to restaurants and shopping.

November-March

Lisa R said:  The 32,000 square foot seasonal rink at the LeFrak Center offers plenty of room for skaters of all skill levels to enjoy the ice. The rink is divided into a covered and uncovered area, making a daytime trip here less dependent on weather than other alternatives. A café overlooking the rink serves light meals and drinks year round. Additional information about introductory skating lessons, figure skating, and hockey can be found on the center's website.

November-Early April

Emily N said:  One of the most well-known indoor ice skating rinks is probably the Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers. Offering year round skating for amateurs and experts alike, Chelsea Piers is a great choice for the whole family. In addition to general skating, Chelsea Piers offers skate school, where kids (or adults) can sign up for classes, birthday parties and event spaces!

Emily N said:  With two NHL sized rinks and sessions every day of the year, Aviator Sports and Events Center's ice rink is a great option any day of the week. Situated in a huge complex with various other amenities including rock climbing, sky jumping and an arcade, the fun doesn't have to stop at the rink. The hours of public skating are limited but they are extended during school breaks and holidays so it is best to call beforehand.

Lisa R said:  Created as part of Bank of America's Winter Village in Bryant Park, this 17,000 square foot rink offers a variety of FREE winter programming for visitors of all ages, including open skate times, professional instruction, skating shows, and more!

Late October-March

Lisa R said:  What's more iconic than skating at Rockefeller Center under the giant Christmas Tree? Located in the heart of Manhattan, families can plan a special day window shopping along 5th avenue and then feel like a star skating at the most recognizable rink in NY. Advance reservations to purchase tickets can be made online, so there's no need to wait in line in the cold.

November-April

Lisa R said:  Surrounded by the Manhattan skyline, Wollman Rink is one of NYC's most recognizable winter destinations. This 33,000-square-foot rink gives skaters plenty of room to glide around while enjoying breathtaking views. An indoor snack bar provides a place to rent skates, warm up, change clothes, and get a bite to eat. Other nearby, kid-friendly attractions in Central Park include the Heckscher Playground, carousel and zoo. If there is fresh snow, Central Park offers several great sledding hills! See the Wollman Rink website for more info about youth skating lessons and hockey.

November-April

Lisa R said:  You might know the Conservatory Water in Central Park as the place where Stuart Little (and hundreds of NYC kids) sail their model boats. However, when weather permits, the Conservatory Water also hosts free public ice skating. The ice is ungroomed, making it a more natural experience compared to other NYC venues. The trick is finding out when the pond is open for skating. You can look for announcements on the Central Park Conservancy's Facebook and Twitter feeds, or just stop by when the weather seems right.

Open when conditions permit

Emily N said:  City Ice Pavilion is a rooftop rink covered by a weatherproof dome and while the venue caters mostly to skate and hockey classes, there are public skating hours, even if limited. A Queens favorite, City Ice Pavilion is great for local residents who don't want to venture far.

Jennie Utsinger said:  Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park is a huge recreational facility that houses a variety of sports amenities, including a covered skating rink for roller skating in the summer and ice-skating in the fall and winter. There are public skate sessions, hockey, and open freestyle & dance sessions. On your way out, stop to admire the gorgeous views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge from the promenade. $1 carousel rides, too!

Ice Skating: November-March (weather permitting)
Roller Skating: May-October (weather permitting)

Emily N said:  Flushing Meadows Corona Park's World Ice Arena is a wonderful year-round, indoor ice-skating option. Offering public skating hours as well as skating school and hockey classes, World Ice Arena has something for everyone. World Ice Arena also has a skate shop for all your needs at the rink including skate sharpening!