Ice skating is a favorite pastime of New York City residents and tourists alike. Because of its popularity, New York City offers several ice skating rinks that are open to the public.
Some of these rinks are open all year long, while others only operate during the winter months. Some are very well-known, while others can be considered "neighborhood" ice rinks. All of them, though, provide plenty of opportunities for indulging in this fun sport.
The Ice Skating Rink at Rockefeller Center, Rockefeller Center
This is by far the most popular and well-known ice skating rink in New York Center. Located inside the Rockefeller Center (you enter from the 5th Avenue entrance between 49th and 50th Street), this ice skating rink sees lots of action.
There's only room for 150 people at a time on the ice, but this makes it safer and more intimate. On especially busy days, you may have to wait a while before it's your turn on the ice, but just sit back and people-watch while you're waiting. You never know who you might see.
Abe Stark Rink Coney Island Boardwalk and West 19th Street
This is one of the ice skating rinks that are open all year round, although it is only open on the weekends and holidays. Skating times are from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. This ice rink is actually operated by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation. They do require that all skaters sign a Risk of Ice Skating/Hockey Activity form before skating, and this form must be signed by a parent if the skater is under 18. That's all right, though, they just want everyone to be safe.
Citi Pond at Bryant Park (Between 40th and 42nd Streets and 5th and 6th Avenues
This ice skating rink is open from October through February, and is the only free admission ice skating rink in Manhattan. It also holds the distinction of being the first ice skating rink in Manhattan.
Hours at Citi Pond at Bryant Park are from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM Monday-Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, the skating hours are from 8:00 AM until 12:00 AM. On Sunday, you can skate from 8:00 AM until 10:00 PM.
World Ice Arena, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Avery Avenue and 131 Street, Queens
If you live in the Queens Borough, you can enjoy ice skating at the World Ice Arena. This is one of the ice rinks that are open all year long, so what better way to cool off on a hot summer day?
In addition to public skating hours, there are summer ice skating camps as well as organized hockey teams and ice skating teams. Your children will enjoy meeting new friends and honing their hockey playing or ice skating skills at World Ice Arena.
