Outdoor ice skating in Manhattan – 3 top spots

Surprisingly, the heart of New York City – midtown Manhattan – holds a treasure trove of outdoor ice skating each winter. Three top spots offer the simple pleasure of skating in the fresh air amid stunning surroundings. Forgot your skates? Each venue includes rental of all you need to tap into your inner Sonja Heine. So take a turn around the rink, or a lesson to get you started…..

1. Rockefeller Center Ice Rink

Celebrating its 80th season under the watchful eye of the iconic Prometheus statue, the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink is the granddaddy of New York’s outdoor ice skating venues. Only 150 skaters are allowed on the ice at any time and general admission is on a first come, first served basis. You’ve been warned…

Here’s what you need to know

Hours: Daily, 8:30 AM – Midnight; Rink closes briefly throughout the day to refresh the ice surface. Check here for details.

Season Closes: April 16, 2017

General Admission: Adults $25; Children under 11 and Seniors $15

Skate Rental: $12

Lessons: Daily 9 AM – 6 PM for 30 Minutes – $50; private lessons include general admission.

Reservations: Breakfast Skate; Afternoon Tea & Skating; Après Skate; Dinner & Skating; Starlight Skate

Reservations/Information

Finally, the rental shop also sells remembrances – hats, gloves – but who could pass up the snow globe? Even if the holidays are long past, it still resonates.

2.Winter Village at Bryant Park

Within 10 blocks of Rockefeller Center, at 42nd Street and 6th Avenue, is another skating landmark: Winter Village at Bryant Park. It’s the centerpiece of sponsor Bank of America’s annual public winter extravaganza with lots doing and a cozy spot for hot chocolate and snacks. There is an array of dining options too – you won’t go hungry!

Here’s what you need to know

Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Season Closes: March 5, 2017

General Admission: FREE

Express Skate: $28 (VIP admission and skate rental for one)

Skate Rental: $20; helmets and skate aids available

Lessons: Call 917.438.5170 to schedule; walk-ins welcome

Special Offers: Call 917.438.5166 to book events, birthday parties, etc. for groups of 20+

Additional information

3. Wollman Rink, Central Park

Not every public skating rink has such a dramatic backdrop, but Wollman Rink, in New York’s Central Park does. It’s where actress Whoopi Goldberg learned to skate and, as a New York City tradition, millions of others too.

Here’s what you need to know

Hours: Mon-Tues 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM; Wed- Thurs 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Fri-Sat 10: 00 AM – 11:00 PM

Season Closes: March 2017, TBD

General Admission: Various – see Website

Skate Rental: $9

Lessons, VIP Admissions and other information Website (not mobile responsive; best viewed on computer)

See you on the ice!

Cheers,

Jane