Ultimate Guide to Ice Skating in NYC (2025): Best Ice Skating Rinks, Prices, & Tips
Thinking about ice skating in NYC this winter? It’s a classic experience for a reason—gliding across the ice with the city skyline all around you is something special. But for first-timers and even locals, it can be a little confusing. You probably have questions like, “Where should I go?” and “How much is this going to cost?”
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This ultimate guide to ice skating in NYC price and all will break down everything you need to know, from the most famous rinks to what you should wear and the rules of the ice.
What to Know Before You Go
A little planning can make your skate session much more fun. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions.
What should I wear ice skating in NYC?
Comfort and warmth are key. Even if you work up a sweat, the ice can be cold.
- Layers: Wear a few comfortable layers (like a long-sleeve shirt and a sweater) under your winter coat. You can always take one off.
- Warm Socks: Wear socks that are warm but not overly thick, as bulky socks can make rental skates uncomfortable.
- Gloves and a Hat: These are a must, both for warmth and for protecting your hands if you take a tumble.
- Flexible Pants: Jeans are fine, but leggings or athletic pants will give you more flexibility.
How much does it cost to go ice skating in New York City?
The cost is broken down into two parts: admission (the fee to get on the ice) and skate rental.
- Admission: This can range from free to over $50 per person, depending on the rink and the time you go (weekends and holidays are more expensive).
- Skate Rental: This usually costs between $10 and $20. If you have your own skates, you can save a lot of money, especially at rinks with free admission.
What trick is forbidden in ice skating?
Public skating sessions at NYC’s busy rinks are for leisurely gliding, not for professional-level tricks. For safety reasons, you can expect that things like high speeds, skating backward, jumps, and spins are generally not allowed.
Manhattan’s Famous Outdoor Rinks
The Rink at Rockefeller Center
This is the most famous rink in the world. Skating here means you are right in the heart of the holiday action, with the iconic Prometheus statue and the giant Christmas tree as your backdrop.
- Price: $$$
- Dates & Hours: Daily from 9am–12am (The Rink opens for the season on October 11)
- Location: Rockefeller Plaza, between 49th and 50th Streets, Manhattan
- Contact: https://www.rockefellercenter.com/attractions/the-rink-at-rockefeller-center | 212.771.7200 | therink@rockefellercenter.com
- Pro Tip: The Rink at Rockefeller Center tickets must be booked online for a specific time slot, and they sell out far in advance for the holiday season. Buy your tickets here.
Winter Village at Bryant Park
This is a local favorite because admission to the ice is free. Bryant Park ice skating is the centerpiece of a bustling holiday market. So, how much does it cost to ice skate at Bryant Park in NYC? The answer: it’s free if you bring your own skates.
- Price: FREE (admission) / $$ (skate rentals)
- Dates & Hoours: October 24, 2025 – March 1, 2026 (Daily: 8am-10pm)
- Location: Bryant Park, between 40th and 42nd Streets, Manhattan
- Contact: https://bryantpark.org/activities/bank-of-america-winter-village-at-bryant-park
- Pro Tip: This is the best spot for free ice skating NYC has to offer. Reserve your skate time and rentals online with Bryant Park ice skating tickets to avoid long waits.
Wollman Rink in Central Park
For many, this is the essential Central Park ice skating experience. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the park and the midtown skyline, Wollman Rink is large, scenic, and feels like a scene straight out of a movie.
- Price: $$-$$ (Child 3 and under is FREE)
- Dates & Hours: Open on October 26 – March (Monday–Tuesday: 10 a.m.–2:30 p.m., Wednesday–Thursday–Sunday: 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Friday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.)
- Location: Central Park (enter at 59th Street and 6th Avenue), Manhattan
- Contact: https://wollmanrinknyc.com | 718-550-2722 |
- Pro Tip: The rink is much larger than Rockefeller Center’s, so you have more space to skate. Go just before sunset to see the city lights start to turn on.
The Rink at Manhattan West
A newer and smaller alternative to the big rinks, this spot near Hudson Yards offers a more relaxed skating experience. It’s surrounded by shops and great restaurants.
- Price: $$
- Location: 385 9th Ave, Manhattan West Plaza, Manhattan
- Contact: https://manhattanwestnyc.comÂ
- Pro Tip: Because it’s less famous, the lines are often shorter here, making it a great last-minute option.
Riverbank State Park Ice Rink
Located in Harlem, this is a large, covered outdoor rink with great views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge. It’s a fantastic local spot away from the midtown crowds.
- Price: $
- Location: 679 Riverside Dr, Riverbank State Park, Manhattan
- Contact: https://parks.ny.gov/parks/93 | 212-694-3642Â
- Pro Tip: This is one of the most affordable rinks in the city, offering a great value for families.
Brooklyn’s Best Ice Rinks
LeFrak Center at Lakeside Prospect Park
This is a huge skating destination in Prospect Park. It features two rinks—one is covered and one is open-air—so you can skate in any weather. It’s a fantastic spot for families and serious skaters alike.
- Price: $$
- Hours: Thu–Fri: 4pm–8pm, Sat–Sun: 10am–8pm
- Location: 171 East Dr, Prospect Park, Brooklyn
- Contact: https://www.prospectpark.org/visit-the-park/places-to-go/lefrak-center-lakeside | (718) 965-8951 | info@prospectpark.org
- Pro Tip: After your skate, you can warm up inside with a hot chocolate from the Bluestone Cafe, which overlooks the rinks.
Industry City Ice Rink
For a fun Brooklyn option, the Industry City Ice Rink is an open-air rink surrounded by the complex’s cool shops, art installations, and food halls.
- Price: $-$$
- Location: 51 35th St, Courtyard 5/6, Industry City, Brooklyn
- Contact: https://industrycity.com/tenants/ic-ice-rink | (332) 268-0395 | ICERINK@INDUSTRYCITY.COM
- Pro Tip: Make a day of it. After skating, you can explore the shops at Industry City and grab a bite from one of the many food vendors.
The Vale Rink
Located on the rooftop of The William Vale hotel in Williamsburg, this rink offers incredible skyline views. It uses a synthetic material called “glice,” so it’s a unique experience.
- Price: $$$
- Location: 111 N 12th St, 23rd Floor, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
- Contact: https://www.thewilliamvale.com | +1.718.631.8400 | info@thewilliamvale.com
- Pro Tip: This is a very popular spot for photos. Go for the views and the atmosphere, but be aware that skating on synthetic ice feels different.
Abe Stark Rink
An old-school, indoor public rink located right by the famous Coney Island boardwalk. It offers a classic, no-frills skating experience for the local community.
- Price: $-$$
- Location: 1902 W 19th St, Coney Island, Brooklyn
- Contact: https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/iceskating/1 | (718) 946-6536
- Pro Tip: A great way to experience a different side of Brooklyn. You can take a winter stroll on the boardwalk after your skate.
Rinks in Queens & The Bronx
World Ice Arena
Located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, this is a massive indoor, year-round rink. It’s a top spot for serious skaters, lessons, and hockey leagues, but also has public skating hours.
- Price: $-$$
- Location: 131-04 Meridian Rd, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens
- Contact: https://www.worldice.com | (718) 760-9001
- Pro Tip: As an Olympic-sized rink, it offers much more space to skate than most other rinks in the city.
City Ice Pavilion
This is another huge, year-round indoor rink located on a rooftop in Long Island City. It is a fantastic facility for both learning and experienced skaters.
- Price: $$
- Location: 47-32 32nd Pl, Long Island City, Queens
- Contact: https://www.cityicepavilion.com | (718) 706-6667 | info@cityicepavilion.com
- Pro Tip: This is a great option for a rainy or very cold day when you still want to get on the ice.
More Great Spots to Skate
Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers
If you’re looking for indoor ice skating NYC has a great year-round option at Chelsea Piers. This large indoor rink offers public skating sessions with great views of the Hudson River.
- Price: $$$
- Location: Pier 61, Chelsea Piers, Manhattan
- Contact: https://www.chelseapiers.com/skyrink-chelsea | (212) 336-6100
- Pro Tip: Check their online schedule before you go, as public skating hours are scheduled around hockey games and lessons.
The Rink at Brookfield Place
This rink offers beautiful waterfront views of the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty. It is a bit smaller and often less crowded than the big three.
- Price: $$-$$$
- Location: 230 Vesey St, (outside Brookfield Place), Manhattan
- Contact: https://www.therinkatbrookfieldplace.net | info@gpice.com
- Pro Tip: It is a great spot to pair with a visit to the high-end shops and food court inside Brookfield Place.
Governors Island Winter Village
The seasonal rink on Governors Island offers a unique experience with amazing views of the Lower Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
- Price: $$
- Location: Governors Island (accessible by ferry)
- Contact: https://www.govisland.com/things-to-do/recreation/governors-island-winter-village
- Pro Tip: The ferry ride is part of the fun. Go on a clear day to make the most of the incredible views.
Staten Island Skating Pavilion
This is a classic indoor rink that has been serving the Staten Island community for years. It offers public skating, lessons, and hockey programs.
- Price: $$
- Location: 3080 Arthur Kill Rd, Staten Island
- Contact: https://www.thepavilion.org | (718) 948-4800
- Pro Tip: A great local option if you are in Staten Island and want a reliable indoor rink.
Looking for More Winter Date Ideas?
After you have had your fill of skating, you might be looking for a warm and comfortable place to continue the fun. From themed bars to creative workshops, the city has plenty of great indoor options.
Check out our full guide to 15+ Cozy Indoor Date Ideas In NYC For Winter.